Groundbreaking Report on Mammal Conservation in Tripura’s Protected Areas Released by The Habitats Trust, Vivek PARC Foundation, and Tripura Forest Department

First-ever camera-trap images of the Ferret Badger recorded in Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary

Tripura: The Habitats Trust, in collaboration with the Vivek PARC Foundation and the Tripura Forest Department, has released a groundbreaking report titled “Status of Mammals in the Protected Areas of Tripura: A Rapid Assessment.” This report presents a detailed survey of the rich mammalian biodiversity within Tripura’s protected areas, emphasizing the critical need for science-based conservation initiatives to preserve the state’s ecological wealth.

A Comprehensive Survey of Tripura’s Mammalian Diversity

The study, conducted between January and April 2024, covered several key protected areas in Tripura:

• Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary & Clouded Leopard National Park
• Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary
• Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bison National Park
• Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary

Led by researchers Omkar Patil and Dr. Ashutosh Joshi from Vivek PARC Foundation, with technical support from The Habitats Trust’s Technology for Conservation team, the project used advanced techniques such as camera trapping and line transects. These methods provided invaluable data on both common and elusive mammal species within Tripura’s rich ecosystems.

Key Discoveries: First-ever Camera-trap Images of the Ferret Badger

One of the report’s major highlights was the first-ever camera-trap images of the Ferret Badger in Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary. This discovery underscores Tripura’s significance as part of the global Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Additionally, elusive species such as the leopard cat, fishing cat, and crab-eating mongoose were captured by the camera traps, providing essential insights into their behavior and distribution.

Another significant find was evidence of large carnivores, including suspected Clouded Leopard scat in Clouded Leopard National Park. This offers hope for the continued presence of apex predators in Tripura’s forests, crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

Relative Abundance Index (RAI) and Species Distribution

The study used the Relative Abundance Index (RAI) derived from camera traps to analyze species distribution across the protected areas. Notably, common palm civets and crab-eating mongooses showed the highest RAI values. This data reinforces the importance of Tripura’s protected areas in sustaining diverse mammalian communities and highlights the urgent need for ecosystem-wide conservation efforts.

Capacity Building for Future Conservation

In alignment with The Habitats Trust’s mission to empower grassroots conservation efforts, the project also included capacity-building programs. Vivek PARC Foundation conducted specialized training sessions for Tripura Forest Department staff, equipping them with essential skills in camera trapping and wildlife monitoring. This hands-on training covered both theoretical principles and practical field applications, ensuring that the Forest Department is prepared for future conservation work.

Collaborative Conservation Efforts for a Sustainable Future

Speaking on the significance of the report, Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust, stated, “Tripura’s forests are part of a global biodiversity hotspot, home to many rare and endangered species. These joint studies with the Tripura Forest Department are a critical first step to ensure biodiversity and ecosystems of Tripura are safeguarded.”

Vikram Sankaranarayanan, Executive Director of Vivek PARC Foundation, added, “This fruitful collaboration with the Tripura Forest Department and The Habitats Trust shall pave the way for multi-faceted and diverse interventions that will strategically support the conservation and management of wildlife in Tripura for years and decades to come.”

Looking Ahead: Protecting Tripura’s Ecological Wealth

The “Status of Mammals in the Protected Areas of Tripura” report serves as an important baseline for future conservation initiatives. It provides detailed insights into Tripura’s mammalian diversity and emphasizes the need for continued efforts to protect the state’s ecosystems. With a focus on collaborative, science-based conservation, The Habitats Trust, Vivek PARC Foundation, and the Tripura Forest Department are committed to preserving Tripura’s unique wildlife for future generations.

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