Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, July 24:
In a landmark moment for wildlife conservation in Manipur, the endangered Dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been recorded for the first time through a camera trap in the forests of Shirui Village. More than a scientific discovery, the finding is a powerful reminder that when communities choose to protect their forests, nature responds with extraordinary resilience.
The breakthrough emerged from a wildlife monitoring survey conducted by the Environmental Force at Grassroot Level (ENFOGAL), an organisation that has spent the last eight years building a culture of conservation across Ukhrul District. Through sustained outreach in schools, youth groups, village authorities, and local communities, ENFOGAL has worked to transform conservation from a distant idea into a shared public responsibility.
For generations, many believed that dholes no longer inhabited the hills surrounding Shirui. The camera-trap footage has now overturned that assumption, confirming the presence of one of Asia’s most elusive and threatened social carnivores. The record adds a remarkable species to Shirui’s growing list of wildlife treasures and further establishes the village as one of Manipur’s most significant biodiversity landscapes.
This achievement was made possible through an inspiring partnership between science and local knowledge. A key role was played by Pamreithing, a former hunter who has become a dedicated conservationist. Drawing upon years of intimate familiarity with forest trails and wildlife movement, he helped identify the camera-trap location that ultimately captured the dhole. His journey from hunter to protector is a profound example of how local communities can become the strongest guardians of nature.
The significance of the discovery extends far beyond a single photograph. The dhole is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and survives only where forests remain healthy, prey populations persist, and human disturbance is limited. Its presence in Shirui is therefore an ecological indicator: the village’s forests continue to function as a living, connected habitat capable of supporting top predators.
Equally important is what this finding says about community stewardship. In recent years, Shirui has produced several noteworthy wildlife records, suggesting that its forests still harbour species that remain poorly documented by science. Conservationists believe that much remains to be discovered, and that continued research may reveal additional rare and significant species from this remarkable landscape.
The discovery also carries a powerful message for the wider public. Conservation is often discussed in terms of laws, protected areas, and government programmes, but Shirui demonstrates that local decisions matter. The community’s commitment to restrict hunting and support forest protection has created conditions in which wildlife can persist and recover. Every camera-trap image becomes evidence that collective action can yield real and measurable results.
The Ukhrul Forest Division has further strengthened these efforts through awareness programmes across the district. Under the Community-Based Sustainable Forest Management (COSFOM) project supported by KfW, the Forest Area Closure (FAC) initiative in Shirui has established a dedicated village forest patrol team that regularly monitors protected forests and works to prevent illegal hunting, trapping, and other destructive activities. These efforts are helping to create a safer environment not only for dholes, but for the entire web of life that depends on these forests.
“As a resident of Shirui Village, this discovery is deeply meaningful to me. It reflects the richness of our forests and the commitment of our community to protecting them,said Patrick Shangh, Co-founder of ENFOGAL.
“The credit for this achievement goes to the Shirui Village Authority and the people of Shirui for their decision to ban hunting and support wildlife conservation. Because of their collective efforts, our forests continue to provide a safe haven for wildlife. I hope this discovery inspires everyone to continue protecting and conserving our natural heritage for generations to come.”
His words capture the deeper meaning of this moment. The camera-trap record is not merely a scientific milestone; it is a story of hope, transformation, and shared responsibility. It is the story of a village that chose stewardship over exploitation, of former hunters becoming conservation champions, and of a community proving that biodiversity protection and local leadership can advance together.
As research continues in the forests of Shirui, conservationists believe that many more discoveries may await. Each new record will strengthen the case for protecting this extraordinary landscape and will add another chapter to Manipur’s natural history. The appearance of the endangered dhole is therefore not an ending, but a beginning—a signal that the hidden biodiversity of Shirui is still speaking to those willing to listen.
In the silent forests above Ukhrul, an elusive predator has stepped into view, and with it has emerged a powerful truth: when communities protect their forests, they protect the future itself.
