Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, June 20:
In a significant boost to wildlife conservation efforts in Manipur, a rare Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), a species listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, has been captured on a camera trap in Shirui Village of Ukhrul district.
The remarkable sighting is being hailed as a major conservation milestone and a strong indication that community-led efforts to protect wildlife and reduce hunting pressure are beginning to yield tangible results.
The wildlife monitoring exercise was carried out by Patrick Shangh, Co-founder of ENFOGAL, in collaboration with Pamreithing Luireiwo, a hunter-turned-conservationist whose knowledge of the forest landscape proved instrumental in identifying suitable monitoring sites. The survey was further supported by P.A. Reikhokshing Shimray, an intern assisting the field team.
Conservationists believe the footage represents one of the first official camera-trap records of the Asiatic Black Bear from the Shirui landscape, adding another significant chapter to the village’s growing reputation as a model for community-based conservation in the state.
The sighting comes after several years of sustained efforts by local communities and conservation advocates to promote wildlife protection and discourage indiscriminate hunting. According to conservation workers, hunting pressure in and around the area has significantly declined over the past three years, creating a safer environment for wildlife to recover and thrive.
Environmentalists say the presence of a top forest mammal such as the Asiatic Black Bear is a positive indicator of ecosystem health and forest integrity. Its return to the area suggests that local biodiversity is gradually rebounding under improved protection measures.
The discovery has generated excitement among conservationists, researchers and community leaders alike, who view it as evidence that grassroots conservation initiatives can deliver meaningful outcomes when local people become active stewards of their natural heritage.
The camera-trap record not only highlights the ecological significance of Shirui’s forests but also underscores the urgent need to continue protecting wildlife habitats and strengthening community participation in conservation programmes.
As wildlife slowly reclaims its space in the hills of Ukhrul, the image of the elusive Asiatic Black Bear stands as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience and the success of conservation efforts rooted in community commitment.