By: Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, July 19:
In a breathtaking turn of events that feels almost like nature’s own whispered secret to humanity, a rare flying squirrel, believed to be from the elusive and endangered Biswamoyopterus genus, has been rediscovered in the lush forests of Shirui village, nestled within the rolling green highlands of Ukhrul district, Manipur.
What makes this discovery a global scientific headline is not just the species itself—marked by its distinctive elongated white-tufted ears and nocturnal grace—but how it was found. In a world grappling with biodiversity loss and climate chaos, this was not the result of a multinational expedition or billion-dollar project. Instead, it was the fruit of unwavering local commitment, meticulous tracking, and a profound sense of ecological guardianship rooted deeply in Tangkhul Naga values.
Nature’s Echo Through a Lens: The Discovery
The squirrel—long unseen in the region for over five decades—was spotted, tracked, and documented by an exceptional team led by ENFOGAL (Environmental Force at Grass Root Level), a rising NGO devoted to grassroots conservation. They were joined by passionate wildlife photographers Horzak Zimik and Chuimaran Shangh, with local field expertise from guide Pamreithing Luireiwo and conservation partner Chingrisoror Rumthao of the Wildlife Trust of India.
Their breakthrough moment occurred under the twilight canopy of Shirui hills, where forests still breathe with a rare rhythm of wilderness. “It was surreal,” said Horzak Zimik, voice still resonating with awe. “To witness such a rare species in our forest felt like a reward—for our patience, and our respect for nature.”
Shangh, his lens capturing what the scientific world has yearned for, added: “This is not just a personal achievement—it’s a reminder to humanity. We are not discovering nature; we are rediscovering ourselves in nature.”
Environmental Crisis and Awakening in Ukhrul: A Decade of Loss and Hope
This awe-inspiring rediscovery arrives at a crucial time for Ukhrul, a region whose climate and ecology have dramatically changed over the last decade due to multiple human-induced factors. As Yoyung Shaiza, President of ENFOGAL, candidly told this journalist, “There’s a visible environmental shift in Ukhrul. From rising temperatures to shrinking forest cover, drying streams, and unpredictable rainfall—our land is warning us.”
Key environmental issues afflicting Ukhrul over the past decade include:
Deforestation and Forest Fragmentation: Increasing illegal logging, jhum cultivation without reforestation, and infrastructure projects have fragmented wildlife corridors and degraded critical habitats.
Loss of Native Flora and Fauna: Several endemic plant and animal species once commonly found in Ukhrul’s deep forests are now rarely seen, including specific orchids, birds, and insects.
Erratic Weather Patterns: Once predictable, the seasonal rains now come either too late or all at once, affecting agriculture and leading to frequent landslides in hilly terrains.
Water Scarcity: Springs and streams that once quenched entire villages are drying up, forcing communities to walk miles for potable water—a situation never imagined a decade ago.
Soil Degradation: Unsustainable farming practices and land misuse have led to erosion and reduced fertility, posing long-term threats to food security.
Urban Pollution: Ukhrul town is slowly showing signs of urban strain—open dumping, plastic use, untreated sewage, and vehicle emissions are growing.
“Yet, despite these grim realities, this discovery is our light,” said Shaiza. “This flying squirrel is not just a rare mammal—it is a symbol. A message. It’s telling us to act now, protect what’s left, and nurture our planet like we once did.”
The Power of a People: Shirui’s Bold Ban on Hunting
Perhaps the most inspiring thread in this story is that of community-led conservation. In a move rarely seen in modern times, the entire Shirui village passed a resolution banning hunting—a traditional practice—in favor of protecting wildlife.
This bold decision laid the groundwork for the flying squirrel’s return.
“In Shirui, we have seen what happens when a village decides to become a forest’s ally,” said Patrick Shangh, Project Director of ENFOGAL. “Without this local leadership, no amount of external funding or research would have yielded this rediscovery.”
And it’s not a lone effort. Shirui’s success has already begun to influence neighboring villages. “We’ve started conversations with youth groups and headmen in adjacent areas,” Patrick added. “There’s a growing will to replicate this model.”
Behind the Lens: Warriors with Cameras
Wildlife photography isn’t just about clicking rare animals—it’s about witnessing, documenting, and reminding the world of what it stands to lose. Zimik and Shangh have walked silently through these forests for years, tracking pugmarks, sounds, and whispers of the canopy.
Their persistence led to the high-definition, indisputable visual documentation of the flying squirrel. “It’s an art, but also a responsibility,” said Chuimaran. “Our lens gives voice to the voiceless.”
Next Steps: From Discovery to Preservation
With formal endorsement from Shirui village authorities, the ENFOGAL team will now begin a systematic habitat study. The study aims to document:
- Population status
- Diet and feeding habits
- Breeding behavior
- Nocturnal movement patterns
- Habitat threats and ecological needs
This data will then be shared with national and international institutions for peer review, species confirmation, and possible conservation classification under IUCN endangered lists.
A Wake-Up Call to Policy Makers
While this rediscovery marks a celebration for the region, it is also a clarion call to the Manipur Government and central environmental bodies. Ukhrul, with its unique biodiversity and sensitive ecology, needs:
- Declaration of Biodiversity Hotspot Zones
- Sustainable eco-tourism frameworks
- Bans on deforestation and sand mining in critical habitats
- Incentives for community forest conservation
- Urgent reforestation and watershed rejuvenation programs
Without such structural support, local NGOs like ENFOGAL and passionate individuals may only be delaying an ecological collapse.
Shirui Lily’s Cousin in the Canopy?
Interestingly, Shirui is already globally known for its rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), a species found nowhere else on earth. The rediscovery of a flying squirrel of the Biswamoyopterus genus adds a second ecological jewel to the region’s crown.
Scientists now speculate that the area could hold even more undiscovered or endangered species, living quietly amidst the forest’s dense canopy—hidden, perhaps, by human negligence.
A Future Rooted in Nature: The ENFOGAL Dream
ENFOGAL, since its inception, has focused not just on wildlife but on building an environmental ethic among the youth. Through awareness drives, plantation campaigns, school programs, eco-trekking events, and clean-up missions, they are sowing seeds for a more nature-rooted future.
“Our dream,” says Shaiza, “is to see Ukhrul breathe clean air, drink fresh water, and coexist with its forests. We do not want development at the cost of extinction. We want progress in harmony with nature.”
Conclusion: A Glider Returns, A People Rise
The return of the flying squirrel to Ukhrul’s skies is not a coincidence. It is a consequence—of vision, action, and love for the land. It is also a warning, that nature will only survive if we allow it to.
As dusk settles over the emerald slopes of Shirui, the forests hum once again with life. A silent glide through the branches whispers to us all:
Protect. Preserve. And live in harmony.
(This Article is Publish under the joint initiative of Environment and Climate Change, GoM and Ukhrul District Working Journalist Association (UDWJA).