Sikkim’s key wildlife protection areas fitted with security cameras

Aaranyak, a leading organization dedicated to research-driven biodiversity conservation, has extended its support to the Forest Department of Sikkim in the installation and operation of wildlife surveillance cameras. These cameras have been strategically placed in two key wildlife protection areas, namely the Khangchendzongkha National Park and the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary.

The initiative aims to enhance the detection and prevention of wildlife crimes, contributing significantly to the overarching goal of biodiversity conservation in the region. Ivy Farheen Hussain, Wildlife Crime Analyst and Project Officer at Aaranyak’s Legal and Advocacy Division (LAD), spearheaded the coordination efforts with the Sikkim Forest Department.

Commencing with a meeting in Gangtok, Hussain engaged with Pradip Kumar IFS, Secretary cum APCCF, Forest and Wildlife, Government of Sikkim, along with Sandeep Tambe, Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW), and the District Forest Officers (DFOs) of Khangchendzongkha NP and Pangolakha WLS. The discussions revolved around the functionality and customization of wireless 4G cameras, emphasizing their utility in real-time surveillance and prompt response to wildlife-related issues.