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Key Points

Aaranyak organized a crucial orientation for students at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary focused on conservation and coexistence. The program combined outdoor exploration with indoor interactive sessions to deepen understanding of local ecosystems. Students learned about the iconic Greater one-horned rhino and threats from climate change and infrastructure development. The initiative brought together 60 students, teachers, villagers, and forest officials to foster environmental stewardship.

Key Points: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Student Orientation on Rhino Conservation

  • Students learned about impacts of rising temperatures and floods on the Pobitora ecosystem
  • Outdoor session introduced seasonal flora and fauna including Greater one-horned rhino
  • Interactive indoor activities included drawing and quiz competitions based on observations
  • Programme highlighted threats from unplanned construction to rhino habitat sustainability
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Orientation for students on conservation, coexistence at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Aaranyak and partners educate 60 Assam students on Greater one-horned rhino conservation, climate impacts, and coexistence challenges at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

"The discussions also highlighted how unplanned road construction, bridge building, and landscape alterations threaten rhino habitats - Article"

Morigaon, August 20

Premier biodiversity conservation organisation, Aaranyak, in collaboration with its partner organisations, has been conducting a series of awareness programmes over the last few years around Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district under the theme "Conservation and Coexistence."

As part of this initiative, Aaranyak, in collaboration with the wildlife sanctuary authority, local NGO SHIPA and with support from IUCN CAG, organised another programme on August 18 at various locations within Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

The event featured two key components, outdoor exposure and indoor interactions, aimed at helping students explore local natural resources and reflect on their roles and responsibilities in conservation.

During the outdoor session, students were introduced to the seasonal flora and fauna of Pobitora, including the iconic Greater one-horned rhino. They learned about the impacts of rising temperatures, floods, and erratic rainfall on the ecosystem and local livelihoods.

The discussions also highlighted how unplanned road construction, bridge building, and landscape alterations threaten rhino habitats and pose challenges to the long-term sustainability of the sanctuary.

The indoor session featured interactive activities, including drawing and quiz competitions, designed around the students' observations from the outdoor exposure.

60 students from Mayang High School, Minerva Academy, Lokapriya GNB High School, and Shankardev Shishu Niketan took part, accompanied by six teachers, along with ten local villagers and tourist guides.

Resource persons included Aaranyak's Deputy Director of Rhino Research and Conservation Division, Dr Deba Kumar Dutta, officials from NGO SHIPA, Binod Deka and Nripen Nath, Forest officials Naurattam Deka and Mitul Das and local tourist guide Umesh Deka. Aaranyak official Ujjal Bayan coordinated the event, while Aaranyak's K9 unit handler Rupak Bora and volunteers Ayush Debnath and Jomi Ronchar assisted to make the event successful.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Great to see local communities involved too. Conservation can't happen in isolation - it needs participation from villagers, guides, and everyone who shares the landscape with wildlife. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
D
David E
The combination of outdoor exposure and indoor interactions is brilliant pedagogy. Students learn better when they experience things directly rather than just reading about them in textbooks.
A
Ananya R
While this is excellent, I hope they're also addressing the real challenges - human-wildlife conflict is a serious issue in these areas. Conservation programs must include practical solutions for local communities who face crop damage and safety concerns.
V
Vikram M
Pobitora has the highest density of rhinos in the world! 🦏 It's our national treasure. More such awareness programs needed across all wildlife sanctuaries. Education is key to protecting our natural heritage.
S
Sarah B
The inclusion of climate change impacts is crucial. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are affecting ecosystems everywhere. Teaching the next generation about these challenges is so important for our planet's future.

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