Northern tree shrew.

Northern Tree Shrew (Tupaia belangeri).

This had been caught, earlier during the very day of taking the picture, with a trap at Tuipang in June 2008.

John Parr's Mammals of Thailand says of the species - Head and body: 16-20 cm Tail: 15-20 cm Separated from all treeshrews apart from Common Treeshrew by comparatively large size and having a long, slender, bushy tail which is as long as the head and body. Usually has a pale stripe on each shoulder. Distinguished from Common Treeshrew by lighter brown pelage colour. The head and body are marginally smaller than that of the Common treeshrew, which is difficult to pick out in the field.

We thank Aparajita Dutta and Kashmira Kakati for guiding with identification.



For details - nimesh.ved@gmail.com

Trip to the Aizawl State Museum.

We made a trip to the Aizawl state museum on 18th July 2008 and it turned out to be a big learning experience. The museum besides other exhibits has a collection of wildlife species occurring in the state. Many of these we saw for the first time. Also there is a section on traps, while small traps (rope traps) were displayed the larger traps (logs and bamboos) were depicted in sketches. We believe this section of the museum brings out the rich wildlife values of the state and a visit is pertinent towards knowing of the species occurring in the state and also for people like us working on conservation education and awareness issues, to augment our awareness and sensitivities of the species. We share names of some of the exhibits.

Mammals –
1. Vahluk Giant flying squirrel.
2. Sahmaitha Ferret Badger.
3. Sahuai Slow loris.
4. Saphu Pangolin.
5. Keipui Tiger.

Birds –
1. Vakul Racket tailed drongo.
2. Vavu Hume’s pheasant.
3. Tahngai Short eared owl.
4. Vahui Green pigeon.
5. Vara Darter.

Traps -
1. Thangchep – for squirrels.
2. Sahdal Thang – for terrestrial birds.
3. Vaithang – for rats.

Casque of a Wreathed hornbill.

We thank the staff of the museum for their cooperation and Pu P Sangkhuma in particular for permissions to put in time in the museum and take photographs of select exhibits.
We thank Aparajita Datta for help with identification.

For details contact – Nimesh.ved@gmail.com .

Partnerships towards conservation.

In addition to our regular programmes with students and members of local institutions we have been actively partcipating in events organized by other non government and government bodies towards generating synergies for wildlife conservation in Saiha region.

These are -

A. Motivation campaign organized by the Mara Students Organization (MSO) at Tuipang during February 2008.

B. 26th General Conference of the Mara Thyultia Py (MTP) at Zawngling during March 2008.

C. General Conference cum Environment and Forest Awareness Campaign by the Forest Staff Association (FSA) at Saiha during April 2008.

D. Saiha group conference of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) at Tuipang during April 2008.

We take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all our partners.

For details contact nimesh.ved@gmail.com

First step with participants

We are pleased to share the outlines of the initial 4 modules that we have interacted on and enjoyed with our programme participants, in course of our Conservation Education and Awareness activities.

A. Introduction to Samrakshan and Conservation Education and Awareness.

• Powerpoint presentation. (Samrakshan's obectives, Samrakshan's approach to conservation education and awareness, Environment education activities undertaken by various organizations)
• Screening of film on Point Calimere.
• Showcasing books on Conservation Education and Awareness.

B. Introduction to wildlife values of Saiha region.

• Power point presentation. (Methods and findings of Samrakshan's survey in Saiha region.)
• Screening of film on Nagarahole.

C. Introduction to wildlife rich areas of Mizoram.

• Power point presentation. (Protected Areas and Important Bird Areas in Mizoram, State Animal and Bird of Mizoram)

D. Introduction to primates.

• Colouring primate sketches.
• Sharing primate booklet.

Our programme participants consist of -

• Approximately 500 students in select middle schools (classes5, 6, 7 & 8) at Saiha, Phura and Tuipang.
• Members of local institutions – MTP, Village Council members and Forest department personnel at Phura and Tuipang.

We take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to all our programme partipants.

For details contact nimesh.ved@gmail.com

Agreement with Don Bosco School Saiha

We have entered into an agreement with Don Bosco School Saiha for a period of one year beginning 1st April 2008.

Under this agreement Samrakshan Trust will work towards organizing Conservation Education and Awareness programmes at Don Bosco School Saiha on a structured basis.

The Objective of this agreement is to augment interest and awareness levels of select students and teachers of Don Bosco School Saiha on Environment and Conservation issues.

The agreement to this affect was signed by Fr. Nelson Joseph on behalf of Don Bosco School Saiha and Mr. Nimesh Ved on behalf of Samrakshan Trust.

Contact: nimesh.ved@gmail.com