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 .