Manipur has launched two conservation projects targeting clouded leopards and vultures and is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect wildlife trafficking as part of efforts to protect the state’s biodiversity.
The initiatives were announced during the 72nd Wildlife Week celebrations at the City Convention Centre in Imphal on Wednesday, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla called for stronger measures to protect forests, wetlands and wildlife habitats.
Organised by the Forest Department under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”, the programme highlighted the need to conserve endangered species, strengthen enforcement against illegal wildlife trade and involve local communities in protecting biodiversity.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai said the Manipur Clouded Leopard Conservation Project and the Vulture Conservation Project had been launched under the theme “Two Projects, One Mission”.
Clouded leopards inhabit the hill areas of Manipur, while the vulture project seeks to conserve a species whose population has declined sharply in the state.
“We hardly see vultures in the wild in Manipur, although they were once found here. At present, only four or five vultures are being conserved at the Manipur Zoological Garden,” Bajpai said, highlighting the bird’s role in maintaining ecological balance.
AI tools to help identify trafficked wildlife
The Forest Department is exploring AI-based technology to help enforcement agencies identify trafficked wildlife and animal parts. Bajpai said discussions were underway with institutions and organisations to develop software that could be accessed through mobile phones to scan and identify suspected wildlife products.
Manipur’s international border with Myanmar and road networks, including routes leading to Moreh, pose challenges to efforts to prevent wildlife trafficking, he said.
To improve enforcement, a recent workshop brought together police personnel, paramilitary forces, the Assam Rifles, intelligence agencies, customs officials, the Airports Authority of India and airport cargo service providers to strengthen coordination against wildlife smuggling.
Bajpai also stressed the need to document the state’s biodiversity, particularly resident bird species, to monitor population trends and identify species requiring urgent conservation measures.
A book titled Birds of Langol Reserve Forest: A Reckoner was released during the programme.
Governor calls for habitat protection
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla said Manipur’s forests, wetlands and hills supported diverse wildlife, including rare and endangered species whose survival depended on habitat protection and collective conservation efforts.
Referring to the Sangai, the state animal, he said its survival in the unique wetland ecosystem of Keibul Lamjao National Park demonstrated the close link between species conservation and habitat preservation.
He also stressed the need to protect clouded leopards, Himalayan black bears, pangolins and migratory birds, particularly the Amur falcon. Stronger action against illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking and smuggling was essential, he said, calling for better coordination among enforcement agencies, especially along the international border.
Bajpai said local communities, students, young people and civil society organisations had a crucial role in forest protection, preventing illegal activities and reducing human-wildlife conflict. He described their growing participation in conservation initiatives as encouraging.
307 hectares identified for illegal poppy cultivation
On the issue of illegal poppy cultivation, Bajpai said the department had identified 307 hectares of land under poppy cultivation and planned to destroy the crops within the next one or two weeks.
“Any destruction of forest areas inevitably threatens wildlife and its natural habitat. We are committed to checking and destroying illegal poppy cultivation to protect our forests,” he said.
He added that villagers involved in cultivation would be counselled and rehabilitated, while action would be taken against anti-social elements allegedly involved in the activity.
Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Losii Dikho reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting critical habitats, preventing poaching, curbing illegal wildlife trade and restoring degraded ecosystems. He also emphasised the need to integrate wildlife conservation with climate resilience and sustainable forest management.
The programme featured the release of a wildlife conservation video album and the 72nd Wildlife Week Celebration Report 2026. Another book, Mahoushagi Maithong, was also released.
The Manipur Zoological Garden was congratulated on completing 50 years, with Dikho highlighting its contributions to animal welfare, scientific management and conservation education.
The event concluded with awards for winners and participants in quiz, painting, essay-writing and photography competitions organised to promote awareness about wildlife conservation.