Nongman village (Kamjong district): In a landmark moment for wildlife conservation in Manipur, camera traps have captured the first-ever photographic evidence of the Indian bison, or gaur (Bos gaurus), in the state. The species, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, faces growing threats from habitat loss and hunting.
The historic record was made by local NGO ENFOGAL during a biodiversity survey in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, using camera-trap equipment supported by international conservation group ideaWild. The effort was made possible through close collaboration with the people of Nongman village, who played a key role in identifying survey sites and supporting fieldwork.
Following the discovery, Nongman village—already enforcing a ban on air guns—has renewed its commitment to protecting the bison and its habitat. ENFOGAL and village leaders have jointly called on neighbouring communities to adopt a united, landscape-level approach to conservation, highlighting the power of community-led action in safeguarding Manipur’s rich but fragile wildlife heritage.
