Bamsiakilwa (Hebamlo) village in Peren district has declared the Daukeling–Hebamlo Community Conserved Area (CCA), establishing a protected community zone dedicated to the conservation of the Asiatic Golden Cat.
The initiative is being described as the world’s first community protected area focused specifically on the conservation of the Asiatic Golden Cat, one of Asia’s least-studied and threatened wild cat species.
The declaration was made during a program attended by conservationists, village leaders, forest officials and community members, reflecting a collective effort toward protecting forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
Wildlife Warden, Dimapur Division, Dr C Zupeni Tsanglai (IFS), attended as the special guest and inaugurated the programme. She unveiled a monolith and statue of the Asiatic Golden Cat installed to mark the conservation initiative.
Speaking at the program, Dr Tsanglai highlighted the importance of conserving small wild cat species and protecting forest ecosystems, stating that healthy forests are essential for clean air, water security and ecological balance, particularly in the face of climate change.
Village leaders, including Chairman of Bamsiakilwa village Pauka, along with representatives from neighbouring villages, called for strict protection of the conserved area. They urged residents to refrain from hunting and to safeguard wildlife within the designated zone.
Community members collectively resolved to enforce conservation measures, including restrictions on hunting and disturbance to wildlife, reinforcing traditional stewardship of forests.
Community members collectively resolved to enforce conservation measures, including restrictions on hunting and disturbance to wildlife, reinforcing traditional stewardship of forests.
The initiative has been developed through collaboration between the Bamsiakilwa community, the Eastern Himalayas Marbled Cat Project (EHMCP) and the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF), aiming to strengthen long-term habitat protection and community-based conservation.
The Asiatic Golden Cat, distributed across South and Southeast Asia, faces threats from habitat loss, hunting and human disturbance. Conservationists say community-led initiatives such as this could serve as a model for biodiversity protection that combines local stewardship with scientific conservation efforts.