Slow loris, South Garo Hills. ©M D Madhusudan.

Meghalaya, a state situated within the biodiversity hotspot of north east India harbours significant biodiversity values, particularly large mammals. However, much of the charismatic biodiversity of the state is under threat from rapid land use changes and intense hunting pressure. Since 2004, Samrakshan Trust has been working in community-owned forest lands within the Balpakram Baghmara Community Conservation Landscape (BBCCL), a high priority region within Meghalaya, to help maintain habitat integrity with the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) as a flagship species. We are now keen to broaden the scope of our initiative to address the other major threat to wildlife in this region - hunting.

Accordingly, the objectives of the proposed project are:

(i) To study the following features of hunting in the BBCCL - degree of dependence of local people on hunting as a source of livelihood, preferred species of animals hunted, hunting methods, and various uses of animal parts;

(ii) To develop a strategy, in consultation and with the participation of local stakeholders, to curb such hunting.