In a significant milestone for community-led conservation, the people of Bamsiakilwa village in Peren district, Nagaland, have officially declared the Daukeling – Hebamlo Community Conserved Area (CCA) for the protection of the elusive Asiatic Golden cat. The initiative is being recognized as the world’s first community conserved area dedicated specifically to the conservation of this rare and threatened wild cat species.
The declaration ceremony witnessed the participation of conservationists, village elders, forest officials, and local community members, reflecting a shared commitment towards protecting the forests and wildlife of the region. The event was inaugurated by Dr C Zupeni Tsanglai (IFS), Wildlife Warden, Dimapur Division, who attended as the Special guest.
During the program, she unveiled the monolith and statue of the Asiatic Golden cat erected in recognition of the historic conservation initiative. Also present at the event were Pauka, Chairman of Bamsiakilwa Village, Chunggai Pame, Chairman of New Ngaulong Village, Kereusung, chairman Old Ngaulong village and Dr Giridhar Malla, Founder of the Eastern Himalayas Marbled Cat Project (EHMCP), along with project members Atheng, Pelevizo Meyase and Mesasieno Chase.
The initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of the Bamsiakilwa (Hebamlo) community, the Eastern Himalayas Marbled Cat Project (EHMCP), and the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF). The collaboration aims to strengthen long-term habitat protection, promote community stewardship, and secure a safe future for the Asiatic Golden cat and other wildlife inhabiting the forest landscape.
Speaking during the event, Dr C Zupeni Tsanglai emphasized the urgent need to conserve small wild cats and protect the forests that sustain both biodiversity and human communities.
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She highlighted that healthy forests are essential for maintaining clean air, freshwater sources, and ecological balance, particularly in the face of increasing climate change impacts.
She further noted that conserving forests today would directly benefit future generations by safeguarding water security, regulating local climate, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for communities living around these landscapes.
Pauka urged to the villagers to stop hunting and conserve the Asiatic Golden cat and other wildlife within the conserved area. Village leaders and community representatives also stressed the importance of preserving forests for future generations and acknowledged the ecological significance of the Daukeling – Hebamlo forest landscape.
Community members collectively resolved to enforce strict conservation measures, including a ban on hunting and disturbance to wildlife within the conserved area.
The Asiatic Golden cat, one of Asia’s least-studied wild cat species, continues to face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbance across its range. Conservationists believe that initiatives such as the Daukeling – Hebamlo CCA can serve as an important model for grassroots conservation by combining traditional community governance with modern conservation efforts. The declaration of the Daukeling – Hebamlo CCA reflects the growing role of indigenous and local communities in wildlife conservation across Nagaland and Northeast India. The initiative stands as a strong example of how community participation and local leadership can contribute meaningfully towards the protection of biodiversity and climate resilience.
