A rare Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), a species classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, has been recorded through a camera trap in Shirui Village of Ukhrul district, Manipur.
The sighting has been described by conservationists as a major milestone for wildlife protection in the region and a positive sign that community-driven conservation efforts are helping restore the local ecosystem.
The wildlife monitoring exercise was conducted by Patrick Shangh, Co-founder of ENFOGAL, in collaboration with Pamreithing Luireiwo, a former hunter who has now become a conservationist. Luireiwo’s deep understanding of the forest landscape played a crucial role in identifying suitable locations for camera-trap monitoring. The field survey was also supported by P.A. Reikhokshing Shimray, an intern assisting the conservation team.
Conservationists believe this could be among the first official camera-trap records of the Asiatic Black Bear from the Shirui landscape, further strengthening the village’s growing reputation as a model for community-based wildlife conservation in Manipur.
The discovery comes after years of efforts by local communities and conservation groups to protect wildlife and reduce hunting activities in the region. Conservation workers said hunting pressure in and around Shirui has declined significantly over the past three years, creating a safer habitat for wildlife.
Environmental experts said the presence of a large forest mammal like the Asiatic Black Bear is an important indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Its return highlights improving forest conditions and the gradual recovery of biodiversity in the area.
The camera-trap evidence has brought renewed hope among conservationists, researchers and local community leaders, who believe that conservation initiatives are most successful when communities actively participate in protecting their natural heritage.
The sighting also highlights the ecological importance of Shirui’s forests and the need to continue strengthening habitat protection and community involvement in wildlife conservation programmes.
