In a remarkable discovery for wildlife conservation in Manipur, the endangered Dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been documented for the first time through a camera trap in the forests of Shirui Village, Ukhrul District.
The record was made during a wildlife monitoring survey conducted by the Environmental Force at Grassroot Level (ENFOGAL) as part of its ongoing efforts to document the biodiversity of Shirui Village and promote community-led conservation. For the past eight years, ENFOGAL has also been conducting extensive wildlife conservation awareness programmes across Ukhrul District, engaging schools, youth, village authorities and local communities to foster a stronger culture of wildlife stewardship.
For generations, many people believed that dholes did not occur in the hills surrounding Shirui. The camera trap footage has now confirmed the presence of this elusive carnivore, adding another remarkable species to the village’s growing list of wildlife records and further highlighting Shirui as a safe haven for wildlife and one of Manipur’s most important biodiversity landscapes.
The survey was made possible with the support of the local community, particularly Pamreithing, a former hunter who has become a dedicated conservationist. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the forest and wildlife movement, he played an instrumental role in identifying the camera trap location that ultimately captured the dhole. His journey from hunter to conservationist reflects the vital role local communities can play in protecting wildlife.
The Dhole is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is one of Asia’s most threatened social carnivores. Its survival depends on healthy forests, abundant prey, and minimal human disturbance. The presence of the species in Shirui indicates that the village’s forests continue to provide suitable habitat for this elusive predator.
The discovery further reinforces the ecological significance of Shirui Village. Over the past few years, several noteworthy wildlife records have emerged from the area, suggesting that its forests still harbour species that remain scientifically undocumented. Conservationists believe there is still much to discover, and continued research may reveal many more rare and significant species from this remarkable landscape.
Beyond documenting the presence of an endangered carnivore, the camera trap evidence is expected to strengthen public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation. Such discoveries not only confirm the presence of rare species but also encourage communities to become more conscious of the rich biodiversity around them and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations.
The Ukhrul Forest Division has also been promoting wildlife conservation across the district through awareness programmes. Under the Community-Based Sustainable Forest Management (COSFOM) project supported by KfW, the Forest Area Closure (FAC) initiative in Shirui Village has further strengthened conservation efforts. As part of the initiative, a designated village forest patrol team regularly monitors the protected forest to prevent illegal activities, including hunting and trapping, helping to provide a safer environment for wildlife.
Speaking on the discovery, Patrick Shangh, Co-founder of ENFOGAL and a resident of Shirui Village, said: “As a resident of Shirui Village, this discovery is deeply meaningful to me. It reflects the richness of our forests and the commitment of our community to protecting them. The credit for this achievement goes to the Shirui Village Authority and the people of Shirui for their decision to ban hunting and support wildlife conservation. Because of their collective efforts, our forests continue to provide a safe haven for wildlife. I hope this discovery inspires everyone to continue protecting and conserving our natural heritage for generations to come.”
The discovery stands as another testament to the conservation value of Shirui Village, where community stewardship, traditional leadership, scientific documentation, and sustained conservation efforts are helping protect wildlife and uncover the hidden biodiversity of Manipur. As research continues, conservationists believe the forests of Shirui may yet reveal many more species waiting to be documented, further strengthening the village’s importance as one of Northeast India’s outstanding community-conserved landscapes.
