Experts underline habitat conservation, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and protection of alpine grasslands
Shimla, October 7
On the seventh day of Wildlife Week-2026, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department’s Wildlife Wing organised a seminar-cum-webinar at the Forest Headquarters in Shimla, bringing together forest officials, scientists, researchers and wildlife experts to discuss conservation, scientific research, community participation and human-wildlife conflict management.
The seminar was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Dr Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Alok Prem Nagar, Chief Conservator of Forests and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) K. Thirumal, Director, HPFDC (South), Krishan Kumar, and Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Shimla, Preeti Bhandari. Senior officials from the Forest Headquarters, along with Conservators of Forests and Divisional Forest Officers from various circles, also participated virtually.
The discussions focused on strengthening conservation efforts in Himachal Pradesh through scientific research, protection of wildlife habitats, greater community participation and evidence-based management of human-wildlife conflict.
Akshata, in her presentation on “Research and Conservation”, highlighted the role of scientific research in understanding wildlife and developing effective conservation strategies. Malaysari spoke on “Vulture Conservation and Role of Community”, underlining the importance of local communities in protecting vulture populations and their habitats.
Dr Lalit Kumar Sharma, Scientist-E, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, delivered a presentation on “Securing Wildlife Habitats, Safeguarding Livelihoods: Evidence-Based Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation in Himachal Pradesh”. He stressed the need to balance wildlife habitat protection with the livelihood concerns of communities living close to forest areas.
Dr Ranjana Negi, Scientist-E, ICFRE-HFRI, spoke on “Conservation of Alpine & High-Altitude Grasslands: Safeguarding Water Security, Wildlife Habitat & Rural Livelihood”. She highlighted the ecological significance of high-altitude grasslands and their links with water security, wildlife habitats and rural livelihoods.
Dr Vineet Jishtu, former scientist, spoke on “Plant Diversity of Himachal Pradesh”, drawing attention to the state’s rich plant diversity and the need for its long-term conservation.
The programme concluded with a summary and vote of thanks by Dinesh, Indian Forest Service, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Headquarters), Dharamshala.
The seminar underscored the need for coordinated efforts involving forest officials, scientists, researchers and local communities to conserve Himachal Pradesh’s rich wildlife, plant diversity and fragile ecosystems while safeguarding livelihoods and environmental security.
