Safeguarding Mouling National Park and Community Forests of Siang and Dibang Valley

A quartet of wreathed hornbills were observed within the Mekola CCA, supported by Global Conservation.

Introduction

Mouling National Park was established in 1982 with the objective of creating a favorable habitat for plants and animals. It is located on the right bank of the river Siang and is a reserved house for diverse flora and fauna. The vegetation of the area varies according to the altitude. The upper reaches are home to temperate alpine and coniferous forests, while tropical evergreen forests cover the lower area. Ornamental plants like foxtails and orchids are abundant in this area. The park also has a diverse range of animal and bird species. Many endangered species like takins, snow leopards, golden langurs, hornbills, monal scalaters, and serows are spotted here. Experts believe that numerous species still remain unidentified and unrecorded. One can venture into this park during the winter season by taking seasonal trekking paths from Bomdo and Ramsing villages. Inside the sanctuary, there are many attractive waterfalls. Dabung Waterfall and Nirbung Waterfall are two of them. This park is thoroughly a dreamland for trekkers and animal & bird lovers.

Key Highlights

• Over 40 forest staff and community youth from Mouling and D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuaries were trained in SMART patrolling, camera trapping, and threat monitoring.

• Documented a breeding tigress with a cub in Mekola CCA, a community-conserved area established with a $20,000 seed grant from Global Conservation.

• Deployed camera traps in forest grids across Mouling NP, D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mekola CCA, detecting 18 mammal species, including tiger and red panda.

• Conducted foot patrols across 356.2 km of rugged mountain forest terrain.

• Distributed patrolling and field gear to 34 frontline staff of Mouling National Park.

• Documented over 220 bird species from Mouling National Park and 106 from Mekola CCA.

• Initiated drone-based surveys of inaccessible areas within D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.

Where We Work

The Siang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh spans 18,518 sq km and harbors one of the most intact biocultural landscapes in the Eastern Himalayas. Despite 84% forest cover, only 7% of the forests fall under formal Protected Areas like Mouling National Park. ATREE's project focuses on the remote Mouling NP, community forests in Yingku and Yosing villages, and Dibang Valley.

Global Park Defense in Action

ATREE's partnership with Global Conservation follows the core principles of Global Park Defense (GPD): 'No Cut, No Kill' protection through community involvement and technology. In year three (January 2025-February 2026), we patrolled 64.2 km inside Mouling NP, conducted awareness campaigns with local communities and indigenous youth, trained frontline forest department staff in protection and management techniques, and distributed the first set of field gear to 34 staff members, including six women.

Science and Monitoring

Drone-based survey of the inaccessible parts of the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nine camera trap grids inside Mouling NP, 24 inside D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, and six within Mekola CCA have been deployed, resulting in the detection of 18 mammal species including tiger and red panda - both highly threatened. We also documented over 220 bird species from Mouling National Park and 106 from Mekola CCA, and initiated drone-based surveys in several parts of D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.

Distribution of Patrolling and Protection Gear

Frontline staff of Mouling National Park with the newly distributed gear.

To support effective patrolling, monitoring, and conservation on the ground, we distributed the first set of field gear to 34 frontline staff in the presence of Shri Bittem Darrang, Divisional Forest Officer of Mouling National Park, and Shri Tana Tapi, retired Field Director of Pakke Tiger

Reserve and Chief Conservation Officer of the Global Conservation project in Mouling. Shri Tana Tapi is spearheading ATREE's efforts in Mouling

and other protected areas of Siang Valley, as well as management of the Mekola CCA, which has a healthy population of breeding tigers.

EXPANSION: Mekola CCA in Dibang Valley

A tigress with her cub was captured on a trail camera in Mekola CCA.

Installation of caution signages near the public road flanking the CCA for awareness and pushing for responsible behavior towards the tigers active in that region.

With a $20,000 seed grant from GC, we initiated work in Dibang Valley in October 2024. Since then, we have:

• Engaged with Idu Mishmi communities through multiple stakeholder meetings.

• Initiated protection and conservation activities within Mekola CCA.

• Conducted baseline documentation of mammals and birds in the eastern part of the CCA.

• Cut 1 km of patrolling and monitoring trail in inaccessible parts of the CCA.

• Monitored and patrolled 36.1 km on foot.

• Installed public signage for tiger awareness.

Patrolling in rains at 2600 m elevation within Mekola CCA.

Key Partnerships:

• Mouling Wildlife Division

• Adi Bana Kebang

• Mekola clan of Idu Mishmi communities

• GreenHub for conservation storytelling

• Department of Forests and Environment, Arunachal Pradesh

• Rajib Gandhi University, Itanagar

• Jawaharlal Nehru College

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