INTRODUCTION

The basic needs of human beings, bread and butter (livelihood), clothes and shelter (house) are directly and indirectly met from forests. The existence of optimum no. of wildlife is an appropriate indicator of good forests and prosperity. The ecological and food security of a country depends on quality and quantity of its forests. It is correct to say that the survival of man is dependent on the survival of animals and plant life. In the state of Nagaland, where lion’s share of forest resources accounting/measuring 88.3% approximately is under the control of individuals and private communities and the forest department is having very limited regulations and people are hunters since time immemorial, awareness has been created with the sincere efforts of the forest department and feeling of belongingness in the minds of the people of the state is inculcated for forest & wildlife and their protection. Results are coming forward and wildlife protection by the people of Nagaland is being realized both in our country s well as in the world. In addition to protection of wildlife in private forests, the Department is maintaining wildlife in the following protected areas [National Park & Wildlife Sanctuaries].

Which is 1.45% of the state’s geographical area [16579 Sq.Km].

In order to increase Protected Area, the State Government had Notified the following Community Reserves under section 36© of the Wildlife Protection Act,1972