Aaranyak’s Programme takes Kolkata students deep into the wilds of Manas

way2barak, Nov 17: Leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, through its Manas Conservation and Outreach Centre (MCOC) successfully organised a three-day educational exposure visit from 11 to 13 November for 27 students and 3 teachers from the Department of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, Kolkata.

The programme was conducted under the Journey for Learning (J4L) initiative, designed to offer immersive, field-based learning experiences in wildlife conservation, habitat ecology and traditional ecological knowledge within the Manas Landscape of Assam.

The visit commenced with introductory sessions highlighting Aaranyak’s ongoing conservation efforts and the ecological significance of Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Participants also received a detailed briefing on the conservation of the threatened Pygmy hog, followed by an interactive session on the avifauna of Manas that covered bird identification techniques and responsible birding practices.

As part of J4L’s newly introduced forest-walk module, the group explored the Daodhara Reserve Forest where students learned to interpret natural signs and sounds within the forest ecosystem.

During the guided walk, they observed hoof marks of hog deer, bison, sambar, tiger scat and calls of hog deer and elephant. The participants documented several bird species, gaining valuable hands-on experience in species behaviour, habitat assessment and field observation techniques.

The group also enjoyed a traditional breakfast under the forest canopy near the scenic Pota River, followed by a live demonstration of traditional fishing using the “Jakoi”. This cultural interaction provided deeper insight into local livelihoods and indigenous ecological practices.

The educational exposure visit marks a significant milestone in J4L’s mission to foster experiential learning among students in the Manas Landscape. By engaging young learners through forest walks, community interactions and ecological briefings, J4L aims to deepen environmental awareness, encourage scientific curiosity, and strengthen connections with the region’s rich natural heritage.

Aaranyak remains committed to conserving biodiversity and ecosystems while supporting indigenous communities in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong and Manas Landscapes through sustainable livelihood promotion, environmental education and awareness initiatives. The Journey for Learning programme is supported by IUCN-KfW and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).