The Trap Cameras Capture Purulia Wildlife Thriller 2025 has become a landmark in Bengal’s conservation narrative. Installed by the Human and Environment Alliance League (HEAL) in collaboration with the Bengal forest department, the cameras revealed a breathtaking array of species in Kotshila forest, Purulia. From leopards cuddling in daylight to pangolins and honey badgers prowling at night, the footage underscores Purulia’s rich biodiversity and challenges stereotypes that only the Sundarbans and North Bengal are wildlife hotspots.

2. The Trap Camera Project

The project began in January 2025 and continued until September 2025.

• Cameras covered 8 sq km of Kotshila forest.
• The forest itself spans 50 sq km, suggesting even greater biodiversity.
• Supported by the Duleep Matthai Nature Conservation Trust, the initiative focused on pangolin conservation.
• HEAL coordinated the project, with Vasudha Mishra as project lead.

The footage was compiled into a three‑minute montage, showcasing Bengal’s hidden wildlife treasures.

3. Species Captured on Camera

The cameras documented a wide range of species:

• Indian Muntjac (barking deer): sounding alarm calls.
• Small Indian Civet: searching for food.
• Leopards: including a rare clip of two cuddling in daylight.
• Sloth Bear: moving cautiously before sprinting.
• Honey Badger: first formal documentation in Bengal, known for fearless defense.
• Indian Pangolin: imperiled by trafficking, briefly appearing.
• Rusty‑Spotted Cat: among the world’s smallest cats, formally documented in Bengal for the first time.
• Elephant: partially visible, highlighting megafauna presence.

Each sighting adds to the scientific record of Purulia’s biodiversity.

4. Conservation Significance

The project highlights urgent conservation needs:

• Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals.
• Honey badgers are rare and fearless, requiring habitat protection.
• Rusty‑spotted cats are vulnerable due to habitat loss.
• Leopards and sloth bears face human‑wildlife conflict risks.

The findings call for micro‑habitat conservation and detailed census efforts.

5. Trap Cameras Capture Purulia Wildlife Thriller: Governance Challenges

Officials emphasized:

• Need for comprehensive census of species.
• Importance of documenting habitats and threats.
• Requirement of conservation action plans.
• Integration of community participation in conservation.

Divisional forest officer Anjan Guha formally requested a detailed census and micro‑habitat action plan.

6. Community Participation

HEAL’s executive director Meghna Banerjee stressed:

• Conservation must include local communities.
• Raising social tolerance for wild carnivores is essential.
• Supported by WWF‑India’s Conservation Catalyst Programme.

This reflects a shift toward inclusive conservation models.

7. Historical Context: Purulia’s Wildlife Legacy

Purulia has long been underestimated:

• Known more for hilly terrain than biodiversity.
• Past trap cameras documented striped hyenas and Indian wolves.
• Terrain makes conversion to agriculture difficult, preserving habitats.

The new findings challenge stereotypes and highlight Purulia as a thriving wildlife habitat.

8. Broader Implications for Democracy and Development

The project raises broader questions:

• Can conservation thrive without community participation?
• Will biodiversity survive amid trafficking and habitat loss?
• How can governance balance development with ecological preservation?

9. Recommendations for Reform

Experts suggest:

• Detailed census of Purulia’s wildlife.
• Micro‑habitat conservation plans.
• Community education on wildlife tolerance.
• Stronger anti‑trafficking enforcement.
• Integration of eco‑tourism to support livelihoods.

10. Comparative Lessons from Other States

Other states have undertaken similar initiatives:

• Karnataka uses camera traps for tiger monitoring.
• Madhya Pradesh documented leopards and wolves in fragmented forests.
• Purulia’s case reflects a national trend of rediscovering hidden biodiversity.

11. Human Stories: Local Communities

Villagers near Kotshila forest described:

• Surprise at seeing pangolins and honey badgers documented.
• Fear of carnivores balanced with pride in biodiversity.
• Hope for eco‑tourism opportunities.

These stories highlight the human dimension of conservation.

12. Scientific Impact

Researchers emphasized:

• First formal documentation of rusty‑spotted cat in Bengal.
• Rare footage of honey badger in Bengal.
• Confirmation of pangolin presence despite trafficking threats.

The findings enrich scientific knowledge and conservation databases.

13. Conclusion: A Test of Governance and Conservation

The Trap Cameras Capture Purulia Wildlife Thriller 2025 is more than a wildlife documentary — it is a test of governance, democracy, and conservation. Unless systemic reforms are undertaken, species will remain vulnerable, and public trust in institutions will erode.

The project underscores the urgency of balancing biodiversity preservation with community livelihoods and governance accountability.

🔗 Government External Links

For further reading and official updates, here are relevant government sources:

• West Bengal Forest Department: https://wbfd.gov.in
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): https://moef.gov.in
• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): https://nbaindia.org
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): https://wccb.gov.in
• Press Information Bureau (Government of India): https://pib.gov.in
• West Bengal Government Official Portal: https://wb.gov.in

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