Week-long training programmes on ‘Wildlife Health and Forensics’ conclude at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Jun 4: A week-long specialised capacity building training on ëWildlife Health and Disease Surveillanceí and ëForensics Frontiers in Wildlife Crime Investigationí concluded at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Wednesday.

The valedictory session was attended by SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Sarvesh Rai.

Organised jointly by the Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-K and the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K, under the NMHS-funded Nature Learning Centre Program of MoEFCC, the training aimed at enhancing skills of officers and frontline staff from Forests, Wildlife, and Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments.

In his address, Prof Ganai emphasised the importance of academic-field collaboration in advancing conservation goals and highlighted the role of research-driven approaches in managing wildlife health. Sarvesh Rai lauded the initiative, stressing the need for frontline staff to stay equipped with modern tools for effective wildlife crime prevention and conservation.

The ceremony also witnessed the release of the vision document of the proposed Institute of Mountain Wildlife Sciences and the brochure for the upcoming Second International Conference on Hangul and Threatened Ungulates to be held in September 2025.

Head, Division of Wildlife Sciences, Prof Khursheed Ahmad presented an overview of the training programs while Rashid Yahya Naqash and Mehrajuddin also shared their insights during the concluding event.