Mapping of Lozaphuhü ancestral village conducted

Hollock (Becho) tree measuring 32.3 feet in circumference at the base in Lozaphuhü Village. (Photo Courtesy: Z Rhakho)

Phek, January 9 (MExN): Under the aegis of Lozaphuhü Village Council, in coordination with the Lozaphuhü Youth Organization and Lozaphuhü Students’ Union and individuals, mapping of the village ancestral land, reserved forest and wild life conservation areas was conducted which was completed in eight days.

As per a press release from Z Rhakho, Lozaphuhu Village, through this mapping, it was found that the total traditional area of the village is 49 sq km which includes the reserved forest and wild life conservation area of 15.65 sq km.

The release said that the forest and wild life conservation effort has been in existence since 1989 when the village community decided to apportion some areas of jhum land as reserved forest and wild life by adopting a resolution prohibiting cultivation and banning of hunting in the reserved areas.

The release also informed of a riverine conservation of 2.5 km at the Lanye river where human activity of any kind is prohibited like fishing, collecting of boulder, etc in order to preserve and protect the aquatic life in its natural state.

The village pledged to continue the conservation effort and cautioned against hunting by anyone and also pledged to put extra effort to protect and preserve the gigantic trees and endangered species like Sambar deer (Tukhro), Tiger (Tukho), Bear (Thuga), Eagle(Zode), Hornbill (Thuro), Peacock Pheasant (Ri-ri), Python (Shie) which are on the brink of extinction.
The Community also pledged to continue prohibition against unscrupulous collection of fauna for commercial purposes in its territorial jurisdiction.

The village land lies at the base of 607meters at the Tizu-Lanye river confluence and 1865 meters above sea level at the summit which makes the place ideal for thriving ecosystem, the release informed.

Apart from Tizu and Lanye river, other smaller rivers like Tacholeru and Luzacheru flows through the village land as well.
The Council extended due appreciation to everyone who assisted in the venture in various capacities and specially to the four individuals: Zhokusheyi Rhakho, Chivosheyi Tsutso, Nesakho Sakha and Sheto Rhakho, who took the initiative to complete the whole exercise, the release added.