| Project Name:
Understanding the population biology of the critically endangered point endemic, the Bugun Liocichla, to design effective conservation strategies |
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| Project Brief:
The Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve (SBVCR) and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (EWS), located in the Eastern Himalaya Global Biodiversity Hotspot, are renowned destinations for birdwatching and wildlife tourism. Tourism here is sustainable, high-income, and low-impact, driven by the region's remarkable bird diversity, particularly the critically endangered Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum). With a global population of only 14 to 20 individuals, this species is found exclusively within a small area of just two to three square kilometres. In 2017, the Bugun community of Singchung village established the 17 sq. km SBVCR to protect most of the Bugun Liocichla habitat. In 2024, they expanded efforts by creating the 15 sq. km Braiduah Community Reserve (BCR). Both reserves are patrolled by local rangers to prevent hunting and forest fires. However, the species' small population remains highly vulnerable to extinction due to demographic and environmental risks, including extreme weather, requiring urgent action. |
Project objectives:
The project has the following objectives:
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Highlights from the field:
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This flagship grant will primarily reach out to mid to large sized field work oriented organisations to create a two-way partnership for our common cause of conservation. This grant is directed towards the running costs of on-ground projects. The grant should enable the creation of a sustainable and replicable conservation model to address some of the key conservation issues in India.
This first of its kind initiative aims to secure and regenerate the overlooked and unaddressed habitats of the country that are in urgent need of conservation attention. These lesser-known habitats are home to an array of biodiversity, and serve as important connections between key wildlife landscapes and as havens for dispersal populations from the "celebrity" parks. Through the lesser-known habitats grant, we hope to secure and bring into the limelight these vital habitats.
In recent years, a great deal of attention has been given to the "glamour" species of the country such as tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Unfortunately, several of our equally endangered species have not received the same level of conservation support. This unique grant aims to support conservationists working to secure a future for our lesser-known endangered species.
Across the country there are grassroots conservationists working dedicatedly, with little to no support, to protect our biodiversity. The work they do in their individual capacity has a huge positive impact on conservation in the country. This grant aims to recognize these conservation heroes and provide them a platform to expand their activities and garner further support for their work.
Successfully submitted applications and projects will be screened for eligibility, relevance of answers and authenticity of information. A team of experts, including sector specialists and external auditors, evaluate successful entries on the following parameters:
• Applicant Profile: Based on past performance and credentials, capacity to deliver, financial management, program management and other such criteria.
• Project Profile: Based on statement of need, clarity of objectives, measurability of impact, innovation, strategy and approaches, replicability, stakeholder participation, scalability and sustainability.
At the end of the First Level Screening and Shortlisting round 24 applications, 6 in each category, will move forward for Field Level Verification.
The Habitats Trust team will visit the proposed project locations to verify if details provided by the applicant are true to fact. Along with a Sub-Jury, The Habitats Trust team will shortlist twelve proposals, three in each category, move to the Jury Round. The work of all the applicants shortlisted for the Jury round will be published in The Habitats Trust Grants compendium, as a tribute to their efforts and achievements. Disseminated widely by HCL, this provides national and international visibility to the applicants.
The twelve shortlisted applicants, three in each category, will be invited to present their proposed projects in person to our Jury of eminent conservationists at the Jury Round. Recipients of The Habitats Trust Grants will be announced at a Felicitation Event the next day.