Adventure & Wildlife Magazine - Vol 1|Issue 5-6| Nov 16 - Jan 17 Vol 2 | Issue 1 | Mar - May 2017 | Page 41

ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE
“In 2006-07, we found that there were only 15 nests
but in 2015, when we did a survey, we found 171 nests.
This itself tells the dedication of the villagers and I’m
extremely happy with the result,” she says.
Along with her army, she has been able to bring up the
numbers of the Hargila to safety.
Through 2016, Purnima Devi Barman has been
invited to receive several state and national
levels awards for championing the cause of the Greater
Adjutant Stork. Apart from the Green Guru Award of the
Eastern Himalayas that she received this month, she was
also honoured by the RBS.
The species has been named on the IUCN Red List of “It’s indeed been an honour for me to be here and receive
the award. I think it will motivate the people who are
Threatened Species.
working for the cause of environment. I’m grateful to the
Only two known nesting sites of the species are in RBS foundation and jury members for choosing me for
India. Except Assam, the only other home to the Greater the recognition,” Barman said after receiving her award
Adjutant Stork is in Bihar. The greatest threat to their under ‘Save the Species’ category in New Delhi.
nesting sites in superstitions that people have along with
Courtesy : SUSMITA MUKHERJEE ,
rapid deforestation leading to loss of habitat.
indiatimes
The villagers initially reacted angrily when I
suggested their conservation to them. I then decided
to take the women folk into confidence. I gathered the
village women and shared my views with them. I also
conducted several games and competitions like cooking
among the girls and women to win their confidence. I
wanted to make them feel that these birds are their own,”
Barman shares.
Her efforts bore fruit and soon, the women united to
provide a safe home for the birds.
Vol 2|Issue 1|Mar - May 2017
41