Changtongya Village

In addition to the detailed case studies presented in this volume, Nagaland is full of stories of different village communities having regulated the use of certain patches of forests in various ways. Some have declared hunting bans; others have prescribed no forest use at all; while yet others have declared seasonal ban on hunting or other uses. The degree of success in implementing the rules also varies from community to community. In Zonheboto and Phek districts, signposts have been put up along many roads by village youth associations, warning readers that the area is under strict protection. According to wildlife enthusiasts who visit the state regularly, these signboards are effective enough to deter hunters. In a state like Nagaland this is of great significance. These areas are among the few where one can see direct signs of any wildlife in the otherwise silent forests of Nagaland. Changtongya village is one of the examples on which we could not gather detailed information and hence it is briefly presented below.