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Sikkim Marks Wildlife Week With Focus on Human-Wildlife Coexistence
Sikkim is holding Wildlife Week from October 2 to 8.
The goal is to help people and wild animals live more safely near each other.
This year’s theme is “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife.”
The state says conflicts between people and animals are an important concern.
Monkeys, leftover food and garbage, people feeding wild animals, and dogs near animal habitats are among the challenges mentioned.
People are being asked not to feed wildlife and to keep food and rubbish secure.
They should keep their surroundings clean and tell authorities about wildlife incidents.
Students and young people can help by becoming “Wildlife Mitras” and sharing safety messages.
Sikkim is observing Wildlife Week from October 2 to 8, 2026, with a focus on human-wildlife coexistence.
This year’s theme is “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife,” and the department identified human-wildlife conflict as a key focus.
Awareness and community programmes are taking place across seven wildlife sanctuaries and Khangchendzonga National Park.
The department cited urban monkey nuisance, improper waste disposal, feeding wildlife, and free-ranging or feral dogs near habitats as challenges.
People are being urged not to feed wildlife, secure food and garbage, keep surroundings clean, and report incidents; students and youth are encouraged to become “Wildlife Mitras.”
- Who
- Sikkim’s forest and environment department, along with schools, colleges, NGOs, defence and paramilitary forces, tourism stakeholders, local communities, students and youth.
- What
- Wildlife Week activities focused on human-wildlife coexistence, habitat protection and community participation in conservation.
- Where
- Across Sikkim’s seven wildlife sanctuaries and Khangchendzonga National Park.
- When
- October 2 to 8, 2026.
- Why
- To promote conservation, protect habitats and encourage practical steps to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Key facts
- Event
- Wildlife Week 2026
- Dates
- October 2–8, 2026
- Theme
- “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”
- Key focus
- Human-wildlife conflict and safe coexistence
- Programme locations
- Sikkim’s seven wildlife sanctuaries and Khangchendzonga National Park
- Community role
- Students and local youth are encouraged to serve as “Wildlife Mitras”
- Recommended actions
- Do not feed wildlife; secure food and garbage; keep surroundings clean; report wildlife incidents
Quotes
Sikkim Forest and Environment Department
The state department responsible for forest and environment matters.
“Wildlife conservation is a shared responsibility and protecting habitats requires active participation from communities, institutions and stakeholders across the state.”
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