Local Nature Tour Guide Training for the local youths of Sengye geog in Sarpang
News | Posted on 2024-12-25
Ugyen Wangchuck Institute of Forestry Research and Training provided training to a total of 12 school dropouts including three females for a 10-day local nature tour guide training organized by Phibsoo Widlife Sanctuary based in Shariphu under Yarpheling Chiwog.
The training program was aimed at imparting required basic knowledge, skills, and abilities to identify local biodiversity species such as birds, plants, butterflies, and mammals found within the subtropical and cool temperate regions of Sarpang and Tsirang.
The short course comprised of three days theoretical inputs session and rest of field excursion in the biodiversity hotspot sites for practical learning to develop their species identification skills.
The lesson entailed conservation significance of birds, mammals, plants, and butterfly in Bhutan, night owling to find nocturnal birds, producing a species checklist, use of mobile-based applications such as Merlin
bird app, and finding species hotspots besides morphological field identification tips and tactics. The
participants were issued with binoculars, reference books, bird songs of Bhutan reference book, and telescope.
Of many sites, Darachu, Maogang, Gelephu Sewage ponds, Wangchucklingka, Sengye khola, Longa, Masheer pond, and Wildlife Rescue Center were some of the places visited.
The impact of the 10-day rigorous program was evaluated with a final assessment consisting of
continuous assessment of individual assignments and field tests, final day tests on species image and
sign photo identification, plant specimen identification and course attendance records.
The course opening was graced by the Chief Forestry Officer of PWS and concluded with a closing dinner graced by the Gup Sengye geog, Officiating CFO and Lead Tutor Dr. Sherub, from UWIFoRT awarding the course completion and meritorious certificates.
Feedback gathering was organized for future improvement and necessary arrangements. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to serving their local community by providing local nature tour guiding services in the future.
The training program was organized with the financial support provided by the Bhutan for Life project.