Wildlife conservation and the role of local communities: perspectives from India and China

by Ambika Aiyadurai, Yunxia Li and S. Banerje

Bird conservation from obscurity to popularity: a case study of two bird species from Northeast India

This paper discusses how competing value systems of different interest groups, help the obscure and lesser known species to become a part of a global conservation project. We analyse two community-based conservation initiatives where two littleknown bird species Bugun liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum) and Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) have transformed the state of the landscape with a series of initiatives by Governments, NGOs and scientists. Bugun liocichla is found in only one location of Arunachal Pradesh and its population is currently as low as 14 individuals. Amur falcon is a migratory bird of prey that visits Nagaland in millions to roost for 2 months. This paper particularly, focuses on how the idea of conservation NGOs is introduced at the community level and how particular bird species gain popularity, locally and internationally. Using the notion of value, we examine how and why species gain specific value/s when the conservation projects are designed and implemented in community-based conservation projects in Northeast India. Based on ethnographic research, we have used semi-structured interviews and participant observation to gather information from key informants. We found that these bird species attain specific cultural, commercial and conservation values depending on various ecological, economic and social factors. In the process of conservation, the birds also become ‘development’ icons for the landscape. We argue that the two species have attained a ‘universal value’ attuned to the philosophies of global capitalist market and global conservation.by Ambika Aiyadurai and Sayan Banerje

A Rare Case of Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction in a Nine-Year-Old Female and Its Management: A Case Report

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a kind of liver vascular disease that causes structural abnormalities in the portal veins, including cavernomatous metamorphosis and obstruction. It is the most common cause of esophageal varices-related hematemesis in youngsters. Significant risk factors include congenital abnormalities, dehydration, sepsis, trauma, hypercoagulable conditions, and multiple transfusions. Acute extrahepatic portal vein blockage is often ignored because patients are usually asymptomatic. Subacute and chronic stages can cause symptoms including splenomegaly and hematemesis without hepatic decompensation. Imaging studies aid in the diagnosis; Doppler imaging is added to ultrasonography to visualize portal vein blood flow. MRI and CT scans are used to visualize portal vein blockage. Prevention of acute bleeding is the cornerstone in the management. Studies have shown that transhepatic thrombolysis is the preferred choice to avoid systemic side effects. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) treats extrahepatic portal venous thrombosis and is typically followed by conservative variceal hemorrhage treatment. Liver transplantation is performed when other management measures fail. Here, we present a rare case of EHPVO in a nine-year-old female who was lost to follow-up for a long time and later showed signs of portal biliopathy and non-visualization of a surgically created splenorenal shunt. Re-shunting was performed after detailed conservative management, and the patient responded well to the treatment given.Temple University. College of Liberal ArtsAnthropolog