Saramati- Awung Community Conservation Area, Kiphire

Mount Saramati, at 3,840 metres above mean sea level, is the highest peak in Nagaland locally known as ‘Fürim Shuwung’ which means “the mount of Snow” in Yimchunger dialect. The Samamati-Awung Range has the thickest and biggest chunk of virgin forests in Nagaland with a mountainous topography. This is also the location of the Saramati- Awung Community Conservation Area, spread over 4,000 hectares. 

The forests of Saramati Range have been traditionally conserved by 17 villages in and around the Saramati Range. In 2009, the Saramati Range was formally declared as Saramati-Awung Community Conservation Area by the village councils of the 17 villages for the protection and conservation of Saramati-Awung Range and its rich biodiversity, and subsequently the Saramati-Awung Conservation and Management Society (SACAMS) was formed by the representatives of 17 villages.

Wildlife Watch 

Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant

• Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant, Blyth’s Tragopan, Rufous-necked Hornbill, etc are globally threatened species that are found in the Saramati range, which is also why this region has been designated as an Important Bird Area and the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area. 

• The Sumatran Rhinoceros was recorded at the Saramati range. Also the first record of a Leaf Deer marked this place as one of the top priority conservation sites in the state. 
• The first photographic record of the Bella rats snake, a newly discovered species, and the Spotted slung snake, is credited to the Saramati-Awung Community Conservation Area. 
• Animals like Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Wild Dog, Hoary-bellied Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear and several others can be seen here. 

Leaf Deer

More to Explore! 

• The best and most beautiful amongst the flora are the Rhododendrons that are found in plenty at the Saramati Range. 
• The snow-capped Mt. Saramati, its high hills and deep gorges, offers great trails for trekking. One can also experience caving at the numerous caves in Salomi, Mimi and Khonjiri. 
• The annual Rock bee harvesting carried out by the local community is also a unique opportunity to witness a community-based practice. 

To visit, please contact:
Mr. T. Shophu
Saramati-Awung Conservation and Management Society Pungru, Kiphire district
Contact No.: +91-8731054162