Illegal wildlife trade, lack of water security and haphazard promotion of monoculture are posing ecological threats to Northeast, a research-based environmental conservation organisation has said.
It alleged that illegal wildlife trade also poses a threat to national security as recent investigations by law enforcement agencies have shown that there is a nexus between rhino horn trade and anti-national groups.
However, the rhino poaching rate has declined considerably due to concerted efforts of the Assam government, but strict vigil must continue, Aranyak secretary-general Bibha Talukdar said on Thursday.
Water security is also a priority area as some parts of Northeast face floods, while other areas witness droughts, he said.