EMN
Kiphire, March 12
Once hunted for its meat and feathers, the official bird of Nagaland is gradually hobbling its way back into the consciousness of citizens and conservations as a totem of both identity and ecological asset for the region. The beautiful Blyth’s Tragopan, Nagaland’s state bird, was the focus of a recent conservation drive in Kiphire during which community members were told that wildlife was intractably linked to the survival of humans no less.
In collaboration with the Central Zoo Authority, Wildlife Trust of India, and the Dimapur district administration, the department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conducted a workshop about Blyth’s Tragopan conservation on March 9 in Kiphire. The event was conducted in Pungro, under Kiphire district, with the theme “Save Tragopan, Save Pride.”
Besides citizens, members of nongovernmental organization, students’ unions, tribal unions, town councils, and church bodies attended the event.
During the event, the Extra Assistant Commissioner of Pungro, Chonpenthung Ezung, reminded the community that the Tragopan was a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Violation of the act will lead to imprisonment and a fine, he said. He appealed to the people to be responsible and protect forest and wildlife resources.
Chief Guest of the event, Satya Praksh Tripathi, the Chief Wildlife Warden of Nagaland said in his speech that the protection of wildlife ensures survival of human beings as well. He emphasized on creation of community reserves and eco-sensitive zone in the fringe areas of Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary in the district. He also answered queries posed by participants during the event.
Also, Adrish Poddar, a project officer from Delhi-based Wildlife Trust of India, spoke on the topic “Know the Bird.” The WTI is undertaking ‘scoping exercises’ and planning to launch a community conservation program with the Forest department, he said.
ShriKikumthong, President, Pungro Area College Students Union, emphasized on resolution to protect wildlife and requested all to abide by it. He also requested to have separate wildlife range office stationed at Pungro. Many among the participants shared their views and concerns.
The event concluded with distribution of mementos and seedlings of horticultural fruit species such as the Pecan nut, and apple, nectarine, and Plum sentarosa.
The Tragopan is from the group of heavy-bodied ground feeding bird. The males have vibrant colours for display in territorial assertions while the females have dull camouflaging complexion for better protection of nest and eggs. There are four out of five species of Tragopan found in India.
Nagaland proudly hosts the largest of them, the Blyth’s Tragopan. It is distributed across the north east region with the highest population concentrated on the higher hills of Nagaland such as Khonoma-Pulibadze-Japfu-Dzukoucopmlex, Satoi range, Saramati-Fakim hills, etc.
Besides being Nagaland’s official bird, it is also the pride of Nagaland. Hence, the need for conserving the species.
