The Tizu valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network
(TVBCLN) is located in the Zunheboto district of Nagaland, India. Surrounded by
blue mountains and dense forests intermingled with golden-hued Jhum farm
patches. The Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network is
located on the bank of Tizu River. One of the main river drainages in Nagaland
which flows through the landscape. The Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation
and Livelihood Network is a joint initiatives of the three villages namely
Sukhai, Ghukhuyi And Kivikhu. The subtropical wet hill forest primarily
overlapping with sub-tropical pine forest, and represent wide fauna and act as
an important green corridor between the rich biodiversity of Satoi Range and
other biodiversity rich area that harbours endangered and threatened species
like blyth’s tragopan (Tagopan blythii), Fishing Cat (prionailurus) and Wild
Dogs (Cuon alpinus) . The forest is the place of origin of Kutu, Yayi, Loyi,
Sumukhu, and Lipu were the feeder streams of Tizu River which is home to many
native aquatic life.
The Tizu River and its surrounding forests have been
strained by the destruction of forest, uncontrolled fishing and hunting, soil
erosion, over exploitation of fishes and wild life. Initially, in the year
2014, Sukhai Village Council had passed a resolution and declared 789 hectares
of forest as Community Conservation Areas (CCA) and banned hunting, felling of
trees and use of destructive methods of fishing technique in the Tizu River.
Subsequently, to ensure conservation of large contiguous
forest areas, neighbouring villages Kivikhu and Ghukhuyi came forward for a
joint venture and declared 604 hectares and 370 hectares respectively and
formed the joint Community Conservation Areas (CCA’s) Network.
WILDLIFE WATCH
An avian survey revealed presence of more than 200 species
of birds including rare and threatened species like Naga Wren Babbler, Hogson’s
frogmouth, Spot- Breasted parrot bill, Rufus -throated partridge, mountain
bamboo partridge, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Slaty-Bellied Tesia, Spot breasted Scimitar
Babbler, Coral Bellied Babbler, Golden Breasted Fulvetta, white crested
laughing trush.
The Sub-tropical forest supports threatened species such as
Chinese pangolin, Slow Lorries, wild dog, Fishing Cat, Yellow throated Ferret
Badger, Coral Giant Flying Squirrel, etc.
Additionally, the forest of Tizu valley is blessed with
spectacle butterly diversity. More than 222 species of butterflies, including
rare species such as Naga Emperor, Rufus Silver line, Naga Sapphire, Great
Nawab, Wizard, Five-Bar Sword-tail, Bhutan Glory etc., have been recorded from
the area.
Among the reptiles, Burmese Python, Red-necked Keel-back,
Mandarin Trinket Snake, King cobra, Pop’s Pit Viper and many other interesting
species have been recorded from this area.
Ivan Zhimomi
Team Leader, TVBCLN
(The article was contributed on the occasion of
International Day for Biological Diversity, which falls on May 22)
