Young birdwatchers and volunteers pose with the official TEBC 2026 banner during birding activities held across Nagaland as part of the annual citizen-science event.
Dimapur, November 8 (MExN): The fifth edition of the Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) 2026 recorded 187 bird species across Nagaland on its final day on November 7, with 195 checklists submitted as of 5:00 pm. The preliminary figures are expected to increase as participants continue uploading their observations, including sightings from night birding sessions aimed at documenting nocturnal species.
Birding activities were conducted across multiple districts, with participants surveying forests, community landscapes and other habitats before submitting their observations through eBird. The closing programme was held at the Nature Learning Centre, Forest Office Complex, Dimapur, with Khelen Singh, IFS, Chief Conservator and Director of Intanki National Park, attending as the special guest. The programme featured a screening of the *State of India's Birds* video, followed by a welcome address by Chenibemo Odyuo, Senior Project Manager, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES).
Lansothung Lotha, Range Forest Officer, Wokha Forest Division, spoke on the history and evolution of TEBC since its inception in 2022. He highlighted the initiative's growth as a citizen-science programme and discussed the causes of bird extinction, citing globally extinct and possibly extinct species. He stressed the importance of habitat protection and community participation in conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Singh highlighted the role of TEBC in fostering observation, curiosity and appreciation for nature. Pointing to birds as indicators of ecosystem health, he encouraged participants, particularly students and young people, to continue documenting and conserving birdlife beyond the annual event.
The programme concluded with an interactive session featuring games and birding activities conducted by Widunbiliu, founding member of Eco Warriors Nagaland. Meriyani Ezung of Eco Warriors proposed the vote of thanks. The organisers acknowledged the participation of birdwatchers, students, schools, district coordinators, volunteers and local communities across Nagaland, stating that the initiative had helped broaden public engagement with biodiversity documentation and conservation.
Since its inception in 2022, TEBC has brought together people from different backgrounds to discover, document and conserve Nagaland's birdlife while promoting birdwatching as a hobby. A preliminary report incorporating the observations and data submitted during TEBC 2026 will be released.
