Nagaland State Biodiversity Board members along with others at Sukhai village on September 29. (Morung Photo)
Over 222 bird species, 200 butterfly species documented: BMC Chairman
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | September 29
A Thematic Expert Committee (TEC) field visit and community interaction to Sukhai village in Zunheboto district was held to assess the proposed Biodiversity Heritage Site at Uza-Shi Bird and Fish Sanctuary to review community-based biodiversity conservation efforts on September 29.
The programme was chaired by Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) Chairman Ivan Zhimomi, who highlighted the community’s efforts in documenting and conserving the biodiversity of the area.
Zhimomi stated that the People’s Biodiversity Register was the first such register documented in the state with the assistance of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and subsequently updated with the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB). He also highlighted the six editions of the biodiversity festival, the “Chengu Festival”, and the second edition of the “Green Hero Award”.
According to Zhimomi, the community has so far documented more than 222 species of birds, over 200 species of butterflies and moths, and more than 31 species of reptiles and amphibians. He said the documentation includes “rare rediscoveries and endangered species.”
YM Jami, Convenor of the committee acknowledged the community’s conservation efforts and said the presence of researchers visiting the area was an indication of its biodiversity value.
He said the primary objective of the field visit was to verify whether the information documented in the records corresponded with the situation on the ground. “We are here to check whether it tallies on the ground with the paper,” Jami said, adding that the visit would help determine whether the community’s work qualifies for declaration of the area as a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
He appreciated the community’s efforts towards bird protection and encouraged them to continue and strengthen their conservation initiatives.
Divisional Forest Officer, Zunheboto, Obed Bohovi Swu, SFS, acknowledged the efforts of the community and the TVBCLN, describing the initiative as a source of pride for Zunheboto and the state.
Swu said Zunheboto has one of the highest forest covers in Nagaland after Peren and is home to several virgin forests and biodiversity-rich areas.
“Let this be the first, but let the second and third come after this,” he said, encouraging similar community-led conservation initiatives in other parts of the district.
He also highlighted Uza-Shi Bird and Fish Sanctuary as an important biodiversity area located away from dense human habitation. The name “Uza-Shi” was explained as referring to a place where birds come to drink water. The area is situated around a river and a fish sanctuary, further adding to its ecological significance.
A technical presentation on the Biodiversity Heritage Site was delivered by Neitho, Technical Executive of the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board. He clarified that declaration of an area as a BHS would not mean that the government becomes the owner of the site.
He said management and conservation of the area would continue to be carried out by the community, while dispelling misconceptions surrounding government ownership following the BHS declaration.
Neitho noted that Nagaland has around 1,278 recognised villages and described Sukhai’s biodiversity conservation initiative as a significant achievement.
M Chalkapure, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Development & Planning) and Member Secretary of the NSBB gave the concluding remark while Sukhai Head GB V Tokugha delivered the vote of thanks. The programme also featured traditional men’s and women’s folk songs presented by villagers.
The field visit provided officials, technical experts and community representatives an opportunity to observe the biodiversity site firsthand, verify the documented information and discuss conservation and management issues on the ground.
