In an endeavor to celebrate Nagaland’s rich avian diversity and raise awareness about the importance of bird conservation, the second edition of the Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) is set to take place from 4 to 7 November 2023.
The event aims to raise awareness of Nagaland’s bird diversity and to unify people towards protecting the state’s diverse and threatened habitats, the organizers of the event said.
TEBC: A Unifying Event for Bird Enthusiasts
TEBC brings together birders and nature enthusiasts from across Nagaland to engage in a four-day bird counting and documentation expedition. This collaborative effort seeks to create baseline data for understanding the trends in bird populations in the region, particularly in the face of global climate change.
The event is an initiative by the Wokha Forest Division, Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) of Wokha district, and Bird Count India, in partnership with the Department of School Education Nagaland, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), and Eco Warriors Nagaland. The event is powered by eBird India, with Nikon joining as the equipment partner. This year, research partners from the University of Melbourne, Stockholm University, and North Eastern Social Research Centre have also joined the cause.
The TEBC 2023 coincides with the Tokhü Emong post-harvest festival of the Lotha Nagas, further emphasizing the connection between nature and culture in Nagaland.
Nagaland: A Biodiversity Hotspot
Nagaland, situated within the Indo-Malayan global biodiversity hotspot, is known for its remarkable biological diversity. With a wide range of habitats owing to its varying elevations, the state is home to an array of bird species, from majestic Amur Falcons to tiny jewels like Sunbirds, Minlas, and Tesias. However, this biodiversity is under threat due to factors such as habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting, and plantations.
Also Read: Get ready for the 2nd Tokhü Emong Bird Count! Join Us!AMP
A Celebration of Tokhü Emong with Birds
From 4 to 7 November, the Nagaland Forest Department, in collaboration with birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, will celebrate Tokhü Emong with birds. The event will feature bird walks, informative talks, and bird counts across the state. The primary aim is to foster a reconnection with nature and culture, particularly among the younger generation. Events of this nature also provide a platform for the NEbirding community to unite for the common good.