Campaigners call to preserve Great Pied Hornbill

Jalukie, May 12 (MExN): The Great Pied Hornbill known for its beauty, grandeur and alertness is the only bird to have had profound significance in traditions of indigenous people of Nagaland, from age-old days. History has it that the Great Pied Hornbill, considered to be the king of birds, was revered d as a symbol of courage, its feathers could only be worn by a warrior and its image used by chiefs.   Taking into concern, its significance and as part of the ongoing awareness campaign (conservation of wildlife, environment and climate change), Fingerprint-Design & Events said that Great Pied Hornbill has been the cultural icon of the Naga’s with its depiction in Naga myths, fables, folklore, songs and dances and even in modern times as ‘Mascot of the State Festival.’  

Fingerprint-Design & Events visited Jalukie Government high Secondary School, St. Xavier School, Christian School, LM School and Barail Valley School.   Raising awareness on the Great Pied Hornbill amongst students in Jalukie, the Campaigners said, “But at present, it is pushed to the brink of extinction in Nagaland and the only known Great hornbill alive today in Nagaland is named ‘Julie’ which is kept at the State’s  Zoo, Nagaland Zoological Park.”   “If this is the fate of the most important bird in our state, imagine the fate of the other species, this is the irony of our conservation. Some years from now when this hornbill is no more we better name our state festival as ‘In memory of Hornbill’ festival,” added the Campaigners.