Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change CL John with officials of forest department during the launching of 3rd Tokhü Emong Bird Count 2024.
WOKHA, OCTOBER 25 (MExN): The third Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) will take place from November 4 to 7, 2024, inviting birdwatchers, students, teachers, and community members to explore and document the avian diversity of Nagaland. The event was officially launched today in Kohima by CL John, Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
"I'm delighted to launch the Tokhü Emong Bird Count 2024, a four-day celebration of Nagaland's rich bird life," said John. "This initiative encourages people to record and document the birds of Nagaland. Your participation supports conservation efforts, community engagement, and helps preserve our state’s natural heritage."
TEBC 2024 is organized by the Wokha Forest Division, Doyang Plantation Division, and the Divisional Management Unit of the Nagaland Forest Management Project, in collaboration with the Wildlife Divisions of Dimapur and Kiphire, as well as Northeast Birding Tours. Key partners include the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), Eco Warriors Nagaland, the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum, and several educational institutions, including the Department of School Education Nagaland and the University of California Santa Cruz. Pentax Binoculars is the equipment partner, while eBird India powers the event.
Dharmendra Prakash, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, emphasized the initiative's role in fostering community participation. "I encourage citizens to actively participate in the event and document the birds you see. Your contributions through the eBird app will enhance our understanding of bird populations and inform effective conservation strategies," he stated.
Last year, birdwatchers documented 219 species across Nagaland, contributing to 327 checklists. Fourteen government schools and six private schools participated in the count, observing species such as the Naga Wren-Babbler, Olive-backed Pipit, and Blyth’s Tragopan. TEBC 2024 aims to expand its reach across all districts and increase the number of recorded species during the harvest season.
Vedpal Singh, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, encouraged participation, saying, "I wish the organizers and participants the very best. I urge everyone to observe birds during this event and help create a comprehensive bird database for Nagaland."
The TEBC draws its inspiration from Tokhü Emong, the harvest festival of the Lotha Naga community, which celebrates feasting, fellowship, and gratitude. The festival occurs in the first week of November and emphasizes sharing the abundance of the harvest and honoring departed loved ones.
Prof. Dolly Kikon, Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at UC Santa Cruz, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, "TEBC invites us to reflect on Indigenous culture and the relationship we have with the land. It allows us to engage communities in caring for our environment."
Suman W M Sivachar, IFS, DFO of Wokha Forest Division, added, "With each passing year, the Tokhü Emong Bird Count reveals more of Nagaland's vibrant avian diversity. The 2024 edition is not just a bird count; it is a celebration of our natural heritage."
Anyone in Nagaland from November 4 to 7 can participate in TEBC 2024. Participants are encouraged to watch and count birds for at least 15 minutes on any day during the event and upload their findings to the eBird platform (www.ebird.org/india). In addition to counting, the event will feature bird walks and talks for the public, students, and fellow birders.
