Pungro, March 10 (MExN): Tragopan is from the group of heavy bodied ground feeding bird, with vibrant colours to male for territorial display and dull camouflaging complexion to female for better protection of nest and eggs. There are four out of five species of Tragopan found in India.
Nagaland proudly hosts the Blyth’s Tragopan, a very rare and endangered bird. It is distributed in north east with highest population in higher hills of Nagaland like Khonoma-Pulibadze-Japfu-Dzukou, Satoi Range, Saramati-Fakim hills, etc. Tragopan is also the ‘State Bird of Nagaland.’
With the observation that if the Tragopan is to be conserved, whole forest along with holistic biodiversity is to be conserved, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland with financial and organization help from Central Zoo Authority, Wildlife Trust of India and District Administration conducted ‘A day awareness programme on Blyth’s Tragopan conservation’ at Pungro under the theme ‘Save Tragopan, Save Pride.’ Total 120 people participated in the programme from fringe villages of Saramati-Fakim, NGOs, all students union, tribal union, town council, public forum, church bodies.
The programme began with the invocation by Rev. Father Sajimon, Principal, Little Flower School, Pungro and chaired by Chonpenthung Ezung, EAC Pungro. He highlighted that Tragopan is a protected species under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and violation may lead to imprisonment and fine. He appealed to people to be responsible and protect forest and wildlife.
The chief guest, Satya Praksh Tripathi, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland highlighted about protection of wildlife for survival of human beings. He emphasized on creation of community reserves and eco sensitive zone in fringe areas of Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary. He also answered queries of put forth by participants.
Tsilie Sakhrie, Advisor, Khrokhotuo Mor, Chairman and Kuolhulie Kuotsu, Co-Chairman from Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary Trust were main speakers. They shared success story of conservation from Khonoma.
Adrish Poddar, Project Officer from Wildlife Trust of India, Delhi spoke on the topic ‘Know the Bird.’ WTI is doing scoping exercise and planning to launch community conservation programme with Forest Department, he stated. Atuo, Forester, Biologist from Tragopan Breeding Centre, Kohima shared the experience of working with bird in captivity.
Kikumthong, President, Pungro Area College Students Union emphasized on resolution to protect wildlife and requested all to abide by it. He also requested to have separate wildlife range office stationed at Pungro.
The programme concluded with distribution of memento and seedlings of horticultural fruit species namely Pecan Nut, Apple, Nectarine, Plum sentarosa and vote of thanks by Kamdi Hemant Bhaskar, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Division, Kiphire.
