Participants of the TEBC event in Dimapur.
Dimapur, November 7 (MExN): The Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) 2024, a significant citizen science-based bird documentation event, concluded today after four days of celebrating Nagaland’s vibrant bird diversity.
The event wrapped up with an engaging closing ceremony held at the Nature Learning Centre, Forest Office Complex, Dimapur, and was attended by Forest Department officials, bird enthusiasts, and students, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for bird conservation and nature education in the region.
The program, chaired by Benjamin Singsit from the Photography Club Dimapur (PCD), began with a welcome address by Achano Tungoe of PCD, followed by an opening prayer by Theulokhiung of the Eco Warriors. The keynote address was delivered by Suman WM Sivachar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Wokha Forest Division and DFO of Doyang Plantation Division. He emphasized the importance of avian biodiversity and community participation in conservation, stressing the role of citizen science in bird documentation efforts.
The event featured a screening of a video on bird conservation and an informative session led by Tekameren Jamir of Eco Warriors on how to use the eBird app for bird data collection. This interactive segment provided participants with valuable insights into using digital tools to contribute to bird monitoring initiatives.
Several speakers shared their thoughts during the ceremony, including Sorei, Vice President of PCD, who highlighted the importance of partnerships in such conservation efforts. A representative from Yemhi Memorial College also expressed appreciation for the inclusion of their college in the event. Aochuba, IFS, Director of Intanki National Park, delivered a special address, encouraging continued efforts to protect Nagaland’s unique bird species. He noted how collaborations have played a vital role in the expansion of the TEBC throughout the state and stressed the need for ongoing partnerships in future editions.
Lansothung Lotha, RFO of Wokha Forest Division, officially closed the event, offering a brief history of TEBC and explaining how birds serve as excellent indicators of environmental change. He shared that over 170 bird species had been recorded by the morning of the fourth day and emphasized that numbers would continue to rise as participants submit their final eBird checklists.
LesemewYimkhiung, Chairman of Eco Warriors, delivered the vote of thanks, extending gratitude to all participants, partners, and sponsors who supported the event. The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Robert Longkumer from PCD.
Following the formal program, participants engaged in a birding activity on the office campus, guided by Leyamong Yimkhiung of Eco Warriors. The session included a demonstration on how to upload bird observations to the eBird app, ensuring that the data collected would contribute to ongoing citizen science efforts.
