In this image released to the media forest guards seen here checking rucksacks of hunters inside Intangki National Park
Dimapur, November 13 (MExN): Hornbill Conservation Initiative (HCI), a committee instituted by a non-government organisation Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green-SONS) has taken the initiative to save the Hornbill bird and promote habitat conservation in the State.
A team comprising HCI’s Chairperson Dr. Yan Murry; Dr. Nzan Humtsoe, Vice-Chairperson; Jess T. Murry, Treasurer HCI & Chairman Green-SONS; Mhathung, Secretary HCI and wildlife photographer Steve Odyuo went on a study to the Hornbill migration route inside the Intangki National park on November 12. The team plans to tour all locations in the coming months to study the factors causing the decrease in the number of Hornbills.
Intangki National Park is among the few locations in Nagaland where Hornbills migrate. Accompanied by Forest department guards and foresters, the team encountered a group of hunters making noises inside the dense forest. The forest guards seized illegal materials from them, noted their contact details and left them with a warning.
The Hornbill bird is revered by Nagas and is closely related to Naga culture. Unfortunately some species of the majestic hornbill is endangered and will become extinct if steps are not taken now. The organization said that conserving the Hornbill bird will be like preserving Naga culture.
HCI feels a holistic approach should be adopted for the conservation of Hornbills. For this purpose, it has made it a point to stress on research, habitat conservation and awareness campaigns. Since few people cannot make a huge impact - for a positive outcome, the organisation encourages participation of people from all walks of life. To start with, hunting and selling of hornbills should be strictly prohibited and discouraged.
HCI’s effort to spread awareness has already taken shape in the form of an online signature campaign. Till date, around 350 signatures from people of over 60 countries have signed the petition. HCI has tied-up with Hornbillfestival.com to kick-start this signature campaign.
HCI will have a stall at Bamboo Pavilion during Hornbill Festival 2011 where it will try to make the public more aware about the plight of the Hornbill bird. Students from as far as Mumbai have offered to become volunteers for HCI’s cause.
A team comprising HCI’s Chairperson Dr. Yan Murry; Dr. Nzan Humtsoe, Vice-Chairperson; Jess T. Murry, Treasurer HCI & Chairman Green-SONS; Mhathung, Secretary HCI and wildlife photographer Steve Odyuo went on a study to the Hornbill migration route inside the Intangki National park on November 12. The team plans to tour all locations in the coming months to study the factors causing the decrease in the number of Hornbills.
Intangki National Park is among the few locations in Nagaland where Hornbills migrate. Accompanied by Forest department guards and foresters, the team encountered a group of hunters making noises inside the dense forest. The forest guards seized illegal materials from them, noted their contact details and left them with a warning.
The Hornbill bird is revered by Nagas and is closely related to Naga culture. Unfortunately some species of the majestic hornbill is endangered and will become extinct if steps are not taken now. The organization said that conserving the Hornbill bird will be like preserving Naga culture.
HCI feels a holistic approach should be adopted for the conservation of Hornbills. For this purpose, it has made it a point to stress on research, habitat conservation and awareness campaigns. Since few people cannot make a huge impact - for a positive outcome, the organisation encourages participation of people from all walks of life. To start with, hunting and selling of hornbills should be strictly prohibited and discouraged.
HCI’s effort to spread awareness has already taken shape in the form of an online signature campaign. Till date, around 350 signatures from people of over 60 countries have signed the petition. HCI has tied-up with Hornbillfestival.com to kick-start this signature campaign.
HCI will have a stall at Bamboo Pavilion during Hornbill Festival 2011 where it will try to make the public more aware about the plight of the Hornbill bird. Students from as far as Mumbai have offered to become volunteers for HCI’s cause.
