The fifth edition of the Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) 2026 recorded 72 bird species on its opening day, with 26 checklists submitted as the annual citizen-science event commenced across Nagaland.
The event was officially inaugurated at the Nature Learning Centre, Forest Office Complex, Dimapur, bringing together culture, community and conservation to promote awareness of the State’s rich avian diversity.
The inaugural ceremony, chaired by Rotoli Sumi of Eco Warriors Nagaland, was attended by forest officials, birdwatchers, students and nature enthusiasts, all united by a shared commitment to birdwatching and biodiversity conservation.
The programme began with an opening prayer led by Lokhum L of Eco Warriors Nagaland, followed by a welcome address from Lesemew M, Founder of Eco Warriors Nagaland. Highlighting the journey of TEBC, he said the initiative had grown from a local effort into a statewide movement encouraging people, particularly the younger generation, to connect with nature and participate actively in biodiversity conservation.
Delivering the keynote address, Tokaho Kinimi, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Phek, highlighted the important role of students in shaping the future of conservation in Naga society. He emphasised that birds serve as indicators of environmental health and shared experiences from his earlier posting as Wildlife Warden, particularly in wildlife tourism and conservation.
Kinimi encouraged students to take an active interest in conservation, noting that their participation would help strengthen future initiatives.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal declaration of the Tokhü Emong Bird Count 2026 by Lansothung Lotha, Range Forest Officer, Wokha Forest Division, marking the commencement of the bird count across Nagaland.
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The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Meriyani Ezung of Eco Warriors Nagaland, followed by a benediction by Meribeni C Oddyuo Ngullie.
Following the inaugural ceremony, an interactive session led by Tekameren I Jamir, Co-Founder of Eco Warriors Nagaland, featured games and a birdwatching activity at the Forest Colony Complex, Dimapur. The session offered participants practical exposure to bird identification, the use of the eBird platform and the importance of contributing observations to a global scientific database.
The event is jointly organised by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with Bird Count India, FES and Eco Warriors Nagaland, and powered by eBird India.
The Tokhü Emong Bird Count 2026 encourages people from all walks of life, including schoolchildren, youth, birdwatchers, community leaders and senior citizens, to observe birds and contribute valuable information towards documenting and conserving Nagaland’s avian diversity.
The event carries the message: “When we count birds, we count the health of our land. Tokhü Emong is not just about harvest, it is about gratitude for all creation.”
Updates from the Wokha team also highlighted birdwatching activities with students and efforts to encourage greater participation among young birders and nature enthusiasts. Participants have been urged to record and upload their observations on the eBird platform during the bird count period, contributing to citizen science and biodiversity documentation.
