Students, teachers, foresters, conservationists, bird enthusiasts, and community members come together to celebrate the third Tokhü Emong Bird Count festival from 4-7 November. Inspired by the Lotha Naga harvest festival, this annual bird count event aims to extend the spirit of sharing, oneness, and fellowship across the state by engaging in deeper ecological knowledge and registering our avian diversity. Nagaland has over 500 reported avian species.
Range Forest Officer, Lansothung Lotha, said, “The people of Nagaland are blessed that the state falls in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. However, there is much for the people to do to ensure this blessing remains for generations to come. It has been a humbling experience to see how TEBC has grown over the years. The enthusiasm shown by participants over the years has been absolutely inspiring.” While in the first year, 178 species were recorded on the eBird app, the second year noted 219 species within four days.
TEBC is much more than this counting birds. Chenibemo Odyuo, said, “It is a testament of our shared heritage, weaving conservation and culture together. As we count, we uncover the intricate web of life that sustains us. Every bird species tells us a story of our environment’s resilience and vulnerability.” Birds have a special place in Indigenous myths and legends in Nagaland. In the famous Sümi folklore of Kivigho and Kahuli, the feather of a hornbill symbolises the immemorial love and immortalised love. In a Chakhesang folklore, the hornbill brought rain to the land relieving them from drought. Changnungla, forest range officer, recounted, “For the Chang Naknyulum, birds are regarded as important symbols of omen. During the festival, on the third day known as ‘Nakseng,’ young men beat log drums from dawn until morning to symbolise the village’s emergence from darkness. Later, villagers listen attentively for the first bird calls; the species of bird to chirp first would dictate the fate of the village. Such beliefs in the Chang culture reveal a profound connection to birds, illustrating the importance of nature in the cultural traditions.”
In Nagaland, Blyth’s Tragopan, Naga Wren Babbler, Dark-rumped Swift, and Chestnut-backed Laughingthrush are amongst the high priority species according the recent State of India’s Birds report. Nagaland has about 50% of the world’s Blyth’s Tragopan, its state bird.
Suman W. M. Sivachar, Divisional Forest Officer, Wokha Forest Division, has witnessed TEBC since its first year. He said, “We have seen a remarkable increase in the birding community’s engagement last year, with the second edition expanding from a small initiative originating in 2022 from Wokha district to encompassing the entirety of Nagaland in 2023. The rich diversity of our avian wealth is becoming increasingly evident, and last year’s bird count has been pivotal in bringing this to the forefront.”
TEBC’s collaborators includes the Government of Nagaland, non-governmental conservation organisations, and educational institutions reiterates the significance of Naga community knowledge and their participation in caring for biodiversity. Recognising Naga people’s cultural practices like post-harvest festivals and their language is integral to envision, promote, and preserve a sustainable future.
