Locals, forest dept, researchers turn Arunachal village into bird sanctuary

New Delhi: The Bugun liocichla, or Liocichla bugunorum, a critically endangered species is back in the news after a tribe from Arunachal Pradesh, researchers and the forest department joined hands to set up a unique community reserve around a rare bird.
The efforts taken by the tribals to convert a region into a community reserve were appreciated by the social media users.
To raise awareness about the place and critically endangered species, a series of posts was shared by an Indian Forest Service officer, Parveen Kaswan, with the caption, “This Arunachal tribe turns village into a bird sanctuary. Eagle Nest Sanctuary has world’s second highest bird diversity. In 2013, there were only 20 pairs of Bugun bird in the world, all were here. Young IFS officer took lead.”
“I had an opportunity to visit the place. Such stories bring role of local people and authorities out, otherwise such work happen in remote and out of sight. Read how community reserve around a village was created and today, it is paying the dividend.”
“When proposed by Millo Tasser, the young officer, locals were not happy with it. Now they are fully supporting. Now livelihood opportunities are also increasing there. Locals were involved in patrolling, nature camps, adventure trips, etc. with local patrolling team,” he further added.
As the news surfaced on the Internet, netizens flooded the Twitter with their reactions.
A user wrote, “Superb efforts, involving locals is a great idea in many ways. Kudos, IFS.”
Another wrote, “Hats off to unsung heroes.”
Another post read, “Yes…that’s what the most beautiful decision. Only the locals know the pulse & heartbeats of the forest & its environment. No conservation would be 100 per cent without involving them. The real Eco Warriors.!”
“Good job done by Millo Tasser DFO & people of Singhchung Village,” another Twitterati had said. (IANS)