A total of 105 bird species were recorded on the second day of the Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) 2026, reflecting growing interest in birdwatching and citizen-led biodiversity documentation in Nagaland.
As part of the event, a workshop was held at the Nature Learning Centre, Forest Office Complex, Dimapur, with over 100 participants. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Vedpal Singh, IFS, attended the programme as the special guest. It was chaired by Rotoli Sumi.
The programme began with an opening prayer by Lokhum L of Eco Warriors Nagaland, followed by a welcome address by senior project manager, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) Chenibemo Odyuo.
Range Forest Officer, Wokha Forest Division, Lansothung Lotha presented an overview of TEBC, highlighting its journey since its inception in 2022 and its role in encouraging citizen participation in bird documentation and conservation.
Divisional Forest Officer, Wokha Forest Division, Suman W.M. Sivachar, IFS spoke on the importance of species protection, citing the extinction of the Dodo and Passenger Pigeon as examples of the irreversible consequences of biodiversity loss.
Addressing the gathering, Vedpal Singh lauded the organisers for sustaining the birding initiative over the past five years and acknowledged its contribution to raising awareness and encouraging public participation in biodiversity conservation. He also unveiled the TEBC 2026 logo.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Meriyani Ezung and a benediction by Thatsula, both from Eco Warriors Nagaland.
An interactive session featuring games and birding activities was conducted by co-founder of Eco Warriors Nagaland, Tekameren I. Jamir.
