The Energy Research Institute (TERI) has been working in three villages in Zunheboto district with the support of the Nagaland Forest Department to train local communities in the documentation of their biodiversity, and to facilitate local people’s conservation efforts, and also to develop nature based ecotourism.
According to a press release by TERI, the activities sponsored by the GEF Satoyama project via Conservation International-Japan resulted in hunting and destructive fishing practices being stopped across the landscape in just two years. The people have created and linked their community-conserved areas and are protecting the Tizu River which flows through their lands.
In May, 2018, the first ever Nagaland Biodiversity Meet was organised to learn about and document the biodiversity of Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network comprising the villages of Sukhai, Ghukhuyi and Kivikhu in Zunheboto District, Nagaland. A second ecotourist meet was conducted by TERI from October 27 to November 4 to highlight the many community-conservation efforts in Nagaland that has led to stellar conservation successes including an end to slaughter of the migratory Amur falcons, bird tourism in Khonoma and the initiation of butterfly and bird tourism in Zunheboto village.
Faunal surveys in the three villages of Zunheboto district by the TERI team in association with Titli Trust and many volunteers prior to this meet has led to a checklist of 222 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and more than 200 species of moths so far. Many new and interesting records have already been documented. This includes the Naga Wren-babbler (Spelaeornischocolatinus) and Hodgson’s Frogmouth (Batrachostomushodgsoni) as well as the Spot-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornisguttaticollis). Among the butterflies, the endemic Naga Emperor (Chitorianaga) and the Rufous Silverline (Spindasisevansii) have been reported here; both species are extremely rare. Among the moths, Comostolahauensteini has been recorded for the first time from Nagaland, while Kranandalucidaria has been reported for the first time in India.
The second ecotourist meet introduced people to the wonders of Nagaland — its culture, people, landscape and the rich biodiversity. Thirteen participants, including experienced naturalists, adventurers, photographers, students, professors and nature lovers from Delhi, Mumbai and the US gathered for the meet. Surprise sightings included a large flock of Grey-headed Parrotbills (Paradoxornisgularis) though the much anticipated Spot-breasted Parrotbill proved elusive.
Others interesting sightings were the Malay Tree Shrew (Tupaiabelangeri) and the Green Rat Snake (Gonyosoma oxycephalum). Additions to the bird list of the Tizu Valley included the Rufous-faced Warbler (Abroscopusalbogularisalbogularis) among others. Additions to earlier butterfly checklists from Tizu Valley during this biodiversity meet included the Scarce Tawny Rajah (Charaxesaristogiton) and the Tawny Rajah (Charaxesbernardus).
In Wokha District, the visitors were enthralled by the awe-inspiring spectacle of more than 150,000 Amur falcons that darkened the sky in Pangti village.
The sights and welcoming communities from Zunheboto, Pangti and Khonoma villages ensured that the visitors had a wonderful glimpse of Naga life. The Sema people of Sukhai and Kivikhu entranced the visitors with their tribal dances and traditional ululating and fire lighting skills.
The visitors in Zunheboto were hosted by the Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation & Livelihood Network, a recipient of a special mention award by the Government of India-UNDP India Biodiversity Awards 2018 for their contribution to conservation.