In a rare sighting, residents of Mangkolemba sub-division and Khar villages reported that six Hornbills arrived at the thick forest of Jangpetkong Range from unknown destination between Christmas and New Year, DIPR reports stated.
Elders of the range said that the forest of Jangpetkong was home to the Hornbills till 1960s. However, due to human interference such as hunting and deforestation, the birds deserted the forest.
After almost 55 years, it was a rare opportunity for the range people to see the hornbills visit the Jangpetkong forest, they said.
As per reports, the hornbills could be seen hovering around different locations during the day at Jangpetkong Range forest that stretches nearly 20 kms. Later in the evening, the birds would arrive at a certain location above Mangkolemba and below Khar village where the area is steep and thickly forested.
ADC bans hunting: As a precautionary measure, ADC Mangkolemba in an order has banned hunting of the hornbills under Wild Life Protection Act 1972. Subsequently, Khar Village Council has also issued a similar order.
On January 4, photographers from DPRO office Mokokchung visited the place to capture a glimpse of the hornbills, however, to their dismay the birds could not be sighted.
As of now one cannot state as to how long the birds would roost at Jangpetkong Range as most of the fruit bearing trees were no longer in the forest, DIPR stated.