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Dimapur, Jan. 23 (EMN): Brown hornbill has been spotted at Sungkha village under Bhandari subdivision in Nagaland. A team of experts from the Forest, Ecology and Environment department confirmed its existence during their visit on January 17 and the 18th this year.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror over the phone, village education committee (VEC) chairman Nzanbemo Kithan said that the brown hornbill, which is one of the hornbill species, has been there in Sungkha but the villagers were not aware of the existence of different species and were not serious about the bird.
Kithan informed that the bird is believed to roost at ‘tchucholan area’ in Sungkha village, but only a few old people could trace its habitat. He added that he did not disclose the location of the roosting place as he was afraid that people might kill the birds.
The VEC further informed that the Forest, Ecology and Environment department sent two officials for confirmation of brown hornbill after they sent the picture of the bird to the department.
In an update from the head GB of Sungkha village, Kithan informed that a flock of hornbill bird numbering eight to nine was learnt to have left the village but they were spotted again in the early hours of the next day (day not specified) on a peepul tree, below the village church.
During olden days, the great hornbill (Rhujung), grey Indian hornbill (Wotsu) and brown hornbill (Nrow) were spotted in Lotha area and still believe that they exist in the high mountains of traditional land forest between Yanmhon and Sungkha area, read the press release.
The head GB of Sungkha village, Rhanchumo Kithan, has announced the restriction of hunting peculiar birds, saying that such birds are almost extinct in the state. He further warned that killing of any hornbill species will invite stern action by the village authority, and be reported to the administration for legal action.
The village authority has also appealed to the concerned government department to depute officials to study the species and protect the hornbill bird and ensure eco-friendly and safe habitation.