Arunachal: Rare hornbill flock sighted in Pasighat after years

Pasighat: After many years of not being sighted in the region, residents of Silluk village under Mebo Sub-Division in Arunachal Pradesh's Pasighat have reported the sighting of a significant flock of Hornbills.

Following this exciting news, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Pasighat Forest Division has issued an urgent advisory against hunting or disturbing the birds.

The flock, estimated to be 14 Great Indian Hornbills, was sighted today near Silluk village. The Great Indian Hornbill is the State Bird of Arunachal Pradesh and is classified as a critically endangered species.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, Hono Moda, DFO Pasighat Forest Division, urged the people of Mebo Sub-Division, and East Siang District in general, not to hunt, kill, or disturb the visiting birds.

"The Hornbill, being the State bird of Arunachal Pradesh, needs strong conservation effort and support from the community level and all stakeholders... due to the bird's unique breeding behaviour," the DFO stated.

He also noted that several inter-continental migratory bird species visit Arunachal Pradesh during the winter season, requiring similar protection. The DFO emphasized the severe legal consequences of violating wildlife laws, stating that hunting, possession, transportation, or dealing-in of wildlife/meat/carcasses/parts thereof are punishable offences under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The penalty ranges up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rupees One Lakh.

Community leaders from Silluk village echoed the DFO's call for protection. Ashik Yirang, Head Gaon Burah, and Kepangnong Borang, Chairman of Silluk Swachh Abhiyan, appealed to the public not to harm the Hornbills or other bird species around the village.

They have warned of serious action against any rule violators. Oken Tayeng, MLA of the 39th Mebo Constituency, also shared his delight and urged his constituents to actively conserve and protect the rare birds.

“I am glad to hear the good news of the birds revisiting the region," Tayeng said. "I urge everyone to help in conserving and protecting these rare birds which, if given proper and serious protection from hunting/killing, will return to the region on a regular basis, as the Hornbills were found abundantly in the past.”

Further confirmation of the sighting came from the Range Forest Officer of the Borguli Wildlife Range (D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary), who shared a photo of similar Hornbills flying over the sanctuary's woodland jungles on Monday.