We have some incredible news from the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve (SBVCR) in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh! A Bugun Liocichla, a critically endangered bird found only in this region, has been re-sighted after at least nine years! This specific bird was tagged way back in 2016, making this a truly special moment for conservation efforts.
A Glimmer of Hope
Dr. Umesh Srinivasan, an assistant professor from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, who has been researching in the area for 15 years, shared his excitement. He highlighted that these birds are estimated to live 8 to 12 years (after surviving their first year), so seeing a tagged individual after so long is a fantastic sign! Most young birds face challenges like predation, but this re-sighting suggests a resilient population.
From 20 to 200: A Community Success Story!
Just a few years ago, the known population of the Bugun Liocichla was a mere 20 individuals, confined to a small area. But thanks to dedicated efforts, the population is now estimated to have soared to approximately 200 birds! This incredible growth is a testament to the power of conservation.
Lobsang Tsering, a birding guide with 19 years of experience, confirmed the re-sighting during a recent trip with clients. "We sighted a tagged Bugun Liocichla, which had been tagged nine years ago," he stated.
Why This Matters
This re-sighting is a huge positive sign! It shows that the bird's habitat remains healthy, largely due to increasing awareness, ongoing research, and strong conservation efforts by the SBVCR and the Forest Department.
A Brief History of a Rare Find
The Bugun Liocichla has a fascinating story. It was first spotted in 1995 by astrophysicist and birdwatcher Ramana Athreya. It was unlike any known species! After nearly a decade of study, it was officially described as a new species in 2006. What makes this even more remarkable is that it was described using only photographs, feathers, and audio recordings – no physical specimen was collected due to its extreme rarity. This was the first new bird species described in India since its independence in 1947!
Community at the Forefront
A major reason for this success is the Bugun community of Singchung village. In 2017, they established the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve specifically to protect this species. This community-led initiative has been absolutely vital in the remarkable recovery of this rare bird's population.
What's Next?
While the progress is amazing, experts emphasize the need for continued scientific monitoring and study of this elusive species and its habitats. There's still so much to learn to ensure their long-term survival.
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