Charinapang takes onus of conserving Hornbill
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27 2021: The rare Hornbill bird species locally known as 'Langmeidong' which is on the verge of extinction is being safeguar-ded by the villagers of Charinapang selflessly with a strong conviction to protect the birds which is included in the Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act.

Due to the earnest efforts of the village authority and support of the villagers who prohibit illegal catching and killing of hornbill birds since 2017, the bird is now spotted throughout the year in this village.

Charinapang is a small village located in Tousem sub-division of Tamei Assembly Constituency in Tamenglong district.

Charinapang takes onus of conserving Hornbill

Apart from hornbill birds, the village is able to prohibit the killing and catching of different species of pigeons and deer as well.

Speaking to our reporter, Digaklung Gangmei chairman of the village said that the village authorities took up stringent measures to protect the hornbill birds since 2017 and declared a fine of Rs 500 if one is found killing or catching the bird.

In the course of these five years, the incidents of killing or harming these birds have stopped and thus around 50 to 60 birds can be seen in the village, he added.

He stated that with a strong will of protecting this rare bird species, the villagers took up the initiative to safeguard it and enlisted the species of hornbill which are being protected in the village namely Oriental Pied Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill and Wreathed Hornbill.

The village chairman expressed the need to raise awareness in the surrounding villages as well by organising festivals related to the bird species.

Our reporter who went to the village was able to spot six Oriental Pied Hornbills eating fig fruits near Makru river.

Director of Rain Forest Club Mordikai Panmei stated that the hornbill birds have a close relation with their culture therefore it is of utmost importance to protect this rare bird in order to preserve their culture as well.

He lauded the collective efforts of the villagers for such a noble cause which shows that if one takes a solemn stand, it will definitely lead to the path of success.

DFO Tamenglong Kh Hitler said that the department has already sent proposals to the Central Government for Hornbill conservation projects.

Appreciating the efforts of the villagers he requested other villages to follow the footsteps of Charinapang village.

Feathers of hornbill birds used to adorn head gears used in Rongmei and Zeliangrong dance costumes since olden times however it has been replaced by replicas made by papers due to massive decline in the number of these birds.