Green pigeon released into the wild in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, November 10 2023: In a move to create a safe and secure habitat for migratory birds, a green pigeon was released into the wild at Shirui village on Friday.

Ukhrul DC Zuringla Kengoo released the bird from its captivity at Vangayan in Shirui village in the presence of the Ukhrul divisional forest officer Shanngam Shaliwo as well as Shirui Aze headman Soyo Wungsek, Shirui Ato headman Yungrei Shangh and other village leaders.

Identified as ashy-headed green pigeon (Treron Phayrei), the bird had been spotted by locals in the Rayotang area.

It was rescued by one Soring Shimrah (40) of Hunphun village on November 7 and handed over to Ukhrul Forest Division for safe release.

The migratory bird is believed to be found mostly in Northeast India, Nepal and Bangladesh and also in southwest China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

It was added to the Red List of IUCN in 2014.The ashy-headed green pigeon usually occurs in single or in small groups and feeds on the seeds and fruits of a wide variety of wild plants.

Meanwhile, DC Kengoo applauded the Shirui Village Authority for its initiative in banning hunting and killing of wild animals and birds for 3 years from October 2023 to October 2026 as part of their conservation efforts.

As a gesture of appreciation, the DC also presented a certificate of appreciation to the Shirui Village Authority.

Shirui Kashong is home to several migratory birds, originating from different parts of the world such as Siberia and China.

The most popular of these birds is the grey-sided thrush, locally known as the "Shiri".

The thrush feeds on a red berry fruit known as the Shirungthei that is found in abundance in the Shirui Kashong range.

For centuries, the birds have made the range their home, with the thrush visiting the region in November and staying there until January.

In recent years, the population of the migratory birds has been declining due to large scale felling of fruit bearing trees as well as trapping of the birds for food.

In order to protect these birds and other wildlife, the Shirui Village Authority took a bold step.

On September 9 the authority passed a resolution to ban hunting and killing of wild animals and birds for the next three years.

The resolution has been welcomed by conservationists and bird-lovers alike, as an important milestone in the attempt to protect the migratory birds from extinction.

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