TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Buguns, one of the major tribes, mainly living adjacent to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Singchung sub-division of Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district have set an example by donating 1,470 hectares of forest land to the state forest forest department, giving a push to efforts for protection of Bugun Liocichla, a critically endangered songbird.
EXPLANATION:
- The Bugun Liocichla is a critically endangered songbird.
- It was discovered in 2006 by Ramana Athreya, an astrophysicist and birder from Pune.
- This small babbler, measuring only 20 cm, boasts olive-grey plumage and a distinctive black cap.
- With just 14 individual birds spotted so far in the Braiduah village within the Singchung sub-division, it faces severe threats from tree felling, timber trade, and hunting by villagers.
- The bird has been named in honour of the efforts of the Bugun community of Singchung village in West Kameng district in conserving the wildlife and forest of the area.
- The bird occupies a 3-4 square kilometre area in the temperate forest within the traditional lands of Singchung village in Arunachal Pradesh.
Community Ownership and Conservation
- Community ownership of forest land, particularly in tribal-dominated areas, has historically posed challenges to conservation efforts in the Northeastern region of India.
- However, the Bugun tribe’s initiative showcases a departure from this trend, providing a beacon of hope for biodiversity conservation.
- In a significant step towards conservation, the Arunachal Pradesh government officially notified the Braiduah Community Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- This reserve, situated adjacent to the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, serves as a crucial habitat for the Bugun Liocichla, found exclusively within this landscape.
Community Engagement and Education
- Efforts to conserve the Bugun Liocichla extend beyond land donation and government intervention.
- More than 400 students from 12 local schools surrounding the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary have received education and sensitization on biodiversity conservation over the past five years.
- Additionally, over 50 teachers have been trained to incorporate conservation principles into their school curriculum, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among future generations.
Local Youth Participation
- Local youth have been actively engaged in patrolling efforts to curb illegal activities threatening the Bugun Liocichla’s habitat.
- Their involvement not only helps in enforcement but also empowers them as stakeholders in conservation initiatives.