Kohima: Birders across Nagaland counted 187 species on the final day of the fifth Tokhü Emong Bird Count. The event ended November 7 with 195 checklists submitted by 5:00 pm. More sightings will likely roll in as participants finish uploading data from night birding sessions. Teams surveyed forests and community lands before filing their findings through eBird.
The closing ceremony took place at the Nature Learning Centre in Dimapur. Khelen Singh, IFS, director of Intanki National Park, attended as the special guest. The event included a screening of the State of India's Birds video and a talk by Chenibemo Odyuo of the Foundation for Ecological Security. Range Forest Officer Lansothung Lotha traced the project's history back to 2022. He discussed the threats of extinction and pushed for stronger habitat protection. Singh urged young people to keep watching and protecting birdlife after the event ends. He noted that birds serve as vital indicators of environmental health, stating, "Birds as indicators of ecosystem health."
Widunbiliu from Eco Warriors Nagaland led interactive games to wrap up the program. Meriyani Ezung delivered the vote of thanks. Organizers credited local communities, schools, and district volunteers for the project's success. This annual effort continues to turn birdwatching into a mainstream conservation tool. A full report will follow the preliminary data release.
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