Shivering, we had rambled through the misty green hills of the Shirui Hills of the Ukrhul District of Manipur on the cold, misty morning of Christmas 2018. We one aim in mind and that was to photograph the elusive spot-bellied parrotbill. This species has undergone severe poaching.
Hunting of wildlife in the north east is a fairly common pheneomena. During our trip, we appallingly watched a hunter proudly showcasing a hunted Straw-headed Bulbul, amongst other threatened species.
The declining population of birds in the north-east is a massive concern. The Eastern Himalayas but also the connection between the rainforests of South-East Asia and the Subcontinent. The region hold significant conservational value.
Poaching for Culture
The hunting of wild animals is, unfortunately a significant part of the culture in the region. One of the most affected bird in the region is the hornbill family. The feathers and casques of the hornbills are used as decorative clothing and accessories. The possession of the feather of Rufous-necked and the Great Hornbills are considered to be very prestigious by most tribes in the region. This has led to the extinction of the hornbills in many areas such as Tirap District in Arunachal Pradesh. Another cultural aspect which caused hunting as the use of leopard skins as gifts during weddings.
Contemporary Hunting a More Concerning Threat
While it easy to find more such example of hunting in the region due to cultural reasons, what is more concerning is the mass commercialization of the wildlife of the eastern Himalayas. Sadly, migrant settlers can also be seen in the hills and mountains of the region with catapults and rifels, hunting this precious wildlife. The hunting of wildlife will be a persistent issue. This is attributed to the ever increasing demand for animal body parts for Chinese traditional medicine. Furthermore, the use of wild birds and mammals to make local cuisine has become a popular source of revenue
A Bright Future
Fortunately, the fight to protect the wildlife of the region has steadily increased. The Manipur Governor has called for a complete ban on the commercial hunting of wildlife in the state. Meanwhile, in order to save the endangered Rufous-Necked and Great Hornbills, the forest department has made efforts to encourage tribes to use fiberglass casques and beaks instead of real ones. Also a Hornbill Nest Adoption Program was initiated in Pakelle Tiger Reserve in western Arunachal Pradesh to increased tribal participation in hornbill conservation. Birds in the region certainly have some hope! Hopefully, conservationists can find inspiration of the rescue of Dancing Bears, to eradicate hunting in the region.
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