Itanagar, Oct 31 Fifteen bird species, including the rare sighting of a Red-collared Dove at a high-altitude location, were recorded during the 35th edition of the Ziro Bird Walk in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district, an official report said.
According to a report by the District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO), the autumn edition of the bird walk was held at Pigey Aji traditional farmland in Ziro Valley, which attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the seasonal transition.
The sighting of the Red-collared Dove was the highlight of the event, as the species is typically found in low-altitude areas. Birding guides and researchers described its presence at the high-altitude location as an unusual occurrence.
Other species spotted during the walk included the Northern Lapwing, Pacific Golden Plover, Himalayan Buzzard and Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
The event brought together nature enthusiasts, local conservationists and birdwatchers to explore the valley’s rich biodiversity and raise awareness about the importance of protecting its natural habitats.
The Ziro Bird Walk was initiated by wildlife enthusiast Koj Mama and other nature lovers and has since evolved into a community-driven initiative promoting bird conservation and ecological awareness.
The latest edition was organised with support from the Arunachal Pradesh Environment and Forest Department, Arunachal Tourism, the Department of Information and Public Relations, the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club and local partners.
Organisers said the bird walk continued to encourage community participation in conservation efforts while highlighting Ziro Valley’s ecological significance as a habitat for resident and migratory birds.
They expressed hope that the initiative would encourage more people, particularly residents and younger generations, to develop an interest in birdwatching and biodiversity conservation.
(PTI News)
