Kharungla at Khaling Gewog in Trashigang is the only area in the country where three types of tragopan birds or horned pheasants are found in the same forest. However, not many residents are aware about the presence of the birds and their significance. To create awareness among the residents, a nature enthusiast organised a daylong archery match involving the local people.
These three species of tragopan: the Temminck’s, Blyth’s, and satyr were initially spotted by forestry officials in the area in 2018. They were also spotted in the area by a bird watcher, last year.
Kharungla forest area between Khaling and Wamrong is considered a haven for the horned pheasants. However, due to a lack of awareness about their vulnerability, human intrusion into their habitat and even poaching were reported.
Through archery, a sport widely played in the country, people living in the area were involved in the conservation effort.
Local archers were grouped into three teams, each carrying a photo of the three tragopan species on their gho.
It was organised coinciding with the World Wildlife Day.
Younten Chezom, a spectator said, “I saw the birds when I was young. Since then I do not remember seeing them. Through the event, I came to know about their presence in our forest. I have not seen people killing them as well and I came to know about how important it is to conserve them.”
“From Khentongmani to Kharungla, we have been telling the villagers about the need to conserve the birds, which we call Bram Lapo locally. We tell people not to kill them by fixing traps and snares as in the past,” said Ugyen Tshering, a participant.
“Today, I came here as a spectator as I heard villagers saying that there is an archery match being played here. From today onward, I believe everyone in the community will have become aware of the importance of the birds,” said Tshering Namgay, a spectator.
Besides Bhutan, the three tragopan species are found in India, Nepal, China, and Myanmar.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, which is an inventory of the global conservation status and extinction risk of biological species, Blyth’s tragopan is listed as vulnerable while satyr tragopan is listed as near threatened.
Temminck’s tragopan, although listed as a least concern species, studies say it is becoming increasingly threatened as humans and their livestock invade and encroach its habitat.
Experts say due to the falling population as the birds are hunted for their feathers, it is important to conserve them to maintain ecological balance.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Kipchu
