Guwahati: In a significant boost to community-led conservation in Arunachal Pradesh, the Hapoli Forest Division has published an English–Apatani pocket guide featuring 119 familiar bird species of Ziro Valley, the first such bilingual bird guide in the region.
The guide was released by MLA Hage Apa of the 17th Ziro-Hapoli Assembly Constituency during the 40th Statehood Day celebrations at the District Secretariat. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, ZPC Hibu Dumi, former Minister Tage Taki, Divisional Forest Officer Tilling Taker, Heads of Departments, ZPMs, and members of the public.
Published by the Hapoli Forest Division under the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club, Ngunu Ziro, and Ziro Bird Walk, the pocket guide marks the second major documentation of the valley’s avifauna. It follows the 2022 coffee table book Birds of Ziro, which first highlighted the region’s rich bird diversity.
Community Science at the Core
The new publication is rooted in grassroots conservation efforts. It is the outcome of sustained documentation through the monthly Ziro Bird Walk initiative, launched in 2019 to promote bird conservation awareness and citizen science.
Over the years, the initiative has played a vital role in encouraging local participation in bird monitoring and biodiversity documentation, strengthening conservation awareness at the community level.
Preserving Language, Promoting Conservation
What makes the guide unique is its bilingual format, presenting bird names in both English and Apatani. This not only enhances accessibility for local communities but also helps preserve indigenous linguistic heritage alongside conservation education.
The publication team acknowledged the contributions of volunteers and bird enthusiasts who assisted in species identification and documentation. Special recognition was extended to Ziro Bird Walk, Ngunu Ziro, Early Bird, Bird Count India, and The Habitats Trust for their continued support.
The team also expressed appreciation to DFO Tilling Taker for facilitating the publication.
A Resource for the Future
Designed as a handy field companion, the pocket guide is expected to benefit birdwatchers, researchers, students, and nature enthusiasts, while further strengthening conservation initiatives in the Ziro Valley, a region increasingly recognised for its ecological and cultural significance.