In a heartening sign of ecological revival, a flock of around 14 rare Great Indian Hornbills (Buceros bicornis) has been sighted in Silluk village under the Mebo Sub-Division of East Siang district, after years of absence. The birds, identified as Arunachal Pradesh’s state symbol, were spotted flying and foraging in the surrounding woodlands on Monday, delighting villagers and conservationists alike. This rare return underscores the success of community-led protection efforts, even as authorities issue urgent advisories to safeguard the vulnerable species.
The sighting was first reported by local residents, who promptly alerted forest officials. In response, Pasighat Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Hono Moda has appealed to the people of Mebo Sub-Division and the broader East Siang district to exercise utmost restraint. The DFO emphasised that any form of hunting, killing, disturbance, possession, or transportation of the hornbills or their body parts is strictly prohibited and punishable under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Offenders face severe penalties, including up to seven years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹1 lakh.
Why Hornbills Need Urgent Protection
Hornbills, revered in Arunachal’s tribal cultures for their majestic appearance and symbolic significance, are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching, and their unique breeding habits. The Great Indian Hornbill requires large fruit-bearing trees for nesting, where the female seals herself inside with the male providing food for months—a behaviour that makes them highly susceptible to human interference. DFO Moda highlighted that Arunachal serves as a winter haven for several inter-continental migratory bird species, all of which demand collective conservation vigilance to sustain biodiversity in the region’s rich forests.
Community and Leadership Unite for Conservation
Local community leaders have rallied behind the effort, amplifying the DFO’s call. Ashik Yirang, Head Gaon Burah of Silluk, and Kepangnong Borang, Chairman of Silluk Swachh Abhiyan, issued a joint statement urging residents across Mebo and East Siang to avoid harming the hornbills or any other avian visitors. They warned of strict action against violators, stressing the moral and legal imperative to protect these “ambassadors of the forest.”
Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng hailed the sighting as a “positive ecological indicator,” reflecting the tangible benefits of grassroots initiatives. “If given proper protection, these birds will return regularly. Hornbills were once found abundantly in this region,” Tayeng said, appealing to the public to join hands in preserving the species for future generations.
Broader Conservation Wins
The Borguli Wildlife Range under the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary corroborated the sightings, sharing photographs of the hornbills soaring over the sanctuary’s woodlands. Forest officials and NGOs attribute this resurgence to sustained community-driven campaigns, including awareness drives, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching patrols. Such efforts have gradually restored confidence among wildlife, encouraging their return to human-modified landscapes.
This event serves as a timely reminder of Arunachal Pradesh’s unparalleled avian diversity, home to nine of the world’s 62 hornbill species. As winter migration peaks, authorities are ramping up surveillance to ensure these feathered wonders thrive undisturbed. Residents are encouraged to report sightings or suspicious activities to local forest departments, fostering a shared stewardship of the state’s natural heritage.
(Source: India Today NE)
