Source-This post on Bugun Liocichla Bird is based on the article “Arunachal tribe donates land for critically endangered songbird Bugun Liocichla” published in “Deccan Herald” on 17th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The Buguns, a major tribe living near Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, have generously donated 1,470 hectares of land to conserve the Bugun Liocichla bird.
What is Bugun Liocichla?
| Aspect | Details |
| About | Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum) is a bird species. |
| Official recognition | It was first spotted in 1995 in Arunachal Pradesh. However, the bird was officially documented in 2006 after astrophysicist Ramana Athreya discovered it in Arunachal Pradesh’s Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| Conservation Status | IUCN: Critically Endangered |
| Habitat | It is primarily observed in specific areas within Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and Braiduah village under the Singchung subdivision of Arunachal Pradesh. There are only 14-20 of these birds in the state. |
| Characteristics | 1. This bird is a small babbler, measuring just 20 cm, with olive-grey feathers and a black cap. 2. It is exclusively found in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and nowhere else in the world. |
| Conservation efforts | The Arunachal Pradesh government officially declared Braiduah Community Reserve protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The reserve is situated adjacent to the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| Significance | It was the first bird discovered since India’s Independence. |
About Bugun Tribe
1. Origin in India – The Buguns migrated from Tibet through East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Livelihood & Habitat:
a. Their daily lives are deeply connected to their environment.
b. Similar to other Indo-Mongoloid tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, the Buguns, also construct their homes using bamboo.
c. The Buguns are known for their hard work in farming and their skill in extracting oil from a local wood species called Chiblem, which is found in the forests.
3. Lifestyle:
a. They have separate borders with neighboring tribes and speak a distinct language called Khowa.
b. They have their own decision-making body called Nimiang, which oversees the community’s affairs.
c. Buguns tend to practice endogamy by marrying individuals within their own community.
4. Festival– The Bugun people celebrate their annual festival known as “Pham-Kho.”
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