News: A major fire on December 12, 2025, razed a large expanse of Khonoma-side Dzükou Valley in Nagaland.
About Dzukou Valley
- Location: The Dzüko Valley is located in between Senapati district of Manipur and Kohima district of Nagaland in Northeast India.
- It lies behind the Japfu mountains at an altitude of about 2,438 m.
- Naming: Different communities named it differently –
- The Nagas named it ‘Dzukuo’ or ‘Dziiko’ which means ‘soulless’ or ‘dull’ in the local dialect.
- In the Mao language, ‘Dzukou’ means ‘valley of cold water‘.
- The Meiteis call it the ‘valley of flowers’.
- Key features
- The area is prone to forest fires due to wind conditions and difficult terrain.
- The Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to it.
- Flora: It is known for plant species such as the Dzükou lily and the Siroi lily, which add colour during the blooming season.
- Birds found in the valley are Blyth’s Tragopan (state bird of Nagaland), Rufous-Necked Hornbill and Dark Rumped Swift along with endangered Western Hoolock Gibbons.
- The valley shelters , Asiatic black bear, Indian elephant, leopard, and several rare mammals and amphibians.Fauna
About Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS)
- The Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) is a community-managed conservation area in Khonoma Village, Nagaland, India.
- Location: It is located in northern foothills of the Barali mountain range.
- It was established in 1998 by the local Angami Naga community.
- Aim: Aim is to protect endangered species, especially the Blyth’s Tragopan (state bird) and forests, utilizing traditional practices for sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity.
- The sanctuary is home to several endangered mammal species, including the clouded leopard, Asiatic black bear, and hoolock gibbon, as well as over 300 avian species.
