Bugun Liocichla

Bugun Tribe selflessly donated the land for songbird Bugun Liocichla.

About Bugun Liocichla:

• The Bugun Liocichla, named after the Bugun Tribe, was first spotted in 1995 and officially described in 2006 by Ramana Athreya.
• This songbird is exclusively found in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Physical Characteristics: The bird is larger than a sparrow but smaller than a pigeon, with notable olive-grey plumage and a distinctive black cap.
• Cultural Impact: It holds significant value for the Bugun community, and celebrated in the five-day Bugun Liocichla Utsav in 2021.
• Population and Conservation: With an estimated population of only 14 to 20.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Critically Endangered

About Bugun Tribe:

• Buguns are one of the earliest recognized schedule tribes of India, the majority of them, inhabiting the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The tribe consists of around 2,000 individuals primarily residing in West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh.
• They speak Kho-Bwa, with their culture deeply rooted in endogamous practices and shifting agriculture.
  • While originally followers of the Donyi-Polo religion, they largely practice Gelugpa Buddhism now.
• The Buguns are known for their farming, bamboo house construction, and oil extraction from Chiblem wood.
• They are governed by a chieftain and a decision-making body known as Nimiang.
• They are profoundly connected to their land, taking pride in its biodiversity, which includes unique flora like rhododendrons and orchids.

About Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Situated in the Himalayan foothills in West Kameng District, it is a part of Kameng Elephant Reserve.
• Named after the Red Eagle Division of the Indian army, this sanctuary is adjacent to the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary and Pakhui Tiger Reserve.
• The sanctuary is a vital area for wildlife conservation and is home to the critically endangered Bugun Liocichla, among other species.

Ref:Source