Gangtok– Birdwatchers and conservationists have marked a historic milestone in North Sikkim, documenting over 150 bird species in the previously unexplored Dzongu Hills during the recently concluded Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).
This remarkable discovery has placed the remote Sakyong Pentong village on international birding maps for the very first time.
A dedicated five-member team undertook the ambitious survey, forming part of a larger statewide effort that saw 57 birders compile over 1,000 bird lists and record an impressive 250 species across Sikkim.
The North Sikkim team, comprised of local Dzongu birders Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha and Lhendup Lepcha, joined forces with Pakyong district’s Rozan Dhungel and Tilak Dhungel, under the leadership of state GBBC coordinator Dibyendu Ash. Their work has not only expanded the understanding of Sikkim’s avian population but has also laid the foundation for long-term conservation efforts in the biodiversity-rich Dzongu Hills.
Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Ash emphasized the importance of continued bird census efforts in remote areas. “Frequent bird census and more such events will help in creating thorough avian diversity data of the remote Dzongu Hills,” he stated, adding that local community participation played a crucial role in the success of the survey.
The GBBC in Sikkim took place from February 14-17, with a focus on identifying species in lesser-explored regions. The event represents a major leap forward in documenting the ecological wealth of North Sikkim, providing vital data that could contribute to the region’s conservation strategies.
With this new addition to the global birding database, Dzongu Hills is now firmly on the map for ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts, opening up possibilities for further research, eco-tourism, and conservation initiatives in the years to come.