Itanagar– Ohey Tayem, a former government teacher turned wildlife enthusiast, has garnered international recognition and praise from Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu after documenting the endangered Blyth’s kingfisher in Pakke Tiger Reserve.
Tayem’s discovery marks a major contribution to conservation efforts in the state, drawing admiration from wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.
Chief Minister Khandu took to social media to commend Tayem’s dedication, stating, “This is pure passion for wildlife conservation! Shri Ohey Tayem left a government job to devote himself to protect the wildlife of Pakke Tiger Reserve,” and praised Tayem’s commitment to preserving natural heritage.
Initially joining Pakke Tiger Reserve as a tourist guide in 2011, Tayem spent three years tracking the elusive Blyth’s kingfisher, ultimately documenting its presence in 2018. This discovery, which attracted global bird watchers, was later recorded in the India Book of Records in 2020.
Tayem’s conservation efforts extend beyond the kingfisher, as he has also documented the rare rufous-vented laughing thrush. He plays an active role in the reserve’s hornbill adoption programme as a nest protector, a commitment that earned his team the prestigious Sanctuary-Asia Award in 2014.
This November 16, the Arunachal Press Club and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists will honor Tayem with an ‘Achiever’s Award,’ marking the first formal acknowledgment of his conservation efforts within the state.