In North Sikkim’s hitherto unknown Dzongu Hills, birdwatchers have documented more than 150 species during the Great Backyard Bird Count, which is a major milestone for the documenting of wildlife in the area. For the first time, a five-person crew entered the isolated Sakyong Pentong village and added it to global bird count maps. The trip was a component of a broader Sikkim-wide endeavor in which 57 birders identified 250 bird species and produced over 1,000 lists around the state. Under the direction of state coordinator Dibyendu Ash, local Dzongu birders Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha and Lhendup Lepcha joined forces with Rozan Dhungel and Tilak Dhungel of Pakyong district.
Through their study, the crew has created baseline data for upcoming conservation initiatives in the hills that are rich in biodiversity. Ash emphasized the eager involvement of local populations by saying, “A regular bird census and more such events will help in creating thorough avian diversity data of the remote Dzongu Hills.” The count, which took place from February 14–17, is a significant advancement in our knowledge of the natural wealth of the area, especially in places that have not yet been recorded.
