Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary

Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary or KNCTS is a conservation reserve and a protected area in the Kohima district of the state of Nagaland in India. It is about 18 kilometres (11 mi) west of the capital of Nagaland, Kohima. The total area notified under this park is around 25 square kilometres (9.7 sq mi); some of villages and hamlets are adjacent to this park: Khonoma, Mesoma, Dziilike.

Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary
KNCTS
Location in Nagaland, India
Location Kohima District, Nagaland
Nearest cityKohima
Coordinates25°37′36″N 94°00′08″E
Area25 square km
Governing bodyGovernment of India, Government of Nagaland

Geography

This park lies at the extension of Barali range; the mountain range complex of north-east India and the undisturbed primary virgin forest is a place for some of the range restricted avian fauna. KNCTS is an Important Bird Area; under criteria A1 (threatened species) and A2 (range restricted species)[1] with area code IN423.[2]

Natural history

Ecoregions

The sanctuary includes portions of three ecoregions:[3]

Fauna

Birds some of the exotic species from North-east India are present in this wildlife sanctuary; like Blyth's tragopan, Mountain bamboo partridge, Crested Finchbill, Assam laughingthrush, Striped laughingthrush, Spot-breasted scimitar babbler, Flavescent Bulbul, Naga wren-babbler are to name few. [4]

Mammals like Binturong, Serow, Jungle cat, Barking Deer, Gayal, Pallas's squirrel, Himalayan striped squirrel can be seen in this park.[5]

Entrance to KNCTS; log huts and rest rooms; in the background showing pristine primary forest.

Though deforestation and poaching was a major threat for nature and wildlife in Nagaland; however Khonoma may be considered one of the safest place for wild birds and mammals. Community conservation played a major role in protecting the biodiversity of the area.[6]

References
  1. IBAs and IBAs criteria - Nagaland : http://ibcn.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Nagaland.pdf
  2. IBA and Area code
  3. Biomes: http://ibcn.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Nagaland.pdf
  4. Avian fauna : http://www.nagenvis.nic.in/Database/fauna_852.aspx Archived 27 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine
  5. Mammalian fauna : http://www.nagenvis.nic.in/Database/fauna_852.aspx Archived 27 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine
  6. "Khonoma Village – Kalpavriksh". Retrieved 11 June 2020.
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