Arunachal : Siikhe Lake Emerges as Birding Hotspot
Once a paddy field, Siikhe Lake now attracts diverse migratory birds and growing attention from conservationists and tourists.
ZIRO- Siikhe Lake, located around 12 kilometres from the district headquarters, has increasingly emerged as a significant habitat for migratory and resident bird species, reflecting a shift in the ecological profile of the area over recent years.
Originally developed as an artificial lake to support groundwater recharge, the site was previously a wetland paddy field. The transformation, initiated under the vision of former minister Tage Taki, has contributed to the creation of a waterbody that now supports biodiversity alongside its functional purpose.
Since its establishment, more than 15 bird species have been recorded at the lake annually. Among them, the presence of the Mandarin Duck has drawn particular attention from birdwatchers and conservationists, given its rarity in the region.
Watch Video- Apatani’s Unique Hong Village in Ziro Valley
The lake now hosts a range of migratory waterbirds during peak seasons, typically between November and May. Observations from the past week recorded over 100 individual birds across nine species, including Mallard Duck, Northern Shoveler, Ferruginous Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Garganey, and Great Crested Grebe. Officials expect additional species to arrive in the coming weeks.
Monitoring and conservation efforts have been ongoing since 2019, led by a team from Ziro Birds Walk in collaboration with the Siikhe Multipurpose Society, which manages the lake. These initiatives include systematic bird counts and seasonal monitoring of migration patterns.
Watch Video- Arunachal Pradesh’s ZIRO, where nature and traditions are still alive
The first formal waterbird census conducted in 2019 involved birders from Assam, including Prof. Ranjan Kumar Das and Manash Pritam. In the same year, academic research on avian diversity and migration patterns was undertaken by Prof. Daniel Mize of Rajiv Gandhi University, along with Prof. Franz Bairlein from the Institute of Avian Research, Germany.
Recent observations were made in the presence of Divisional Forest Officer Tilling Taker, Range Forest Officer Kago Oniya, and wildlife filmmaker Millo Tako.
Officials and conservation groups indicate that Siikhe Lake is gradually evolving into both an ecological site of importance and a local tourism destination. The case highlights how landscape transformation, when aligned with environmental considerations, can support biodiversity while contributing to regional development.
written by – Koj Mama, Honorary Wildlife Warden
