Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network

Surrounded by blue mountains and dense forests intermingled with golden-hued jhum farm patches. Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network is located on the bank of Tizu River, one of the main river drainage in Nagaland which flows through the landscape. Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network is a joint Community Conserved areas of three villages namely Sukhai, Kivikhu and Ghukhuyi. The sub-tropical wet hill forest primarily overlapping with the sub-tropical pine forest, and represents a wide range of flora and fauna and acts as an important green corridor between the biodiversity rich forests of Satoi range and other biodiversity rich area that harbor endangered and threatened species like the Blyth's Tragopan (Tragopan blythii), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) and Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus). The forest is the place of origin of Kutu, Yayi, Loyi, Sumukhu, Lipi and Yai feeder streams of Tizu River and the river Tizu is home to many native fish species and other aquatic life. 

The Tizu River and its surrounding forests have been strained by destruction of forest, uncontrolled hunting, soil erosion, over exploitation of fishes, causing fast depletion of fish population, wildlife and the forests resources. In the fear of losing native fishes and wildlife, initially Sukhai village council has passed a village resolution and declared 789 hectares of forests as CCAs and banned hunting, felling of trees and use of any destructive fishing technique in the Tizu River. Subsequently to ensure conservation of large contiguous forest areas, neighbouring villages Kivikhu and Ghukhuyi has joint efforts and declared 204 hectares and 370 hectares respectively and formed the joint CCAs to conserve around 1363 hectares altogether.

• An avian survey revealed presence of more than 200 species of birds including rare and threatened species like Naga Wren Babbler, Hodgson's Frogmouth, Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Rufous-throated Partridge, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Spot-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, White-crested Laughing Thrush.

• The sub-tropical forest supports threatened species such as Chinese Pangolin, Slow Loris, Wild Dog, Fishing Cat, Yellow-throated Martin, Ferret Badger, Goral, Red Giant Flying Squirrel etc.

• Additionally, the forests of Tizu Valley are blessed with spectacle butterfly diversity. More than 200 species of butterflies' species have been recorded from the areas including rare species such as Naga Emperor, Rufous Silverline, Naga Sapphire, Great Nawab, Wizard, Five-bar Swordtail etc.

• Among the reptile Burmese Python, Red-necked Keelback, Green Trinket Snake, Banded Krait, King Cobra, Pope s Pit Viper and many other interesting species are recorded from this place.