Zunheboto Community Conserved Areas

Nanga (Dikhu) Greener Zone 

Location:

• Latitude: 25°7’29.892” N, Longitude 94° 32’ 59.712 E

• 170 kms from Kohima

• Travel time from Kohima is 6 hours, 32 mins (170 kms away)

• Nearest Town: Mokokchung (27 kms)

River Dikhu, locally known as Nanga by the Sumi in Zunheboto and Dikhu by others, it is one of the major rivers of Nagaland. It originates from Phuye village of Zunheboto district, passes through four districts of Nagaland, Sibsagar district of Assam, and finally merges with the mighty River Brahmaputra. Nanga Greener Zone is a community conserved area of 14 villages, who have pledged to protect river Dikhu and its surrounding forests.

The eco-system of River Nanga River in the riparian strip the river and its feeder streams, have been strained by destruction of forests, uncontrolled hunting, soil erosion due to jhum cultivation, and overexploitation of fish, causing fast depletion of aquatic life, wildlife and the forests. To address this, the Nanga (Dikhu) Greener Zone was formed in 2012 by the 14 villages. The village councils of all 14 villages unanimously agreed and declared half a kilometer as conserved area on both sides of River Dikhu, evenly stretching throughout 300-400 metres on both sides of its thirteen feeder streams from Sumi Settu village to Phuye village.

Wildlife Watch

• Khalij Pheasant, Grey-chinned Minivet, Black-breasted Thrush, Small Niltava, Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Wedge- tailed Green Pigeon, Manipur Wedge-billed Babbler, Stripe breasted Woodpecker, Chestnut-crowned Laughing thrush, and Oriental White Eyes are few of the rare birds found here.

• Other bird species like Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Grey bushchat and Crested Finchbill are found commonly and abundantly in the conserved area.

• Among the animals that can be spotted here are Common Leopard, Wild Boar, Rhesus macaque, Himalayan Back Bear, Sambar, Barking Deer etc.

Best time to visit: October to April is the best time for bird watching.

Places to stay: Options at hand include Sapotami home-stay, Government Guest Houses at Akolotu and Sapotami, and the Guest House at the Anderson Theological College, Aizuto.

To visit, please contact:

Mr. P. Tokugha Sumi Chairman, Nanga Greener Zone Project

Management Committee Head Office: Zunheboto Zunheboto District, 

Nagaland-798620

Contact No.: +91-9612869347

Ghosu Bird Sanctuary

Location

• Latitude 25.99734 N; Longitude 94.45196 E

• 1,151 meters above mean sea level

• 150 kms from Kohima via Chozuba

• Travel time from Kohima is 7 hours, 45 mins

• Nearest town is Zunheboto (12 kms)

On the banks of River Langki, spread over 650 hectares, is Ghosu Bird Sanctuary, home to many rare and endangered species of birds, butterflies, and animals. The sanctuary also has a naturally occurring, highly significant phenomenon called a salt lick. Salt licks are rich mineral deposits that serve an important ecological role as gather here for their fill of these nutrient-rich deposits.

To protect this critical habitat, the joint village council of Ghukiye and Nikuto villages banned hunting and logging and established the Ghosu Bird Sanctuary Community Conservation Area 2014 to protect the many migratory and endemic species of birds and animals.

Wildlife watch

• Between May and September, lakhs of birds belonging to the pigeon and dove family, namely Barred Cuckoo Dove, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Common Wood Pigeon, and Emerald Dove migrate to Ghosu Bird Sanctuary and gather around the salt lick to feed on the salt and breed.
• Besides the migratory species of doves and pigeons, the Ghosu Bird Sanctuary also harbours bird species like Long- tailed Broadbill, Red Jungle Fowl, Green Pheasant, Great Barbet, and Common Hoopoe.
• Among the animals that can be spotted here are Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Serow, Hog Badger, Chinese Pangolin, Civets, Slow Loris, Pangolin, and Eurasian Otter.
• Preliminary surveys of butterflies have revealed more than 70 species that include rare species like Great Nawab, Jungle Glory, Five Bar Swordtail etc, making this sanctuary a treasure trove for butterfly enthusiasts.

Best time to visit:

• November to April is the best time for bird and butterfly watching
• May to September to witness the migration of Green Pigeon & Dove

Places to stay: Tourist lodge is available at the Ghukiye village. Additionally, government guest house, hotels, and lodges are also available at Zunheboto town (12 kms from the sanctuary).

To visit, please contact:

Mr. Kakishe Zhimomi, Chairman Ghosu Bird Sanctuary Management Committee

P.O. Zunheboto District: Zunheboto, Nagaland Contact No: +91-9612625973

Ikiye-Itovi Community Conserved Area

Location:

• Latitude 25.86877 N; Longitude 94.57569 E

• 1,151 meters above mean sea level

• Travel time from Kohima is 10 hours via Chozoba and Satakha

• Nearest Town: Satoi (11 kms)

Located on the Satoi Range, and recognized as an “Important Bird Area,” the Ikiye-Itovi Community Conserved Area is a significant tourist area owing to the beautiful forested landscape and mountains. The temperate and subtropical broad leaf forest is a prime habitat of several critically endangered species of flora and fauna. Additionally the forest is the catchment area of Tuzu, Tsutha, Ningathu and Hipu rivers, which are the major rivers originating from the landscape.

Traditionally, the forest conservation of Ikiye and Itovi villages was regulated by village ancestors demarcating specific forest patches for utilization, while limiting extraction of forest resources. To further strengthen the conservation efforts of Ikiye and Itovi villages, a portion of their shared community forest as was declared as the Ikiye-Itovi Community Conservation Area in 2015. while adding wildlife conservation as an addition to the village conservation initiatives. The declaration has imposed a total ban on hunting in the conserved area, restricted hunting during breeding period in the village jurisdiction and completely banned hunting of Hoolock Gibbon and Blyth’s Tragopan.

Wildlife watch

• Considered as the best place to see Blyth’s Tragopan, Beautiful Sibia and probably Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant in their natural habitat. The Ikiye-Itovi Forest also supports other spectacle species like Rufous-necked and Great hornbill, elusive Green Pheasant, White cheeked partridge, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, etc.

• The Hollock Gibbon, an endangered ape, very few of the remaining population of which in Nagaland are found in the forests of Ikiye-Itovi. In addition, other rare species such as the Himalayan Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Eurasian Otter, Yellow throated Weasel, Slow Loris, Capped Langur are some of the prominent animals found here.
• Spectacular butterfly species like Bhutan Glory, Naga Sapphire & Jungle Queen can easily be spotted in the on the banks of the streams.
• The high mountain ranges and rugged terrains of Chingkhu and Musuthsukhu makes them a perfect trekking destination.

Best time to visit: October to April

Places to stay: Community guest houses are available at the village. On prior request, home-stays can also be arranged. Additionally, a Tourist Guest house is available at Satoi Town.

To visit, please contact:

Chairman Ikiye and Itovi Community Conserved Area Management Committee P.O. Satoi District: Zunheboto, Nagaland Contact No: +91-8730934371

Khuvuxu Community Conserved Area

Location:

• Latitude 25°47’28.284”N; Longitude 94°41’17.16”E

• 1,086 metres above mean sea level

• Travel time from Kohima is 7 hours 24 mins via Meluri (191 kms away)

• Nearest Town: Meluri, Phek (about 30 kms)

On the foothills of Lukhukhu and Chickhu Mountain of the Satoi Range, the forests of Khuvuxu, of 1,091 hectares, are dominated by temperate and sub-tropical broadleaf trees and abundantly rich biodiversity. Being a part of the Satoi Range, the Khuvuxu forest falls under the Satoi Important Bird Area (IBA) and Eastern Himalaya Endemic Bird Area (EHA) owing to its unique avi- faunal diversity. These forests are home to nearly 40 varieties of wild animals and more than 100 species of birds including some of the rarest birds. Besides, they also habour around 40 varieties of medicinal plants, 5 species of bamboo, 3 species of cane, and 20 varieties of orchid plants, making it an all the more significant ecosystem.

In response to the rampant hunting, forest degradation and tree felling, which is threatening biodiversity and water availability, in 1980 at village-level meeting, a resolution was passed by the community to protect the forest for conservation of the main catchment areas as well as for the protection of wildlife like Blyth’s Tragopan and Hornbill. Strict rules and regulations were framed that included a total ban on hunting, logging and extraction of medicinal plants for commercial usage.

Wildlife watch

• Among the birds, Blyth’s Tragopan, Mrs. Hume Pheasant, Grey Sibia, Black Eagle, Black-winged Kite and many more interesting species are spotted here.
• Keep an ear out for the interesting stories about special locations such as Agacho Kighishito, a nesting site for hornbills, to add to the experience.
• Among animals, Hillock Gibbon, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Common Leopard, Himalayan Serow, Fishing Cat, endangered Wild dog and species of Otter, are noteworthy.

More to Explore! Visitors to the Khuvuxu Community Conserved Area also opt for mountain treks on Lukhukhu and Chickhu Mountains that spread from Khuvuxu to Satoi and Khuvuxu to Ikiye-Itovi.

Best time to visit: October to March

Places to stay: On prior request, home-stay facility can be arranged for. Additionally, the tourist guest house and lodge are also available at Meluri Town.

To visit, please contact:

Mr. Yevito Khuvuxu Community Conserved Area P.O. Satoi Zunheboto, Nagaland Contact No.: +91-8119892173

Tsuruhu Community Conserved Area

Location:

• Latitude: 25.82376 N, Longitude 94.56499 E

• 2,017 metres above the mean sea level

• 7 hours, 6 mins from Kohima (130 kms)

• Nearest Town: Zunheboto

Dense forests extending to an area of about 157.6 hectares cover the Tsuruhu Community Conserved Area, which is a part of the Satoi Range. The range is dominated by Montane Wet Temperate Forests and Sub-tropical Broad Leaved forests, with more 100 species of trees found in the conserved area. Due to its unique biodiversity and the presence of distinctive species the area is a part of Satoi Important Bird Area and Endemic Bird Area of India.

The conserved forest located at the Chingkhu mountain, stations the main catchment area of streams and rivers that supply drinking water to the village and have been protected by the village since its establishment. However, excessive hunting and logging has threatened the conserved area and its wildlife. Realising the importance of conservation of wildlife, in 1993, during a Tsuruhu Public Union meeting, the entire village resolved to include wildlife in their conservation efforts. The declaration has led to a ban of hunting in the conserved area, restricted hunting during breeding period, restricted entering into conserved area with a gun and enforcement of a complete ban on hunting of the Hoolock Gibbon, Ccommon Hopooe, and Blyth’s Trogopan within the village boundary.

Wildlife watch

• It is home to endangered species like Blyth’s Tragopan, Kalij Pheasent and Peacock Pheasant, and has been recognized as an Important Bird Area and Endemic Bird Area of India.
• Great Hornbill, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Red Jungle Fowl, Collard Dove, Cuckoo Dove, Common Hoopoe are other important birds found in the area.
• The endangered ape, Hoolock Gibbon is found in forests of Tsuruhu, making it a critically important habitat for its conservation.
• Asiatic Black Bear, Palm Civet, Barking Deer, Serow, Wild Boar, Rhesus macaque, Yellow-throated Martin, Eurasian Otter, Himalyan Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Indian fox, Bamboo Rat, Chinese Pangolin etc. are among the other prominent animals found in the area.

Best time to visit: October to April is the best time for bird watching

Places to stay: Options for accommodation are available at the home-stays and government guest houses in Tsuruhu.

To visit, please contact:

Mr. Kuniho Head Gaon Burah Tsuruhu Community Conserved Area Zunheboto District, Nagaland- 797108 Contact No.: +91-9862174011

Mr. Rokato Tsuruhu Community Conserved Area Zunheboto District, Nagaland- 797108 Contact No.: +91-8415822793

Mr. Obed Z Tsuruhu Community Conserved Area Zunheboto District, Nagaland- 797108 Contact No.: +91-9089660828

Kithya, Khumishi (B), Akhakhu and Kikhevi (KAAK)

Location:

• Latitude 26° 11’ 29.256” N; Longitude 94° 39’ 55.0872” E

• Travel time from Kohima is 8 hours 12 min via Wakha-Mokokchung-Suruhuto (193 kms)

• Nearest Town: Mokokchung (about 40 kms)

Situated on the Nangrongtongpi mountain range, the KAAK Community Conserved Area is spread over 45 hectares, a common effort of four villages namely Kithya, Khumishi (B), Akhakhu and Kikhevi. Several perennial streams like Akhakhu and Ghokha Ghokiare originate from the conserved area and serve as the main source of water for these villages. Despite its small area, the KAAK forest is contiguous with the other community conserved areas and provides a crucial connectivity for the wildlife.

To counter the unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, forest fires and deforestation in the KAAK area, the four villages formed the KAAK Community Conserved Area, in 2015, to protect natural resource for future use and wildlife. The declaration has imposed a total ban on hunting, felling trees, and agriculture in the conserved area

Wildlife watch khakhu CCA

• Chinese Pangolin, Sambar, Barking Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Eurasian & Smooth Coated otter, Indian Crested Porcupine, Yellow-throated Martin, Yellow-bellied Weasel, Himalayan Black Bear, Flying Squirrel can be spotted here.

• Kalij Pheasant, Common Hoopoe, Chestnut Breasted Partridge, Hill partridge, Common Kestrel, Short-toe Snake Eagle, Green-billed Malkoha, Wood Pigeon, Red- billed Scimitar babbler etc. are few among the several many bird species that can be spotted here.

Best time to visit: October to April

Places to stay: Community guest houses are available in the village. On advance notice, homestays can be arranged. Additionally hotels, lodges and government guest houses are available at Suruhuto and Mokokchung towns.

To visit, please contact:

Mr. Vikheho Chophy KAAK Community Conserved Area Akhakhu Village, Zunheboto Contact No.: +91-9612511173

Satami Green Belt

Location:

• Latitude 26° 5’31.57”N; Longitude 94°38’3.41”E

• 2,715 metres above sea level

• Travel time from Kohima is 11 hours, 37 mins (219 kms)

• Nearest Town: Suruhuto, Aghunato and Zunheboto

Lying on the bank of Tizu and Mosa River, Satami Satami Green Belt Community Conserved Area is spread over 280 hectares. Satami village, which is located on the banks of the Tizu River, is one of the oldest but among the largest villages in the area. The landscape is characterised by high mountains and hills, interspersed by rivers and streams, and is a mix of forested lands, jhum cultivation, terrace fields, plantations and habitations. The area is bound by Kithila Mountain to the west and Khuiche Mountain to the east. Two major rivers, Mela and Narto, originate from the Satami Green Belt CCA and flows in the east-west direction, makes it an important catchment area in the region.

In 1992 the public and village council passed a resolution to protect the forest, wildlife and the catchment areas. The Satami Satami Community Conserved Area, after its formation, emphasised on a total ban on logging, NTFP collection and hunting in the conserved area.

Wildlife watch

• Khalij Pheasant, Red Jungle Foul, Brown Fish Owl, Common Hoopoe, Rufous-throated Partridge, Bamboo Partridge, Green Pigeon, Great Barbet, Grey-chinned Minivet, Black- breasted Thrush, Small Niltava, Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Manipur Wedge-billed Babbler, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Chestnut-crowned Laughing Thrush, and Oriental White Eyes are few of the interesting birds found in the Satami Community Conserved Area.
• Among the animals that can be spotted here are Common Leopard, Wild Boar, Rhesus Macaques, Himalayan Black Bear, Sambar, Barking Dear, Himalayan Serow, Asiatic Brush tailed Porcupine, Wild Cat and Common Jackal.

Best time to visit: October to April

Places to stay: On prior request, homestays can be arranged. Additionally, government guest houses, lodges, hotel facilities are available at Suruhuto, Aghunato and Zunheboto town.

To visit, please contact:

Mr. Lutovi Aom Chairman Satami Community Conserved Area Management Committee Contact No: +91-8974120427

Yehemi, Lithsami and Kiyetha (YLK)

Location:

• Latitude: 26°16’18’’N; Longitude 94°61’89’’ E

• 1,720 metres above mean sea level

• Travel time from Kohima is 7 hours, 59 mins (192 kms)

• Nearest Town: Mokokchung

Surrounded by a mosaic of jhum and terrace plots, streams and orchards, lie the villages of Yehemi, Lithsami and Kiyethain in the Suruhoto mountain range. The hills not only enclose the forests, streams, rivers but also are home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna and are serve as animal corridors and buffer zones for other forests in the landscape. The forest also abounds in medicinal plants like the Ginseng, wild ginger, Musunye, Shekuthi etc. The climate of all the three villages is sub-tropical and pleasant throughout the year. It is relatively cooler compared to the neighbouring villages due to its higher elevation. The forest abounds in wild fruits, medicinal plants, edible mushroom, honey, timbers, bamboos, firewood, animals and birds. The feeder streams in the CCA are also major sources of water for the nearby Mokokchung town.

To form a contiguous forested landscape with NGZ and DGZ for an animal corridor; inspired by the arrangement of Nanga Greener Zone and Dikhu Green Zone, the three villages of Yehemi, Lithsami and Kiyetha and their Gaon Burahs agreed to protect and conserve an area of about 1,152 hectares of forest in 2012 and jointly demarcated the area as a community conserved area

Wildlife watch

• Common Hoopoe, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Scarlet Minivet, Blue-throated Barbet, Bamboo Hill Partridge are few of the bird species found in the conserved area.
• Chinese Pangolin, Barking deer, Porcupine, Wild dog, Sambar, Wild Boar etc are the wild animals found here.

More to Explore!

• The ridges and furrows of the Community Conserved Area provide an appealing setting for avid trekkers.

Best time to visit: October to April

Places to stay: A community guest house is available at Yehemi Village. Additionally, a government guest house, home-stays, hotels are available at Mokokchung and Suruhoto.

To visit, please contact:

Mr. Hekhushe Shikhu Chaiman The Yehemi, Lithsami and Kiyetha (YLK) Community Conserved Area Management Committee Contact No.: +91-9862362527