Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, May 4:
In a moment as rare as the bird itself, a Tangkhul Naga wildlife photographer has immortalized a hidden gem of the forest—the elusive Hume’s Pheasant—in the wilds of Shirui village. Just days before the launch of the vibrant Shirui Lily Festival, the discovery has sent ripples through the conservation world, cementing Shirui not just as a floral haven, but as a sanctuary for endangered wildlife.
The historic sighting took place under the canopy of ancient oak forests on May 1st, when SC Horzak Zimik clicked the first-ever photograph of the majestic Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) in Shirui’s wilderness. The photographic breakthrough was the result of a tireless six-day pursuit—part of the “Hike and Camp at Shirui” expedition led by Enfogal in partnership with the Ukhrul Forest Division.
“This wasn’t just a birding trip—it was a pilgrimage,” said Zimik, still glowing from the experience. “We lived each moment by instinct, holding our breath with every rustle in the undergrowth. When the shutter finally clicked, I knew we had frozen a moment that would last forever.”
The photograph isn’t just a technical success—it’s a cultural and ecological milestone. Zimik, now the first Tangkhul Naga to photograph this rare bird in the wild, has elevated the profile of both his community and the wildlife of Manipur.
At the heart of this expedition is Patrick Shangh, Director of Enfogal and a stalwart of grassroots conservation. Known for his relentless passion, Patrick has spent the last seven years trekking Ukhrul’s remotest hills, cataloguing its untold biodiversity. From organizing treks and eco-camps to leading birdwatching trails and camera trap studies, Patrick and Enfogal have become synonymous with Ukhrul’s conservation renaissance.
“Ukhrul’s forests are ancient archives,” Patrick explained. “Every trail, every tree has a story—and we’re here to listen. Photographing the Hume’s Pheasant in our own backyard validates the faith we’ve placed in this mission.”
Often overshadowed by more celebrated state symbols like the Shirui Lily and the Sangai deer, Hume’s Pheasant has long suffered from neglect. Despite its status as Manipur’s state bird, conservation awareness and efforts around it have remained limited. Threatened by habitat loss, forest fires, and unchecked hunting, the species teeters on the brink in several areas.
But not in Shirui.
For the past three years, Shirui villagers have maintained a self-imposed hunting ban, turning their ancestral lands into a refuge for wildlife. Their quiet guardianship—driven not by law, but by love—has created the conditions for this historic moment.
“A special shoutout goes to our spotter, Pamreithing Luireiwo,” said Patrick. “And we’re grateful to the village headmen for their unwavering support, as well as the Divisional Forest Officer of Ukhrul for her constant encouragement.”
Other villages, such as Razai Khullen and Jessami, are also emerging as strongholds for Hume’s Pheasant. Jessami, in particular, has drawn attention for its grassroots, community-led conservation—a powerful example of how traditional knowledge and modern environmentalism can go hand in hand.
Buoyed by the success, Enfogal has already set its sights on the next avian jewel: Blyth’s Tragopan, another shy and threatened bird rumored to inhabit Shirui’s forests. “The mountain has spoken,” Patrick smiled. “Now it’s time to listen even closer.”
As the Shirui Lily Festival prepares to welcome visitors with music, food, and color, this quiet achievement in the underbrush reminds us of a deeper beauty. Beyond the petals of the lily bloom the feathers of a forgotten wonder. Thanks to the lens of a determined photographer and the vision of a tireless conservationist, the wild heart of Shirui beats a little louder today.
A photograph may last a second—but its impact can echo across generations. And in that single frame, Shirui has found its newest symbol: rare, regal, and worth every step taken to protect it.
