DEHRADUN , 02 January (H.S.): In a groundbreaking discovery, the rare Sirkeer Malkoha bird has been recorded for the first time in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, with forest officials capturing images of the elusive species in December near Barkot under the Upper Yamuna Forest Division. This sighting follows the recent documentation of the Himalayan Serow in October, highlighting the region's burgeoning biodiversity.

Forest Range Officer of Rawai, Shekhar Singh Rana, confirmed the find, noting its significance amid shifting ecological patterns.The Sirkeer Malkoha, identifiable by its distinctive curved red beak and predominantly olive-brown plumage with a long tail, typically inhabits dry scrub forests and open woodlands below 1,000 meters (approximately 3,280 feet) in Uttarakhand's lowland districts.

Its appearance in Barkot—a higher-altitude area—marks a rare deviation from known habitats, sparking interest among researchers for potential environmental insights.

Ecological Implications

Rana emphasized that birds, being highly sensitive to climate change compared to other wildlife, serve as vital indicators of environmental shifts through their migration and presence. Uttarkashi, already a biodiversity hotspot, now boasts nearly 370 recorded bird species, with the Sirkeer Malkoha adding to this impressive tally. Forest officials believe undiscovered rare avian species may still lurk in the district, underscoring the need for continued monitoring.

Recent Precedent

This avian milestone echoes the October encounter during the Upper Yamuna division's winter long-range patrol, when teams spotted the Himalayan Serow—a medium-sized herbivorous mammal resembling a cross between a goat, cow, and donkey. Such findings bolster conservation efforts and deepen understanding of Uttarkashi's rich ecosystems.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar