Archive · 3 Oct 2025
Arunachal Tribe's Transformation: From Hunters to Bengal Florican Protectors
Once, the Idu Mishmi tribe hunted birds.
Then, a member named Ipra Mekola learned about a rare bird called the Bengal florican, which was in danger.
He realized the importance of protecting this bird and its home, the grasslands.
Ipra taught children about the bird.
Now, the tribe helps protect the bird and its home.
They have become protectors instead of hunters.
They are proud of their work, and now the children are helping as well by guiding tourists.
Ipra Mekola, of the Idu Mishmi tribe, is a community conservationist focused on the Bengal florican.
The Idu Mishmi tribe, in Arunachal Pradesh, was once comprised of hunters.
The Bengal florican is listed as critically endangered, with fewer than 800 globally.
Ipra Mekola educated his community about the importance of grasslands to the Bengal florican's survival.
The community now guides tourists and educates about Bengal florican conservation efforts.
- Who
- Ipra Mekola and the Idu Mishmi tribe.
- What
- The tribe transitioned from hunting to protecting the Bengal florican.
- When
- Not explicitly mentioned in the article, but the transition happened after encountering the Bengal Florican.
- Where
- Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
- Why
- The tribe, led by Ipra Mekola, recognized the importance of protecting the Bengal Florican and its habitat.
- Tribe
- Idu Mishmi
- Location
- Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
- Bird Species
- Bengal Florican
- Conservationist
- Ipra Mekola
- Global Population of Bengal Floricans
- Fewer than 800