The Great Hornbill is a revered species in the Naga ethos. Without it, we would just seem so incomplete, almost to the point of nakedness. Its striking feathers have adorned for generations the headgears of Naga women, brave warriors and great anghs; and today we even have a festive five-day festival named after the Hornbill. Yet, we must seriously and honestly ask ourselves, are we really doing anything to save the Hornbill itself, or are we only relishing in its name because of what it has come to represent in our way of life.
Today, the Great Hornbill is an endangered species. Most Nagas of the present generation conceivably would never have seen a live Hornbill; it’s only remnants are the feathers used on the headgears and the distinct features given to its skull by their large beaks and casque hung on walls for decorations. What have Nagas given back to the Hornbill, other than driving it to extinction? Before the Hornbill is completely extinct from our lands, some decisive decisions have to be made at all levels, followed-up by concrete scientific methods of protecting the Hornbill.
Science has clearly shown the profound role the Hornbill assumes in the conservation of the tropical forest. It contributes immensely in the process of reproductive ecology. In some Southeast Asian countries, deliberate policies have been introduced to ensure that forestation campaigns simultaneously involve the protection of the Hornbill. It is said that if you protect the Hornbill, you save the forest. Perhaps the depleting tropical forest and the absence of the Hornbill on the blue mountains of the Naga Hills are grave warning signs of our rapidly deteriorating eco-system.
In this day and age, when issues of deforestation and global warming have become a universal predicament, we must understand that for us to save our forest, it may have to begin with protecting the Hornbill, a bird, that is almost synonymous to the Naga identity, and yet a relationship, that we have not only violated, but abused to the extent of causing its near extinction. This relationship best illustrates the selfishness nature of our being. Yes, Nagas have always taken pride in values of sharing and respecting; but it is beyond the shadow of doubt, that in this case, the core of our self-centeredness has come to the forefront.
If the Great Hornbill is to continue being an important and vibrant extension of Naga life, we have no other options but to take strong remedial measures that would ensure that it does not become extinct. If we are to ignore the call to protect this majestic bird, then, it won’t be long, before our relationship with the Hornbill is relinquished to story books and mythology. It would be tragic if such a thing were to come to pass. Let us not forget that the Great Hornbill has give us stature and distinct color to our identity; and it would only be fair, that we commit ourselves to protecting the Hornbill, without whom our forests are also doomed. Let us hurry, before it’s too late!
