CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a remarkable discovery that has thrilled bird enthusiasts and wildlife researchers, the elusive Pale-capped Pigeon has been recently photographed in the Dehing Patkai National Park, located in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. The sighting of this rare species underlines the ecological richness of the park and reinforces its importance as a biodiversity hotspot.
About Pale-Capped Pigeon
The Pale-capped Pigeon (Columba punicea), also referred to as the Purple Wood Pigeon, is a large and relatively rare forest-dwelling pigeon known for its striking appearance and limited distribution.
Scientific Classification:
Scientific Name: Columba punicea
Common Names: Pale-capped Pigeon, Purple Wood Pigeon
Physical Characteristics:
This bird features a dark purplish-maroon plumage, with a brown back and chestnut underparts, often displaying a metallic green or amethyst sheen.
Males are distinguishable by their pale greyish-white cap, while females have a duller, brownish-grey crown with less iridescence on their body feathers.
They are usually seen foraging in small flocks in tree canopies and occasionally descend to the ground to feed on fallen fruits and seeds.
Natural Habitat and Range:
The species inhabits evergreen forests, including both primary and secondary growth, as well as bamboo groves and agricultural lands near forested regions.
Its altitudinal range extends from lowland areas up to elevations of about 1,600 meters.
Geographically, the Pale-capped Pigeon is sparsely distributed across parts of northern and northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Diet:
They are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, but they also consume seeds.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
The population of this bird is in decline due to habitat loss, deforestation, and human disturbances.
Dehing Patkai National Park: A Biodiversity Treasure Trove
The Dehing Patkai National Park, often described as the “Amazon of the East”, is a vital ecological zone in northeast India, harboring lush rainforests and remarkable wildlife diversity.
Location:
Spread across Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts in Assam.
Nestled at the base of the Patkai Hills, the park lies along the banks of the Dehing River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, and shares proximity with Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.
Area and Climate:
Covers approximately 231.65 square kilometers.
The region experiences a tropical climate with heavy rainfall exceeding 4,000 mm annually, which supports its dense vegetation.
Vegetation and Flora:
The park features a mix of tropical lowland rainforests, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forest types.
Dominant plant species include:
Hollong (Dipterocarpus retusus) the state tree of Assam
Nahor (Mesua ferrea)
Simul (Bombax ceiba)
Mekai (Shorea assamica)
A wide variety of orchids, ferns, bamboos, and canes
Fauna:
Dehing Patkai supports an astonishing array of animal life, including several endangered and endemic species:
Mammals: Royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, Asian elephant, Himalayan black bear, gaur (Indian bison), Chinese pangolin, barking deer, capped langur, pig-tailed macaque, slow loris, stump-tailed macaque.
Birds: Home to numerous avian species including hornbills, woodpeckers, and rare pigeons like the Pale-capped Pigeon.
Indigenous Communities:
The park is also home to several ethnic and tribal communities, including Tai Phake, Khamyang, Khampti, Singpho, Nocte, Ahom, Kaibarta, Moran, Motok, and Nepali settlers, who live in harmony with nature and contribute to the region’s cultural diversity.
Significance Of Sighting
The recent photograph of the Pale-capped Pigeon in Dehing Patkai is more than a scientific milestone—it is a testament to the ecological importance of the park. This sighting emphasizes the need for greater conservation efforts to protect habitats that support such vulnerable species.
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