Silchar, Aug. 31: Alarmed by the fast-depleting population of birds, the Mizoram government has decided to declare the Reiek and Tamdil evergreen forests in the state as sanctuaries. “This will help us focus better on preservation of birds in our state, both rare and common,” an official said.

A senior forest and environment department official said the government would place the proposal for Mizoram’s first bird sanctuaries before the Centre, which will then release the necessary funds.

Reiek and Tamdil, located 1,485 and 995 metres above sea level, boast of pristine evergreen forests which receive heavy rains for better part of the year. The climate is temperate, and makes for ideal wildlife tourism, the official said. “The climate is congenial for avian breeding, and hence the plethora of bird species to be found in these places,” he added.

He said once the necessary funds are received, various projects would be launched, including erection of fences, ecological conservation and construction of patrolling paths.

The state has more than 7,000 square km of notified forests that are home to rare and endangered species of birds.

An official survey found 15 rare species of birds in the state, including the Hume’s bar-tailed pheasant, white-checked hill partridge, great pied hornbill, large Indian parakeet, Slaty-headed parakeet and Blyth’s Tragopan. Worldwide population of Hume’s bar-headed phe-asant is around 700, of which the state has a substantial number. It is also Mizoram’s state bird.