Rare Sighting: Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant Photographed in Shirui Village

Ukhrul, May 2: Just ahead of the much-anticipated Shirui Lily Festival, a landmark moment in wildlife conservation has unfolded in Ukhrul district. Enfogal Project Director Patrick Shangh, in collaboration with Tangkhul Naga wildlife photographer SC Horzak Zimik, has achieved the first-ever photographic documentation of the elusive and majestic Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) in Shirui village.

The bird was first sighted on April 26, the second day of the “Hike and Camp at Shirui” event, a conservation-driven birdwatching and eco-tourism initiative co-organized by Enfogal and the Ukhrul Forest Division. However, it wasn’t until May 1, after six days of relentless trekking, tracking, and patient observation, that the perfect shot was finally captured by Zimik. The bird first appeared in the early morning, allowing for a few brief frames. But it was in the stillness of night, under the oak canopy, that Zimik secured the defining image—a crisp and intimate portrait of the bird in its natural setting.

With this, SC Horzak Zimik becomes the first Tangkhul Naga wildlife photographer to photograph Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant in the wild, a proud milestone not only for the Tangkhul community but for Manipur’s entire conservation movement.

“This wasn’t just a photo, it was a journey. Six days in the wild, driven by hope and instinct,” said Zimik. “The moment the shutter clicked on May 1, I knew we had captured more than just an image—we had captured a story.”

The breakthrough is a landmark victory for Enfogal, the only NGO in Ukhrul district exclusively committed to wildlife conservation. Leading this effort is Patrick Shangh, a passionate field naturalist who has dedicated seven years to studying and protecting the wild biodiversity of Ukhrul. He has identified over 200 bird species in the district and pioneered numerous initiatives such as birdwatching, nature camps, treks, and camera trap projects that showcase the hidden wealth of local fauna.

“We’ve always believed that Ukhrul’s forests have secrets waiting to be discovered,” said Shangh. “Even without major funding, we’ve stayed committed to our mission—and this sighting validates every step we’ve taken.”

Looking ahead, Enfogal is now preparing to launch its next bold conservation focus: Blyth’s Tragopan, another rare bird with known habitats in Shirui village. “The momentum is with us,” Patrick added. “And we’re just getting started.”

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The success of this mission was made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the Shirui villagers, who have upheld a hunting ban for the past three years and consistently champion awareness and conservation. Special gratitude goes to expert spotter Pamreithing Luireiwo, the two village headmen of Shirui for granting permissions and support, and the Ukhrul Divisional Forest Officer for her continual encouragement.

Although Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant holds the title of Manipur’s state bird, it has received significantly less conservation attention compared to icons like the Shirui Lily and the Sangai. Its populations remain threatened by habitat destruction, forest fires, illegal hunting, and a lack of awareness—especially in neighboring areas.

However, villages like Razai Khullen and Jessami are proving to be sanctuaries for the species, offering shining examples of how community-driven conservation can succeed where official policies often fall short. Jessami, in particular, stands as a grassroots model of what village-led protection looks like in action.

As the Shirui Lily Festival draws thousands to the scenic hills, this remarkable photographic feat stands as a timely reminder: the real beauty of Shirui lies not just in its flowers, but in its forests, its wildlife, and the people who choose to protect them. Through the lens of a determined photographer and the passion of a conservationist, a new chapter of Shirui’s wild legacy has begun.