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“For birds have sung, why not listen”

As a part of a humble and fitting tribute to the celebration of Royal Wedding of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and the Royal Bride Jetsun Pema, Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE) released “Bird Songs of Bhutan” today.

Gracing the launch this morning the Hon’ble Minister for Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, His Excellency, Lyonpo (Dr.) Pema Gyamtsho said, “this is an appropriate tribute to celebrate the Royal Wedding.” Hon’ble Lyonpo added that it will inspire students to listen and respond to the calls of nature. He hoped that such initiative help the young leaders of the Country become biologist, bird watchers and lovers, who in future work as conservationist and professionals.

“Birds have sung for eons. This digital publication of “Bird Songs of Bhutan” which is the result of 11 years of recording from all corners of Bhutan will enable their songs to become immortal,” states the short synopsis that comes with the DVD.

The calls are digitized from lowest habitats in Royal Manas National Park to the highest of snow-covered mountains of Wangcuck centennial Park. The DVD contains 396 different calls formatted within subjective call categories of piping, brood, normal, courtship, territorial, forage, mimicry, threat, somatic and homoaviacoustic which is 60% of the total birds in Bhutan.

With such attempt, people interested to know birds by their unique calls are made easier since it educates people that birds, as primary means of communication produces diverse calls. It is also hoped that such contribution will enhance appreciation of Bhutan’s incredible diverse birdlife which is a natural heritage worth living in harmony with. “The melodies that birds produce are one of the nature’s greatest mysteries. The beauty and timelessness of the songs reminds us of our humanity.” It reads.

Initiated by Mr. Sherub of UWICE, the production of digital acoustic of bird songs was funded by the Bhutan – India Foundation. The launch was attended by Hon’ble Secretary of Ministry of Education, India – Bhutan Foundation Secretariat, Directors and heads of various departments and agencies from MoAF and agencies from other Ministries.

One thousand copies of DVDs will be distributed to the schools and educational institutions in the country.

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