CHONGKHU

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Picture Courtesy: https://ebird.org/taiwan/species/bcnher/L2319930

Context: The discovery of a ringed juvenile black-crowned night heron, locally known as 'Chongkhu,' in Imphal, Manipur, which sustained injuries and later died, highlights the importance of international collaboration in wildlife conservation.

About Chongkhu

• Black-crowned night heron, locally known as ‘Chongkhu’ in Manipur, is a medium-sized species belonging to the heron family, found in various parts of the world, including Asia, North and South America, and Europe.
• They prefer freshwater wetlands like swamps, marshes, and rice paddies.
• They are mainly nocturnal birds, feeding on fish, frogs, insects, and other small animals. They are solitary hunters, using their sharp beaks to spear prey in shallow water.
• Some populations of black-crowned night herons are migratory, travelling long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. The specific heron in the article likely migrated from China to India.
• The global population of black-crowned night herons is considered stable, but they face threats like habitat loss, pollution, and hunting.
• IUCN status: Black-crowned night herons are classified as Least Concern due to their large and stable population, wide distribution, and adaptability to various habitats.