Dibang Valley is a global bird biodiversty hotspot. Yet it is experienceing rapid change driven by climate shifts, infrastructure expansion, growing tourism, changing forest cover and a transition from traditional jhoom cultivation to permanent horticulture. These landscape changes are likely influencing bird communities and their habitats, but remain poorly documented.

We are conducting systematic bird surveys across the Dri and Mathu valleys to understand how bird diversity and abundance are changing with increasing human movement, infrastructure construction, and climate change. All observations are entered into eBird, contributing to both regional and global databases.

Our Goals

• Establish a long-term bird monitoring programme for the Dibang Valley

• Document how bird communities respond to land-use and climate changes

• Generate baseline information to support community-led conservation planning

About Community-led Research and Conservation

Our beautiful homeland is home to a stunning diversity of plants and animals. They are part of our culture and identity. Our ancestors have lived with them. The Dibang team combines scientific techniques with Idu knowledge to document new information on Dibang Valley’s biodiversity. 

Before starting any research, we always get Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the traditional landowners. They are the true custodians of the knowledge we gather and also own the information. The community decides how to care for their land and biodiversity through Idu cultural traditions, while also creating opportunities for work and income.

About Dibang Team 

The Dibang Team is a collective of Idu Mishmi people from the twin districts of the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India. We have been working to conserve the region’s bio-cultural diversity while creating sustainable livelihoods. We combine Western science with Idu knowledge, culture, and spirituality to strengthen our cultural and traditional institutions, ensuring that the region’s biocultural diversity continues to thrive for generations.