Bugun Liocichla

 

Name: Bugun Liocichla
Scientific name: Liocichla bugunorum
Range:  Area around Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Discovered by: Ramana Athreya & Indi Glow.
Date announced:12th Sep, 2006

© Ramana Athreya

"The Bugun Liocichla ( Liocichla bugunorum) was discovered near Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India by Ramana Athreya. A series of observations in 2005 and 2006 confirmed its taxonomic status as a species new to science. The last new species discovered in mainland India was in 1948, also in Arunachal Pradesh, – the Rusty-throated "Mishmi" Wren-Babbler.

The Bugun Liocichla was discovered during the Eaglenest Biodiversity Project initiated by Ramana Athreya in partnership with Mr. Indi Glow of the Bugun tribe, who live on the periphery of Eaglenest. The goal of the project is to put the long-term conservation of Eaglenest on a firmer footing by co-opting the local communities into the effort.  

The paper describing the new species may be downloaded from http://www.indianbirds.in/. 
More details of the Eaglenest Project, and ways in which naturalists can contribute to it, may be had from Ramana Athreya: ramana.athreya@gmail.com and rathreya@ncra.tifr.res.in."
Text and image: Ramana Athreya, Pune. India.

More about liocichlas'

 

Red-faced Liocichla
 Liocichla phoenicea
Before we begin, let's get the tough bit out of the way  - how on earth do you pronounce "liocichla"? 
The answer seems to have a Latin flavour and points at "lee-o-sick-la". Don't take my word for it though, especially if Latin is not your strong point. I personally, prefer "lee-o-chik-la"- but that seems to be the minority view!

Liocichlas are usually treated as laughingthrushes and are often treated as a sub-family of Sylviidae, though some treat them under the Timaliini sub-family. Further DNA study will determine whether liocichlas can continue to be treated as members of sub family Garrulacinae. Liocichlas are distributed from Nepal in the west to Taiwan in the east. There were only 3 liocichla species till yesterday, and Ramana's discovery adds the fourth.

Liocichlas are taxonomically arranged thus:

  • Family Sylviidae
    • Sub Family Garrulacinae – Laughingthrushes, liocichlas & hwamei
      • Genus: Liocichla
        • Liocichla phoenicea  Red-faced Liocichla
        • Liocichla steerii  Steere's Liocichla
        • Liocichla omeiensis  Omei Shan Liocichla
        • Liocichla bugunorum Bugun Liocichla

Red-faced Liocichla is the only other liocichla species found in India. This medium size (23cm) bird inhabits undergrowth and thickets in the Himalaya and NE India. The range extends to SE Asia.

Steere's Liocichla is a Taiwanese endemic. This 18-19cm bird can be found in the montane forest of Taiwan.

Omei Shan Liocichla is found only in in central Szechwan district of China. This 17cm forest bird is endangered. The new Bugun liocichla bears a close resemblance to this species.

 

 

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