The uncommon and endangered Blyth’s kingfisher was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Tiger Reserve by Ohey Tayem, a former government teacher who is now a wildlife conservationist. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and international wildlife enthusiasts praised him for his commitment to preserving the area’s abundant biodiversity. Tayem began his wildlife career as a tour guide in 2011 before switching from teaching to conservation. In 2018, after spending three years of his life conducting significant investigation, he was able to successfully document the rare Blyth’s kingfisher.
Through this extraordinary finding, Tayem gained recognition on a global scale and was inducted into the India Book of Records in 2020. Tayem has also made a substantial contribution to the preservation of other endangered species, such as the rufous-vented laughing thrush. He also took part in the adoption program for hornbills at the Pakke Tiger Reserve, where his group was honored with the 2014 Sanctuary-Asia Award. On November 16, Tayem will receive the ‘Achiever’s Award’ from the Arunachal Press Club and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists in appreciation of his outstanding conservation work.
