A personal passion for wildlife conservation has transformed Teporchali Bam village in Assam’s Moran into a refuge for birds, particularly the endangered hornbill, with resident Bharat Bora dedicating the past 28 years to rescuing, treating and rehabilitating injured birds.
Whenever he receives information about an injured bird, Bora personally rushes to the location, rescues it and bears the full cost of its treatment. Over the years, he has provided medical care to more than 100 birds, including hornbills, owls and several other species, before releasing them back into their natural habitat after recovery.
His sustained efforts have earned the confidence of the Forest Department, with officials from the Khowang Regional Forest Office regularly entrusting rescued injured birds to him for treatment. He is currently caring for two injured hornbills recently handed over by the department.
Bora’s residence has also emerged as a popular destination for bird lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists from India and abroad, who visit to observe his conservation work and the rescued birds under his care.
With the support of a group of local youths, Bora has played a key role in creating a secure habitat for the endangered hornbill in the area. Their collective conservation efforts have gradually earned Teporchali Bam village the recognition of being known as the “Hornbill Village”, reflecting the community’s commitment to protecting one of Northeast India’s most iconic bird species.
