Shiti Village in Yingjiang County--Hornbill Birding Paraise

English Name: Shiti Village
Chinese Name: 盈江县太平镇石梯村

Shiti Village, located in Taiping Town of Yingjiang County in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, west Yunnan, has gained prominence as a bird-watching destination due to its remarkable biodiversity and rich avian fauna. With over 90 percent forest coverage, the village has become a haven for a diverse array of wild animal and plant species, making it an ideal habitat for various bird species.

Features:

1. Bird-Watching Destination: Shiti Village is renowned for its abundance of birdlife, attracting birdwatching enthusiasts from far and wide. Visitors can experience the melodious songs of birds, especially during the summer months, and have the opportunity to encounter rare and precious bird species such as the hornbill, treeswifts, freater flameback, and more.
2. Experienced Birding Guides: He Zhengzhong, a young man from the Jingpo ethnic group and a native of Shiti Village, has emerged as one of the best birding tour guides in the region. With his expertise and knowledge of the local avifauna, he leads groups of birding enthusiasts and nature photographers on captivating birdwatching expeditions.
3. Rich Avian Diversity: Shiti Village boasts an impressive diversity of bird species, with over 400 recorded species inhabiting the area. Rare birds including the forest eagle owl and the grey peacock-pheasant can be spotted amidst the lush forests surrounding the village.
4. Emergence of Birding Economy: The protection of the local environment has led to the flourishing of the "birding economy" in Shiti Village. Villagers have transitioned from traditional hunting-gathering activities to conservation efforts, resulting in the attraction of more wild bird species and the creation of new economic opportunities such as catering, accommodation, and tour guide services.
5. Community Conservation Efforts: Villagers in Shiti are actively involved in protecting and conserving wild bird species and their habitats. They conduct regular patrols in the forests to prevent poaching and illegal activities that may harm bird populations, demonstrating a commitment to coexisting harmoniously with nature.
6. Improved Livelihoods: The influx of tourists drawn to Shiti Village for birdwatching has significantly improved the livelihoods of local residents. The village has seen a substantial increase in tourist numbers, leading to a rise in average income per capita and the development of various tourism-related services.

Shiti Village stands as a shining example of the positive impact of community-led conservation efforts on both biodiversity conservation and economic development. With its rich avian diversity and commitment to environmental stewardship, Shiti Village continues to thrive as a premier destination for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Chinese Version:
http://www.dhyj.gov.cn/Web/_F0_0_5B3V5P376D40A709EAA1467BAC.htm