Cachar Bulbul Iole cacharensis Scientific name definitions

The Cachar Bulbul is an inconspicuous drab olive bulbul, and was first described in 1948 as a subspecies of Olive Bulbul (Iole viridescens). Following a detailed phylogeographic study and analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data (1 Manawatthana, S., P. Laosinchai, N. Onparn, W. Y. Brockelman, and P. D. Round (2017). Phylogeography of bulbuls in the genus Iole (Aves: Pycnonotidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 120:931–944. Close ), it was designated as a full species. Its appearance and vocalization are similar to other species in the genus Iole, but its geographic distribution is distinct, occurring in adjoining parts of southern Bangladesh and the Barak River valley of northeast India, with another population in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya (India).

Across its distribution, Cachar Bulbul inhabits moist broadleaf evergreen forest, semi-evergreen forest, and tall secondary growth, often with a dense shrub layer or dense growth of vines. It is commonly found foraging for food or calling from sub-canopy perches. It takes baths at edges of forest streams and water-bodies, preening and shaking off water from perches close to the ground.

Physical details, including measurements, have been described in detail by earlier researchers using museum specimens. No marked differences have been noted across its geographical distribution. Details of nesting, eggs, and breeding have also been described by historical researchers, though there has been little recent research. Ecotourism, however, has increased the interest in documenting this species, especially since it is relatively uncommon and locally endemic. Photographs, audio, and video recordings have provided additional information on behavior and details of preferred fruit- and nectar-bearing plant species.

Although classified as a species of "Least Concern" in the ICUN Red List 2019 and under Schedule IV of India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the "State of India's Birds" report in 2020, the first comprehensive assessment of bird species found in India, classified Cachar Bulbul as a species of high concern (2 SoIB (2020). State of India’s Birds factsheet: Indian Olive Bulbul Iole cacharensi https://www.stateofindiasbirds.in/species/cacbul1/. Accessed on 2022-02-12 Close ). Deforestation could pose a threat in the future, but interest due to ecotourism could lead to forest protection by local communities whose livelihood will be affected if the species disappears.