In a heartwarming annual event, the migratory Amur
falcon has begun arriving in Nagaland, and the Forest department, jointly with many
NGOs and bird lovers, has made all efforts to protect and provide support to
the seasonal winged guests.
These majestic birds, locally known as ‘Molulem’,
embark on an incredible long-distance journey, travelling up to 22,000 km in a
single year, all the way from eastern Asia to South Africa and back during
early autumn.
Similarly, forest officials and animal lovers of
Zeliangrong Naga-dominated Tamenglong district in Manipur, are also gearing up
to protect the Amur falcons, with the district administration putting a ban on
hunting, catching, killing and selling of the migratory birds besides
prohibiting the use of air guns during the raptors’ roosting period.
The Amur falcons are locally known in Manipur as ‘Akhuaipuina’.
A Nagaland Forest official said the State serves as a
crucial stopover for these birds for rest and refuelling for a duration of
three to four weeks during winter.
Their presence holds immense ecological importance, as
they naturally regulate pest populations and participate in vital pollination
activities, he said.
The dedicated efforts of both the State Government and
the public have significantly contributed to providing a secure passage to
these avian species over the years.
As a result, Nagaland has proudly earned the
well-deserved title of ‘Amur Falcon capital of the world’, said an official.
The Amur falcon has been granted legal protection
under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Hunting these birds or possessing
their meat is a serious criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment for up to
three years under the provisions of the Act.
Wildlife experts said the long-distance migratory
birds usually arrive in Manipur, Nagaland and Assam in mid-October from their
breeding grounds in South Eastern Siberia and Northern China.
After a stop-over in Nagaland, Manipur and a few other
northeastern States for around a month, the falcons fly towards Southern and
Eastern parts of Africa and roost a short time before moving towards their
breeding grounds.
Nagas and other tribals, known for their love for
meat, had for decades considered these birds as ‘god-sent’ when they had first
arrived in 2012.
Thousands of birds were caught and consumed every year
before 2012, but massive efforts involving villagers to protect the migratory
birds in Nagaland have resulted in near-zero casualties since 2013.
IANS
