Manipur to conduct first-ever census of Amur Falcons in the state

• Image Credit: Google

• Oct 14, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Manipur forest department has announced plans to undertake a groundbreaking head count of Amur falcons in the Tamenglong district...

Digital Desk: The Manipur forest department has announced plans to undertake a groundbreaking head count of Amur falcons in the Tamenglong district, marking a significant step in the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these remarkable migratory birds. This endeavor is part of a series of initiatives orchestrated by the state forest department to safeguard and preserve the falcon family, which has long found respite in the heart of Manipur.

Locally known as "Akhuaipuina," approximately 30 Amur falcons have already descended upon Tamenglong district, heralding the annual migration of these awe-inspiring creatures. Each year, typically in mid-October, Amur falcons embark on an arduous journey covering a staggering 20,000 kilometers from their breeding grounds in Northern China and South Eastern Siberia, finally arriving in the northeastern states of Manipur and Nagaland.

After over a month of respite in the Tamenglong district, the Amur falcons continue their odyssey, venturing towards the southern and eastern regions of Africa, where they temporarily congregate before returning to their breeding grounds, as revealed in a press release from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur.

To ensure an accurate census of these magnificent birds, the forest department has enlisted the assistance of a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) from the state. The headcount will take place once the birds have completely settled in Tamenglong, with variations in their numbers recorded from one roosting site to another, explained Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Tamenglong, Amandeep.

"At some point in time, over 5,000 Amur falcons have been observed roosting, while other roosting sites have witnessed more than 50,000 of these birds," added the DFO. Once the census is complete, the data collected will be pivotal in furthering their conservation efforts.

In addition to the forest department's involvement, the Rainforest Club Tamenglong (RCT), a local group of animal enthusiasts, is gearing up to launch an array of programs aimed at raising awareness among villagers about the importance of protecting and cherishing their avian guests during their stay in the state.

In a significant stride towards conservation, the Tamenglong district administration recently issued a week-long ban on hunting, capturing, killing, and selling Amur falcons, along with the use of airguns during the raptors' roosting period. Following suit, the Noney district administration also enacted similar measures on Friday.

The first-ever head count of Amur falcons in Tamenglong district symbolizes Manipur's dedication to the preservation of these marvelous creatures and sets the stage for a promising future for both the birds and the state's conservation efforts.