Satellite-tagged Amur Falcons Apapang and Alang returned to Tamenglong on October 22 after completing their annual migration, the Forest Division said.
Imphal, Oct. 23: Two satellite-tagged Amur Falcons, named Apapang and Alang, returned to Tamenglong district of Manipur on October 22 after completing a full annual migratory cycle, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to study and conserve the migratory birds.
According to a press release issued by the Tamenglong Forest Division on October 23, the return of the two birds demonstrates the value of satellite tracking, scientific research and community participation in understanding and protecting the species.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Amit Kaler, an Indian Forest Service officer, welcomed the birds' return and said the progress of the Amur Falcon Conservation Project reflected the results that could be achieved through cooperation among scientific institutions, the Forest Department, civil society organisations and local communities.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav also referred to the birds' return in a social media post on October 23. The two falcons are expected to remain in Tamenglong for two to three weeks before continuing their migration, according to the Forest Division's statement.
The birds' tracked journey is expected to provide further information about their movements across Africa and Asia. Their migration takes them through 23 countries, the statement said.
The Forest Division also acknowledged the contribution of Dr Suresh Kumar, a scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, for his role in advancing scientific understanding and conservation of the species. Former officers and staff of the Tamenglong Forest Division were recognised for laying the groundwork for the conservation programme through their earlier initiatives.
Rainforest Club Tamenglong, other civil society organisations, and village authorities and residents of Chiuluan, Khangchiuluan, Guangram, Puching, Matung and Phalong were also appreciated for their support. Their involvement in awareness campaigns and community-level conservation activities has helped strengthen local participation in wildlife protection.
The Amur Falcon is a small bird of prey that breeds in eastern Asia and migrates to southern Africa, passing through India during its annual journey. It undertakes an extensive transcontinental migration, including a journey across the ocean.
The species feeds mainly on insects, including locusts, termites and other flying insects, helping regulate insect populations and maintain ecological balance.
Satellite tracking provides researchers with information about the birds' migratory routes, movement patterns and seasonal use of habitats. Such data can help conservation managers identify important stopover sites and improve measures to protect the species across its migratory range.
The return of Apapang and Alang is therefore significant not only for Tamenglong but also for research into the movements of migratory birds across international boundaries.
The DFO described the two falcons as ambassadors of the region's biodiversity and symbols of community participation in conservation. The Forest Division said the species had become an important part of Tamenglong's natural heritage and reflected Manipur's role in protecting wildlife of international significance.
The press release stated that the Amur Falcon is protected under Schedule I, Part B, of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended.
The DFO warned that hunting, trapping, capturing, killing, possessing or trading the birds in violation of the law could attract penalties under the applicable provisions of the Act, including Section 51.
The Forest Division urged hunters, traders and other stakeholders to comply with wildlife protection laws and cooperate with authorities to prevent illegal activities threatening the species.
The Tamenglong Forest Division appealed to village authorities, civil society organisations, student bodies, youth clubs, educational institutions, security agencies, conservation organisations and members of the public to renew their commitment to protecting the Amur Falcon.
The division said it would continue working with scientific institutions, local communities and other stakeholders to strengthen monitoring, awareness programmes, habitat protection and enforcement.
The return of Apapang and Alang comes as the conservation programme continues to combine scientific research with local participation to protect the migratory birds during their stay in Tamenglong.
