Imphal, Oct 19: With the arrival of Amur falcons (Falcon amurensis) – the world's longest travelling raptors – in small batches in Manipur, the Tamenglong district administration has ordered a total ban on hunting, catching, trapping, killing, injuring, possessing, transporting, selling or causing harm to Amur falcons.
In an order, Tamenglong District Magistrate Dr L Angshim Dangshawa has directed residents of 35 identified roosting and neighbouring villages to deposit their air guns with their respective village authorities by October 20. The deposited air guns will remain in safe custody till November 30 or further notice.
According to the order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the aim is to safeguard the birds during their roosting period. The Amur falcon, locally known as kahuaipuina or akhuaipuina, is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Meanwhile, the Tamenglong Forest Division is also planning a season-long programme of celebration, awareness and protection of Amur falcons during their stay at the roosting sites, in collaboration with the district administration, police, village authorities, schools, clubs, churches, and civil society.
The forest division is organising a cultural programme at Chiuluan village, which will be followed by an adventure safari for students to the roosting sites, an inter-club football tournament, half marathon, painting competitions for students, protection and awareness measures.
The Amur falcons arrive in many parts of the North East, including Tamenglong district, from the second week of October. They are likely to roost till the end of November.
In 2019, a five-member Wildlife Institute of India team led by Dr Suresh Kumar, had radio-tagged five Amur falcons, including two males, at Puching village and other areas with the support of the State Forest Department, district administration, Rainforest Club, Tamenglong, and local residents.
The radio-tagging programme of Amur falcons started in Manipur in 2018 as part of an initiative to conserve wildlife and study the route of these long-distance migratory birds and the environmental patterns along the route as India is a signatory to an international agreement on conservation of migratory birds of prey.