Kohima: Amur Falcon, the longest-flying migratory bird, has started arriving in Nagaland, Wildlife officials said.
These majestic birds traverse up to 22,000 kilometers in a single year from eastern Asia to South Africa and back during early autumn.
Amur falcons (Falco amurensis) are swift, agile, and little larger than the common blue rock pigeon. These migratory birds will stay in Nagaland till the end of November.
“Nagaland serves as a crucial stopover for these remarkable creatures, where they congregate up to 100,000 individuals, to rest and refuel for a duration of 3 to 4 weeks. Ecologically they naturally regulate pest populations and take part in vital pollination activities,” a wildlife official said.
The Forest department has appealed to all concerned citizens to protect the Amur Falcon by refraining from hunting, ensuring their safe passage through their region.
“Nagaland has proudly earned the well-deserved title of the ‘Amur Falcon capital of the world’ due to efforts of both the State government and the public,” the official said.
The Amur Falcon is granted legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. According to this Act, the Amur Falcon (Falco Amurensis) is classified as a protected species and listed in the law’s schedule IV.
“It is imperative to understand that hunting these birds or possessing their meat is a serious criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years under the provisions of the Act,” the wildlife official added.
