Thousands Of Amur Falcons, The Longest Travelling Raptors, Have Arrived In Nagaland
Another annual migration season of birds from across the globe is underway in India's northeast as thousands of Amur falcons have been flocking to the Amur Falcon Roosting Area Union (AFRAU) in Pangti village of Wokha district of Nagaland.
According to a statement issued by AFRAU President P Thungchumo Shidio, a group of migrated Amur Falcons was seen coming to their roosting site on Saturday in the evening.
He informed that viewing from the main watchtower at Tzuza Eryu, the falcons were seen flying in the sky and the best time to witness the roosting of Amur Falcons is from October 15 to 20.?
¡°The group of falcons was seen coming to their roosting site during the evening, where a large number of falcons could be seen hovering in the sky as the sun began to set,¡± he said in a press release.?
Amur Falcons breed in Southeast Russia and northern China, thereby migrating to the west through India and across the Arabian Sea to southern Africa where they spend their winters, making a round-trip of at least 20,000 km every year, travelling between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Amur Falcons are also the longest travelling raptors in the world.
Locally known as Akhuaipuina, Amur falcons, are a protected species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
Considered as a great spectacle by wildlife enthusiasts, these birds cover one of the longest migration routes.
Some of the birds also roost in Manipur¡¯s Tamenglong district and some parts of Assam.
However, their biggest roosting place remains Pangti village, where the villagers until recently used to hunt them for their flesh.?
But nearly a decade ago the village launched an effort to conserve the species and end the hunt.
Today the annual migration season of the falcons is also the time the village sees a large footfall of tourists and bird enthusiasts.
Earlier this month, after a ga of two years the AFRAU Pangti was reopened for visitors during the migration.
In 2019 and 2020, AFRAU and Pangti Village Council restricted visitors during the migration season due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
This year, visitors have to follow COVID-19 protocols and there would be only one entry point, while entry by boat/motorboat from Doyang dam would be strictly restricted.?
Also, hunting materials and crackers have been strictly prohibited within the demarcated area and every vehicle movement between Raphapen and roosting area will be strictly restricted from 4 pm to 5 p.m. While two wheelers, four wheelers and motorboats causing noise would be strictly restricted between 4 p.m. and 6 a.m.
For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.
