Dimapur: With thousands of Amur Falcons arriving in Nagaland for their annual migration, the Doyang Wildlife Division of the state forest department on Wednesday reiterated the strict prohibition on hunting, trapping and trading wild animals and birds under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The birds are beginning to arrive in large numbers, particularly in Pangti village in Wokha district, after their migratory journey from regions including South Africa, Somalia and Kenya.
In an official directive, the wildlife division emphasised that Amur Falcons are a protected migratory species and that any attempt to hunt, trap, kill or sell them is prohibited under the law.
According to the order, violations involving the hunting, trapping, killing or trade of Amur Falcons can attract punishment under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The penalties may include rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both.
The wildlife warden warned that legal action would be initiated against any individual or group found violating the directive.
The order applies to areas under the jurisdiction of the Doyang Wildlife Division, covering Wokha, Mokokchung and Zunheboto districts. It urged residents and other concerned parties to comply with the restrictions to protect the migratory birds and conserve local wildlife populations.
The department also reiterated that offenders would be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, underscoring the importance of protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance in the region.
Nagaland adopted the Wildlife (Protection) Act on December 18, 1981, making the hunting of protected wild animals and birds illegal within the state’s jurisdiction. Exceptions are limited to species legally classified as vermin or cases specifically permitted under the Act.
The annual arrival of Amur Falcons makes wildlife protection particularly important during the migratory season, when the birds gather in large numbers at their traditional roosting sites across Nagaland.