Imphal: Large flocks of Amur falcons, migrating from their breeding grounds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China, have started arriving in Tamenglong district of Manipur.
Amur falcons – locally known as Akhuaipuina – the world’s longest travelling raptors arrive in Manipur, particularly Tamenglong, and neighbouring Nagaland in mid-October every year after covering a distance of around 20,000 kilometres.
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Last year, these small raptors of the falcon family arrived in Tamenglong district in the second week of October.
To welcome and take multitasking measures to protect these winged guests, a workshop was held at the UBC Hall in Tamenglong district headquarters.
Key stakeholders, including villagers from the known roosting sites of Amur falcons, environmental activists, authorities of town areas and local community members took part in the workshop.
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The Manipur forest department in close coordination with the district administration and the Rainforest Club Tamenglong (RCT) – a local animal lovers’ unit – has been taking various steps focusing on the protection of Amur falcons.
Meanwhile, the respective district administrations have imposed a ban on trapping, killing and selling of the raptors.
Moreover, all the licensed air gun holders have been directed to deposit their guns at the concerned departments.
The forest department said the pigeon-sized raptors will roost in Manipur till November and leave the state and fly towards the southern and eastern parts of Africa.
The Amur falcons leave the region after having enough food for their non-stop flight to Africa and roost a short time before moving towards their breeding grounds.
They spend their summers at their breeding grounds.