Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 20
THE successful efforts in conservation of Amur Falcons in 2013 have placed Nagaland before the world map as one of the best conservation example ever set for any wildlife species.
Stating this today, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) M Lokeshwara Rao has urged the Nagas not to stop from here but to create more awareness for conserving the Amur Falcons when they are here in Nagaland for a ‘very short’ period. “I would say the effort rendered by the Nagas to conserve this species is one of the best conservation examples in the world. The State Forests department with the support from NGOs such as Nagaland Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Trust, who has initiated an ongoing nature education programme under the banner Friends of Amur Falcon, Natural Nagas and Wildlife Trust of India have done a commendable job,” said Lokeshwara during a commendation certificate distribution programme held at Forests Office Complex, Dimapur.
“The world will hear the successful story in the effort rendered by the Nagas for conserving the Amur Falcons,” he said adding that the three birds namely Naga, Pangti and Wokha, which were tagged with satellite, are now in South Africa. He added that the efforts towards this conservation could be termed as one of greatest achievements by the Nagas before the world to see.
The PCCF also strongly acknowledged the sacrifice made by the villagers whom he termed as the real heroes.
“Towards conservation of the Amur Falcons, the villagers are the real heroes as they sacrificed their livelihood for a better future. Thanks for your cooperation in making this venture a success,” he said while assuring that his department will try its best to derive more funds to look into the needs of the villagers for making the sacrifice. “We will look into the modalities to see how best we can help the villagers,” he said. Lokeshwara also said there is lots of future in Nagaland for the world to know and further emphasized the need to educate the public towards this venture while also stressing on conservation of any wildlife species in the State.
Additional Chief Conservator of Forests I Panger, while extending his appreciation for the efforts rendered in conserving the species, urged all concerned not to shy away their responsibilities in saving the Amur Falcons.
“It’s our responsibility to save the Amur Falcons when they are here in Nagaland,” he stressed while expressing happiness that the awareness of conserving wildlife species is starting to grow here in the State.
Also speaking at the occasion, Chief Wildlife Warden T Lotha said the perception of conservation of the Amur Falcons has drastically changed since last year.
Apart from his appreciation to the people and all concerned NGOs, Lotha also thanked the State government for the political will towards this venture.
He further appealed to the authority concerned to address the livelihood of the villagers for whose sacrifice this was largely made possible.
On the day, the Forests department handed over meritorious service certificate to forests personnel, NGOs and villagers for their efforts towards conservation of the Amur Falcons.
