Amur falcons return to roosting site in Longleng

Dimapur, Nov. 3 (EMN): Multitude of Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) are reported to have returned to its favoured roosting site at the Yaongyimchen Community Biodiversity Conservation area in Longleng district.

It was reported that the falcons called as “Tuma Loih” in the local dialect of Yaongyimchen started arriving in batches since October second week. As of the latest data collected, the falcons are gradually increasing every day and the numbers are more this year.

An update from Dr. Lima and Buten Henmei, coordinating for Lemsachenlok Society, stated that since 2010 the society of three villages namely Yaongyimchen, Alayong, and Sanglu have been initiating the biodiversity conservation by setting aside a huge forest area as community biodiversity conservation area.

“Conservation here is a very unique initiative because the community took a surrendering initiative by shifting their regular jhum fields to different locations in order to provide a conducive ecosystem for the Amur falcons which comes all the way from Mongolia, feed on flying termites and other insects as they energise their strength before they take 5 days and 5 nights continuous flight down to South Africa for the winter,” the statement read.

It added that the entire community consisting of Yaongyimchen, Alayong, and Sanglu village enthusiastically kicked off its preparation for the Amur falcon homecoming beginning from the month of October. It stated that volunteers are keeping a vigil in and around the entire village jurisdiction, while the womenfolk are engaged in cleaning the surroundings and the menfolk in making renovations and construction of watchtowers.

It pointed out that Amur falcon is protected under The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and The Convention on Migratory Species. It is also listed on Appendix II of CITES.

Thus, based on the act and also the resolution adopted by the citizens in 2010, it stated that the village councils, in its joint meeting on November 2, 2020, reaffirmed to protect the falcons during their short stay and also prohibit any activities that would harm the ecosystem especially the Amur falcons within its jurisdiction.

The joint meeting also resolved to undertake patrolling within the entire village jurisdiction especially the roosting site of the community. It further resolved to take punitive action against anyone caught indulging in the act of disturbing the biodiversity especially the Amur falcons.