Clarion call for protection of migratory Amur falcons

DIPR Wokha, September 25 Annual migration of Amur Falcon to the district is expected from the last week of September 2014 and that Wokha district has received due recognition and appreciation from both National and International agencies and organization for the effort put forth especially by the local people for their protection and conservation in the past. And in continuation with good effort put forth in the past by the villagers of Doyang catchment area (the roosting area) a reminder to this effect is hereby issued for undertaking necessary measures by the villages of the Doyang catchment area for the protection and conservation of the migratory birds.The village council chairman, VCMS and GBs of all the villages in the catchment area of the DHEP are directed to take immediate steps/measures (including imposition of fines and reporting to the concerned authority) to prevent hunting, trapping and sale of Amur Falcons within their respective jurisdiction. All the Village Councils of the mentioned area are also directed to conduct general meetings in their respective villages for wide publicity and awareness. Violation of this order by any village council will invite appropriate necessary action from the government including non-release of developmental funds. Campaign for safe passage to Amur falcons In a campaign to welcome, protect and provide a safe passage to the Amur Falcons in the State, the Forest Department of Nagaland has appealed the public, government officials, village councils, GBs, army and paramilitary, NGOs, students and people from different sectors of the society to provide a safe passage to the migratory birds which are expected to arrive very soon during their migration from Mongolia, Siberia Northern China and Japan. The Amur Falcons are expected to stay on till November 2014. The synergetic effort of the people of Nagaland protected and provided safe passage of the visiting Amur Falcons in 2013 in the State and has brought laurels, both nationally and internationally. M/s Silver Back Films Ltd. U.K., an internationally reputed firm has sought permission from the Government of Nagaland through the Government of India for Filming on Amur Falcons and showing efforts of protection of the bird by the people of Nagaland to the world. The Chief Wildlife Warden of Nagaland, Satya Prakash Tripathi said that India is a signatory of International Convention on Conservation of Migratory Wildlife Species and therefore we are bound to protect and provide safe passage to any migratory bird passing through Nagaland. The Department also states that the Amur Falcon is protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. 1972 wherein the trapping, killing and selling of Amur Falcons is a criminal offence punishable with three years rigorous imprisonment or with  25,000/- fine or both under Section 51 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Government of Nagaland has also decided to divert development funds of village for environment protection, in case of killing of the bird in their respective village. In case of observation of wildlife crime/illegal trade, the following officers may please be informed. 1.    Satya Prakash Tripathi, Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland – 9402489682. 2.    Kocha Meyase, CF (Wildlife & Biodiversity) – 9436002448 3.    Kamdi Bhaskar Hemant, Wildlife Warden, Kiphire (Phek, Longleng, Kiphire, Tuensang, Mon Districts) – 9436211735 4.    Zhotoho Angami, Wildlife Warden, Dimapur [Kohima, Dimapur, Peren, Wokha, Zunheboto, Mokokchung Districts] – 9436005530 5.    Ailong Phom, Officer-in-charge, Wildlife Crime Control Branch, Nagaland – 9862128648.