DIMAPUR — With the arrival of Amur falcon in Nagaland, the divisional forest officer (DFO), Mokokchung, has appealed to all the citizens to protect and preserve the winged guests by refraining from hunting and ensuring their safe stay and passage.
“In a heart-warming annual event, the migratory Amur falcon (known as Molulem in the local dialect) has begun its arrival in Nagaland. These majestic birds embark on an incredible long-distance journey, traversing up to 22,000 kilometres in a single year, all the way from eastern Asia to South Africa and back during early autumn,” the DFO stated in an appeal.
The forest official informed that Nagaland serves as a crucial stopover for these small raptors, where they congregate in enormous flocks, sometimes numbering up to 100,000, to “rest and refuel” for three to four weeks.
“Their presence holds immense ecological importance, as they naturally regulate pest populations and participate in vital pollination activities,” it stated.
It went on to state that the dedicated efforts of both the state government and the public have significantly contributed to providing a secure passage for these avian travellers over the years.
As a result, Nagaland has earned the well-deserved title of the ‘Amur Falcon capital of the world,’ the department informed, while reminding that the Amur falcon is also granted legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
“According to this Act, the Amur Falcon (Falco Amurensis) is classified as a protected species and listed in the law’s schedule IV. It is imperative to understand that hunting these birds or possessing their meat is a serious criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment for up to three years under the provisions of the Act,” it added.
Meanwhile, the DFO also informed that some SBI officials on Thursday rescued an injured Amur falcon, which was handed over to the Forest department.
According to the DFO, the bank officials were en route to Mokokchung when they saw the wounded raptor on the roadside along NH-61 in Alichen area.
Also read: Amur falcons arrive early in Nagaland; number increases
