Falcon capital of the world: Nagaland witnesses more Amur falcons this year

Our Reporter

Dimapur, Oct. 29 (EMN): After witnessing a drop in the number of Amur falcons for two years, Pangti village, which earned Nagaland the moniker “Falcon capital of the world”, is said to be noticing a surge this year.

In an unusual move, the migratory bird had shifted its roosting site from Makvü Tongti and Tzüza Eryü at Pangti village to a location between Pangti and Aree villages,which is about 4 km away from the actual roosting site (Tzüza Eryü), since 2020.

Amur Falcon Roosting Area Union (AFRAU) President, P Thungchumo Shidio told Eastern Mirror that the number of Amur falcons has increased to a large extent this year, adding  that more than 1000 winged guests have also been sighted roosting at Chubi River area.

Shidio informed that trees that had been cut down for cultivation purposes in the Tzüza Eryü area four years ago have now been covered by fruit trees.

‘However, the fruit trees do not grow as tall as other trees, and human habitation has increased, which might be the reasons for the birds not returning to the actual site of roosting,’ he opined.

To the roosting site

With the shifting of the migratory birds to the new area, the AFRAU president said that reaching the roosting site has become difficult as it requires hiring a vehicle till Aree village before walking for about 2-3 km to reach the spot, while the alternative route is by a boat, which takes around 45 minutes.

The transportation cost till Aree village is around INR 2000 and the boat charge is around INR 3000.

For those interested in visiting the place, Shidio informed that there are three resorts at Pangti, located near the previous roosting site, and one resort can accommodate more than 40 people. Some of the resorts charge around INR 1200 per night which includes lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner, it was informed. There is tent accommodation facility as well at the location.

The AFRAU president informed that the site was opened for visitors two days ago and about 10 tourists from Bengaluru have already arrived.

He expressed hope more tourists will visit to see the majestic raptors in the coming days.