That time of the year when thousands of majestic Amur falcons adorn the Nagaland skies is here. Ironically, with the arrival of the little raptors in the state for a short sojourn, also came the reminders from the authorities to protect the bird, warning the people not to hunt, trap, kill or sell it as such acts will attract three years of rigorous imprisonment and fine as per the law. This, in a way, is an indication that the migratory bird may not be out of the woods yet though it is relatively safer today than it was a decade ago. Reports of stray cases of the bird being killed also indicate the same. The quick transition from predators to protectors of Amur falcon after gaining notoriety for killing it for the purpose of consumption and sale, won much acclaim from the international community, while the National Geographic listed Nagaland among the 10 world’s best destinations for bird-watching. The dramatic turnaround, which is an outcome of collective effort from the government departments, conservationists, and the community, certainly deserves praise. However, the challenge of sustaining the trend remains, due to the possibility of people falling back to old ways of hunting for consumption, even if not for commercialisation. Forest officials, law enforcement agencies and conservationists should continue to create awareness among the people, especially in and around the areas where the little raptors roost. We can’t afford to undo the gains made in protecting the majestic raptors for over a decade now.
Besides reminding the public about the penalties associated with killing protected animals under the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972, it is necessary to educate the people about the immense ecological significance this migratory bird has on the vegetation and the consequences of disturbing ecology. This is important as the law may sometimes prove ineffective in stopping the tribals from giving up age-old practices like hunting, more so because it is impossible for the authorities to monitor the activities of people in remote areas and in the jungles. Awareness campaigns at regular intervals may help in conserving the rich biodiversity but it won’t address the issue. So, to conserve the already depleted wildlife population and other natural resources, not just the Amur falcons, the central and state governments should adopt a multidimensional approach, including providing avenues for better income and investment in education. If people do not harm animals just because of the fear of the law, no animal is safe.
