‘Special Postal Cover’ released to commemorate satellite tagging of Amur Falcons

EMN
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 7

Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Nagaland released a “Special Postal Cover” in association with the Postal Department of Government of India to commemorate the Second Anniversary of satellite tagging of Amur Falcons in Nagaland. The Special Postal Cover was unveiled at a special function organised at the Office of the PCCF & HoFF, Nagaland Kohima on Saturday. Dr. Nicky Kire, Minister was chief guest and I. Pangernungsang, Post Master General, Shillong was the guest of honour. The function was attended by Principal Secretary (Forests), APCCFs, CCFs, CFs, DFOs, Range officers and officials from the Forest Department. and President Amur Falcon roosting association were also present at the occasion organised to mark completion of two years of tagging the birds with satellite devise that has enabled the scientific community to understand the migratory behaviour of the raptors.
M. Lokeswara Rao, PCCF & HoFF in his opening remarks explained the whole process of tagging of three Amur Falcon birds (Naga, Pangti and Wokha) with satellite device. The birds which were tagged on November 7, 2013 have completed two cycles of migration covering a distance of approximately 44000 km to reache Doyang valley in Nagaland on 29.10.2015. M L Rao regarded the day as historic as such satellite tagging was carried out for the first time in India. Hence the department was prompted to approach the Postal Department to peruse them to design and release a special postal cover to commemorate the occasion.
He also added that this was for the first time India that such an special cover was being released.
N. N. Zhasa, Principal Secretary (Forest) also spoke on the occasion he said it is proud movement and a fitting recognition for the community for the great conservation initiatives.
The special cover, which is designed with Naga and Pangti bird on both side and centre migration route map of was released by the chief guest Dr Nicky Kire , Forest Minister in presence of I.Pangernungsang Postmaster General, Shillong, guest of honour Senior officers of the Forest Department, Scientists from Wildlife Institute of India and representatives from Pangti Village and Amur Falcon Roosting Association. The cover
I.Pangernungsang Postmaster General, Shillong, has informed that the Postal department is very happy tobe associated and to release the special postal cover to commemorate second anniversary of satellite tagging of Amur Falcon. Appreciated the amazing journey of Amur Falcons and the initiative by the department and community to conserve them.
While speaking on the occasion Chief guest Dr Nicky Kire said that on November 7, 2013 is the historic day and movement to the people of Nagaland, local communities have protected Amur Falcon which is biggest conservation movement shown to the world and international scientists declared Doyang is one of the biggest congregation nearly one million Amur falcon roosted here. They declared Nagaland as Falcon capital of the world.