WWF team to examine hunting reports
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 06 2014:
Following reports of hunting and killing migratory Amur Falcon in Tamenglong district, a team of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) will visit the district for verification of the reports.
Amur Falcon is known as Kathoipuina and there are reports that this species of migratory bird is being hunted and killed in the district.
To verify these reports, an official team has been sent to Tamenglong district, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forest PN Prasad who is also in-charge Chief Wildlife Warden.
Amur Falcons started arriving at Barak river, Irang river, Makru river and Bhalok village of Tamenglong district since last month.
A three-member team of WWF will arrive at Imphal on November 28 for spot verification of the report about hunting and killing Amur Falcons for their meat, conveyed an official source.
However, precise information and details of the WWF members who would be visiting Tamenglong have not been divulged yet although WWF has already sought a detailed report from State officials about how the migratory bird is caught and killed in Tamenglong district.
Talking about the hunting and killing of Amur Falcons, PCCF PN Prasad said some staff of Forest Department have been sent to Tamenglong district and their report is awaited.
Divisional Forest Office Tamenglong has already launched a poster campaign since last month to put an end to hunting and killing of Amur Falcons in the district.
Generally, Amur Falcons migrate to Tamenglong district from Siberia, China and Mongolia.
They would stay here till the month of November before migrating to South Africa.
Meanwhile, a leopard cub rescued by one Waikhom Inaotomba of Sekmaijin Thongam from his farm located in Loktak lake has been handed over to the Unique Wildlife Protection , Committee, Sekmaijin.
The committee said that the leopard cub would be released at a safer place.
Noting that migratory birds have started arriving at Loktak lake, the committee has appealed to one and all not to hunt or catch any migratory bird.