Community efforts urged for Amur Falcon protection
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Tamenglong, October 16 2024: Toward fostering collaboration among various community membars and stakeholders to ensure the safety of Amur Falcon (Akhuaipuina), Tamenglong Forest Division in collaboration with the district administration and Rainforest Club organised a consultative workshop focusing on protection of the migratory bird.

The workshop held at the UBC Hall in Tamenglong district headquarters on Wednesday, brought together key stakeholders, including villagers from known roasting sites of migratory birds, environmental activists, town area village authorities, and local community members.

Tamenglong SP Lanmiyo Luikham attended the inaugural session of the workshop as chief guest while Tamenglong DFO Kh Hitler Singh was president.

Environmental activist Salam Rajesh, advocate Daniel Kamsuan and Rainforest Club director Mordecai Panmei were the resource persons of the workshop.

In his address, Lanmiyo Luikham emphasised the community's responsibility to protect Amur Falcon locally known as Akhuaipui-na, drawing a parallel to the local pride in safeguarding the Shirui Lily in Ukhrul.

He urged the people of Tamenglong district to take similar pride in protecting the migratory bird.

DFO Kh Hitler, in his speech, highlighted efforts to protect the Amur Falcon since 2015 .

He announced that the Amur Falcon Festival next month is aimed at raising awareness about the migratory bird.

He further said that geo-tagging of two Amur Falcons will be carried out this year to monitor their migratory patterns.

Two Akhuaipuinas named 'Tamenglong' and 'Manipur' were geo-tagged in the past, he recounted.

During the technical session, environmental activist Salam Rajesh acknowledged efforts of the Tamenglong denizens in protecting Amur Falcon but pointed out that recognition for the efforts often has been attributed to Nagaland at the global stage.

He called for greater collaboration among local villages to enhance protection measures.

Another resource person Daniel Kamsuan, underscored the legal responsibilities of Indian citizens regarding environmental protection, referencing Article 51- A (g) of the Indian Constitution.

He said that an Indian representative signed a memorandum at the world stage to protect the migratory bird.

He warned that failure to protect wildlife could result in fines of up to Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment for up to five years.

Mordecai Panmei highlighted the ecological significance of the Amur Falcon, noting that their arrival coincides with the harvest season.

Since ancestral time, this bird is termed as Akhu-aipuina or the Raruai (which is translated as Bird of the Evil).

This bird is considered to bring a bountiful harvest as a result they had never been killed and consumed.

The arrival of the Amur Falcon in Nagaland was not so long ago but Nagaland has claimed the highest recognition at the world stage, Mordecai noted.

On the other hand, Tamenglong denizens have been protecting the migratory bird since time immemorial but yet to be recognised for the same due to lack of awareness among local people, he said adding that migratory birds play a crucial role in controlling termite population.

The workshop served as a vital platform for discussing, strategies to enhance the protection of the Amur Falcon and foster greater awareness within the community about the significance of migratory birds.

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