Tamenglong DM bans air guns, Amur Falcon hunting
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 18 2024: Along with announcing total ban on hunting, catching, killing and selling of Amur Falcons (Falco Amurensis) locally known as 'Kahualpuina' in the district and nearby areas with immediate effect, Tamenglong district magistrate (DM) has imposed ban on use of all air guns and directed the owners to deposit their hunting weapons at offices of respective village authorities.

An order issued by Tamenglong DM Dr L Angshim Dangshawa made it clear that poaching and destruction of wildlife (including migratory birds Amur Falcon) in any way for food or possession or otherwise is a punishable offence under sections 50 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 .

The DM stated that the migratory birds usually arrive in many parts of Tamenglong district and bordering areas from first to second week of October and likely to roost till end of November.

As the period is considered crucial in the life cycle of Amur Falcons, the village authorities should keep the air guns tn their custody until the last flock leave their roosting place or till November 30.Report of the collection of the air guns should be submitted by September 30, the DM directed, while cautioning that anyone found wilfully violating the prohibitory orders shall be liable to face consequences as per law.

Amur Falcons usually travel up to 22,000 km in a single year, all the way from eastern Asia to South Africa and back during early autumn.

The DM's order was addressed to 45 village authorities of the district including Chiuluan, Khangchiuluan, Duigailong, Tamenglong Khunjao, Tamenglong town, Bamgaijang, Tao-bam, Namtiram 2, Nheng, Dikiuram, Konphung and Rianglong, Taljijang, Zeiladjang, Aziuram, Thiulon, Vanchengphai, Akhui, Sangrungpang, Tabanglong, Keikao, Sempang, Duiluan, Matung, Puching, Phallong, Son-ram, Dailong, Lenglong, Guangram, Raengkhung, Taobam, etc.

Meanwhile, DFO Tamenglong forest division Kh Hitler has written a letter to authorities concerned for taking up necessary measures to protect Amur Falcons likely to arrive in Tamenglong district in the coming few weeks.

The letter mentioned that Tamenglong forest division in coordination with scientists of Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun will continue the study on Amur Falcons by tagging transmitters on some of the migratory birds.

Earlier, the 'Amur falcon dance festival' was organised by the forest authorities in collaboration with the local clubs to raise awareness of the protection of the birds.

Forest and wildlife experts said that this unique long-distance migratory bird usually arrives in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and adjoining northeastern states in mid-October from their breeding grounds in South Eastern Siberia and Northern China.

After a few weeks stay in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and a few other northeastern states, the Amur falcons fly towards Southern and Eastern parts of Africa and roost a short time before moving towards their breeding grounds.

With the district administration putting a ban on hunting, catching, killing and selling of migratory birds besides prohibiting the use of air guns during the raptors' roosting period, forest officials and animal lovers of the Naga-dominated Tamenglong district in Manipur, are also gearing up to protect the seasonal migratory birds.

Tamenglong and nearby Senapati districts share inter-state borders with Nagaland, where also people, wildlife and forest officials every year took measures to protect the Amur falcons.

A Nagaland forest official said that the state serves as a crucial stopover for these birds -- which at times number up to 100,000 -- for rest and refuelling for a duration of three to four weeks during winter.

"The migratory birds' presence in huge numbers holds immense ecological importance, as they naturally regulate pest populations and participate in vital pollination activities," the official said, adding that the dedicated efforts of all concerned have significantly contributed to providing a secure passage to these avian species over the years.

The Amur falcon has been granted legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 .

Nagas and other tribals, known for their love for meat, had for decades considered these birds as 'god-sent' when they had first arrived in 2012 .

Thousands of birds were caught and consumed every year before 2012, but massive efforts involving villagers to protect the migratory birds in Nagaland have resulted in near-zero casualties since 2013 .

The conservation of Amur falcons and other migratorybirds helped promote tourism in Nagaland as hundreds of tourists assembled along the lakes and water bodies in Wokha and adjoining districts adjacent to Assam.

Comment