'Apapang' and 'Alang' return, complete one full migratory cycle
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 23 2026: 'Apa-pang' and 'Alang'--the two geo-tagged Amur Falcons have returned to Tamenglong, completing one full annual migratory cycle--covering around 20,000 kilometres.

Apapang (male) and Alang (female) reached their roosting site at Tamenglong on October 22 .

Tweeting about the return of the birds, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav said the Amur Falcons are expected to make two or three weeks stopover in Manipur and travel across 23 countries in Africa and Asia.

'Apapang' and 'Alang' return, complete one full migratory cycle

Amit Kaler, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Tamenglong Forest Division, in a statement, stated that the return of Apapang and Alang marks an encouraging milestone in the ongoing Amur Falcon Conservation Project.

The Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) are the world's longest travelling small raptors of the falcon family.

These birds breed in southeastern Siberia and northern China before migrating in large flocks across India.

After migrating from their breeding ground, they reach North East India through China, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar during October and November months.

From NE India, they migrate across the Arabian Sea to spend the cold winter season in the warm area of South Africa upto March/April.

Amur Falcons take a yearly journey of about 20,000 kilometres.

The species plays an important ecological role by feeding on insects, including locusts, termites and other flying insects, thereby contributing to natural pest regulation and ecosystem balance.

The return of Apapang and Alang is particularly significant because geo-tagging and tracking provide opportunities to understand their migratory routes, movement patterns and seasonal habitat use.

Such scientific information can help conservation managers improve protection strategies and strengthen cooperation for the conservation of migratory birds across geographical and international boundaries, said the DFO .

For Tamenglong, the Amur Falcon has become more than a migratory visitor.

It represents the region's rich natural heritage, the power of community participation and the growing recognition of Manipur's role in the conservation of globally significant wildlife.

The Amur Falcon is protected under Schedule I Part B of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.Hunting, capturing, killing or otherwise engaging in prohibited activities involving the species is punishable under the applicable provisions of the Act, including Section 51, which prescribes penalties for wildlife offences.

Amit Kaler, DFO Tamenglong appreciated Dr Suresh Kumar, Scientist, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), for his scientific contribution and involvement in the conservation of the Amur Falcon, and noted that contributions of Rainforest Club Tamenglong, other civil society organisations, and the village authorities and residents of Chiuluan village, Khangchiuluan, Guangram, Puching, Matung, Phalong etc have been vital in protecting the birds.

The Divisional Forest Officer appealed to all village authorities, civil society organisations, student bodies, youth clubs, educational institutions, security agencies, conservation organisations and members of the public to renew their commitment to the protection of the Amur Falcon.