The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small bird of prey known for its remarkable migration from southeastern Siberia and northern China to southern and East Africa. In India, the species is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and is listed in Schedule 4 of the law.
Key Regions and Conservation Initiatives
Potential Roosting Sites in Arunachal Pradesh
• Districts Identified: Longding, Tirap, and Changlang in the Patkai Hills range.
• Significant Observations: Flocks of over 1,000 falcons have been sighted in Niausa and Mintong villages of Longding district, particularly from October to November.
Amur Falcon Conservation Project
• Initiation: Launched in November 2013 in Nagaland by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Wildlife Institute of India (WWI), and the Nagaland state forest department.
• Objectives: Raise awareness and prevent hunting of Amur falcons.
• Success: Nagaland has been declared the “falcon capital of the world” with large roosting sites. Satellite tracking has provided valuable data on migratory routes and roosting behaviors.
Recent Efforts in Arunachal Pradesh
• Funding and Support: In 2021, funding was sought from MoEFCC for conservation activities in Arunachal Pradesh. • Kanubari Forest Division Initiatives: • Awareness Programs: Regular educational programs to promote biodiversity conservation. • Community Involvement: Locals engaged as daily wage volunteers for conservation efforts. • Exposure Tours: Tours organized to sites like Pangti village in Nagaland to educate locals.
Benefits and Outcomes
• Enhanced Knowledge: Improved understanding of Amur falcon behavior and ecology during migration.
• Local Community Engagement: Job opportunities and active participation in conservation efforts.
• Reduced Hunting: Increased survival rates of Amur falcons in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Ecotourism: Promoting ecotourism in eastern Arunachal through conservation success.
The collaborative efforts in conserving the Amur falcon highlight the importance of community involvement and sustained awareness programs to protect this remarkable species.
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