Context:
The Manipur Forest Department will carry out a head count of Amur falcons-the world’s longest travelling raptors- in Tamenglong district.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
About the Amur Falcon:
The Amur falcon is a small raptor belonging to the falcon family. Here are some key details about this remarkable bird:
- Local Name: Locally known as “Akhuipuina,” the Amur falcon is often spotted in the regions of Manipur and Nagaland.
- Breeding Habitat: These birds breed in southeastern Siberia and northern China, where they make their nests and raise their young.
- Migratory Patterns: Amur falcons are known for their impressive long-distance migrations. They travel in large flocks to wintering grounds in Southern and East Africa. The migration route takes them through India, covering a one-way journey of about 20,000 kilometers. They make this arduous journey twice a year, during their migration to and from their wintering grounds.
- Conservation Status: The Amur falcon is protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and is listed under Schedule IV of the Act. This legal protection prohibits hunting the birds or possessing their meat, with potential penalties including imprisonment for up to three years or fines of up to 25,000 rupees or bonds.
- Conservation Initiatives: In 2018, the forest department initiated a conservation program to better understand the Amur falcon’s migratory routes by radio-tagging the birds. This effort aims to monitor their movements and protect them during migration.
- IUCN Status: The Amur falcon is classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- Threats: The main threats to the Amur falcon’s population include illegal trapping and killing during migration, habitat loss due to agricultural practices and land reclamation. Conservation efforts and legal protections are essential to safeguard these birds and their migratory routes.
-Source: Hindustan Times
