Nagaland forest dept call to protect Amur Falcons

HT Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Oct 26: With the beginning of the arrival of Amur Falcons in Nagaland,
the state forest department on Thursday appealed to all the concerned and
responsible citizens to protect and preserve the migratory birds by refraining
from hunting them and ensuring their safe stay and passage through the region.
It pointed out that the Amur Falcon is granted legal protection under the Wildlife
(Protection) Act 1972. According to this Act, the Amur Falcon (Falco Amurensis) is
classified as a protected species, the department said.
It reminded that hunting these birds or possessing their meat is a serious criminal
offense punishable by imprisonment for up to three years under the provisions of
the Act.
The migratory Amur Falcon, also known as Molulem in the local dialect, has begun
its arrival in Nagaland this month. These majestic birds embark on an incredible
long-distance journey, traversing up to 22,000 kilometers in a single year, all the
way from eastern Asia to South Africa and back during early autumn.
Nagaland serves as a crucial stopover for these remarkable creatures, where they
congregate in enormous flocks, sometimes numbering up to one lakh, to rest and
refuel for a duration of three to four weeks. Their presence holds immense
ecological importance, as they naturally regulate pest populations and participate
in vital pollination activities.
The department said the dedicated efforts of both the state government and the
public have significantly contributed to providing a secure passage for these avian
travelers over the years. As a result, Nagaland has proudly earned the well-
deserved title of the “Amur Falcon Capital of the World”.