Imphal, Feb 27 (NationPress) Officials have announced that three Amur falcons, equipped with satellite transmitters in Manipur last November, have successfully reached various African nations following an extraordinary transcontinental voyage. A representative from the Tamenglong district forest department reported that the birds—Ahu, Alang, and Apapang—were tagged on November 8, 2025, as part of a satellite-tracking research initiative conducted by the state Forest Department in partnership with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

The raptors were released from the Chiuluan roosting location by a collaborative team of WII scientists, Tamenglong Forest Division officials, and community volunteers.

According to the official, "These tagged Amur falcons arrived in Africa within an impressive timeframe of about nine to ten days. Since their arrival, they have been wintering in diverse African regions."

Latest updates from Dr. R. Suresh Kumar of WII indicate that all three birds are thriving. Currently, Ahu is located in Somalia, while Apapang has been identified in Zimbabwe and Alang in Botswana.

There were initial concerns regarding Ahu's well-being, but it has been confirmed that the bird is active, although primarily engaged in local movements within Somalia, according to the WII scientist.

During the last winter migration, a previously tagged falcon named Chiuluan 2 initiated its journey northward towards breeding territories on April 14, 2025.

The satellite-tagging project seeks to explore the migratory paths of the Amur falcon (Falco amurensis), renowned for its incredible long-distance migration.

Locally known in Manipur as 'Akhuaipuina' (or 'Kahuaipuina') and as 'Molulem' in Nagaland, these remarkable birds can travel up to 22,000 km every year from their breeding grounds in northern China and southeastern Siberia to southern Africa, returning in early autumn.

Chiuluan and Guangram villages in Tamenglong, bordering Assam and Nagaland, are essential roosting sites for this species. Each year, these falcons arrive in large quantities to the forest-dense district, approximately 145 km from Imphal, typically between the first and second weeks of October.

After a month of roosting, the birds set off for southern and eastern Africa, pausing briefly before returning to their breeding grounds.

To safeguard these migratory birds, authorities in Tamenglong and Noney districts have enforced a complete ban on hunting, trapping, or selling the falcons during their seasonal visit.

This research initiative is being conducted under the auspices of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

Forest officials highlighted that in 2018, a female falcon tagged in Tamenglong managed to fly non-stop for five days and eight hours, covering around 5,700 km before landing in Somalia.

To promote conservation awareness, the Forest Department collaborates with local clubs and wildlife organizations to host the annual 'Amur Falcon Festival' during the first two weeks of November.

Officials from Nagaland noted that the state also serves as a vital stopover, with flocks sometimes exceeding 100,000 birds resting for three to four weeks in districts like Wokha and neighboring areas close to Assam.

The presence of these migratory birds in such substantial numbers is ecologically significant, as they help manage pest populations and support ecological balance.

The Amur falcon is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, and hunting or possessing the bird or its meat is subject to severe penalties, including up to three years of imprisonment.

Until 2012, countless of these birds were hunted indiscriminately each year in parts of Northeast India. However, ongoing conservation efforts involving local communities and village leaders have led to nearly zero casualties in Nagaland since 2013.

Forest and tourism officials noted that these conservation successes have also enhanced eco-tourism, attracting hundreds of visitors each October and November to witness the spectacular roosting events throughout Nagaland and surrounding regions.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be reached at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)