Manipur takes steps to protect the Amur Falcon as more birds begin to arrive
Official reports said that Amur falcons in large numbers have started arriving in Manipur’s Tamenglong district bordering Nagaland. Bird lovers and forest department officials feel that despite massive awareness campaigns some people are catching these winged visitors from countries 30,000 km away.
For the safety of the birds, Tamenglong District Collector Hungyo Warshing has ordered that all air guns be deposited with the village authorities before October 31. The officials have been asked to submit a report on the action taken. The order said the air gun would be kept in the custody of village officials until the eagle leaves Manipur, which is usually around November 30.
A person who captures an Amur falcon for consumption or sale can be punished under sections 50 and 51 of the Manipur Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The recent awareness campaigns among the people in Tamenglong district were receiving an encouraging response. The elders were also urging the youth not to catch the birds as they helped in controlling the insects which destroyed the standing paddy crops.
Officials are monitoring Amur falcons using satellite tags. However, some birds were found to be shot with air guns. There are reports that some of these birds have been coming to Tamenglong for more than three years in a row.
Reports said that the number of migratory birds coming to Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Northeast, is declining significantly due to their capture, water contamination and large-scale use of poison for fishing.
Manipur takes steps to protect the Amur Falcon as more birds begin to arrive
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