Northeast Desk, 12th November: In the violent conflict of the Tamenglong district of Manipur, India, a group of eleven wildlife enthusiasts from Wildlife Explorers Manipur (WEM) used drones, GPS devices, and telephoto cameras to conduct a population estimation survey of Amur falcons. Out of the six roosting sites in the Zeliangrong-Naga-dominated district, the other five are Bhalok, Matung, Puching, Punglam, and Duigailong. The census was supported by volunteers from the Rainforest Club Tamenglong (RCT) and employees from the Divisional Forest Office. The team’s goal was to count as many migratory birds as possible.
The survey was conducted as a pilot project to develop a comprehensive census methodology for estimating the Amur falcon population in the district. Amur falcons, locally known as Akhoipuina or Kahoipuina in the Rongmei dialect, migrate annually from their breeding grounds in South Eastern Siberia and Northern China to Manipur, primarily in Tamenglong and adjacent Nagaland. They typically roost for a month before continuing their journey towards the Southern and Eastern regions of Africa.
Following the success of this year’s survey, plans are underway to conduct similar population surveys at other roosting sites in the district next year. Additionally, there are plans to tag two Amur falcons with the assistance of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to gain further insight into their migratory pattern.
The Amur falcon festival is an important platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving these migratory birds. Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong, Angshim Dangshawa, emphasized the need for increased awareness programs to ensure the district’s residents unite in protecting the Amur falcons during their migratory stay in Tamenglong.