Guwahati, India: In a groundbreaking feat of wildlife tracking, Indian scientists have successfully monitored the extraordinary journey of an Amur falcon, a small raptor that undertakes one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been tracking a male Amur falcon, named ‘Chiuluan 2’, since its release in Manipur on November 8th. Equipped with a satellite transmitter, the bird has traversed thousands of kilometers, offering unprecedented insights into its migratory patterns and behaviors.
The falcon’s journey has taken it through diverse landscapes, from the Indian subcontinent to the African continent. It has been observed crossing the Arabian Sea and entering Somalia before reaching its current location in Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park.
This remarkable achievement sheds light on the incredible endurance and navigational abilities of these small birds. Amur falcons typically migrate over 14,500 kilometers annually, making them one of the longest-distance migratory birds. They spend crucial weeks in northeastern India, refueling before embarking on their arduous journey.
Dr. Suresh Kumar from WII emphasized the importance of this research in understanding the complex dynamics of long-distance migration. By tracking individual birds, scientists can gain valuable information on factors influencing migration routes, stopover sites, and overall survival rates.
This groundbreaking study not only advances our knowledge of avian migration but also underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their vital habitats.
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