World-wide Migratory bird Amur Falcons in Nagaland

Kohima:The Village Councils of Yaongyimchen, Alayong, Sanglu under Longleng district of Nagaland, have reaffirmed their commitment to protect the falcons  during its stay and prohibit any activities that would harm the ecosystem within its jurisdiction with the arrival of the world-wide migratory bird Amur falcons to their favorite roosting site at the Yaongyimchen Community Biodiversity Conservation Area.

According to a press release issued by Dr Lima and Buten Henmei of the Lemsachenlok Society of three villages, Yaongyimchen, Alayong and Sanglu, informed that more Amur Falcons arrive in Yaongyimchen area and the number of Amur Falcons arriving at their 

roosting site? Yaongyimchen Community Biodiversity Conservation Area in Longleng 

district ? has risen this year.

Pointing out that conservation was a very unique initiative in the area as the community had surrendered their land by shifting their regular jhum cultivation to different locations in order to provide a conducive ecosystem for the Amur Falcons which come all the way from Mongolia, it said these raptors feed on flying termites and other insects to regain their strength before continuously flying for five days and five nights to South Africa for the winter. 

The society said the entire community from Yaongyimchen, Alayong and Sanglu villages enthusiastically kicked off preparations for the raptors' homecoming from October. Mentioning that volunteers have been alternatively keeping a vigil in and around the entire area, Lemsachenlok Society said the women folk are engaged in cleaning the surroundings, while the men are making renovations and constructing watchtowers. 

Meanwhile, the Mon district authority has banned hunting, trapping, killing or selling of Amur 

falcons. Official report said that "Some instances of hunting, trapping and killing of Amur 

falcons in Mon district have been reported and therefore all administration officers and village 

councils under Mon district have been directed to give wide publicity in their respective 

jurisdictions and strictly enforce this order along with Police and Forest Departments."  

Hunting, trapping, killing or selling of Amur falcons could lead to three years of imprisonment 

or a fine of Rs 25000 or both under Section 51 of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it 

cautioned. (UNI)