As Manipur’s Tamenglong district gears up to welcome its winged guests, Amur falcon (Falco Amurensis), the district administration on Wednesday imposed a ban on hunting, catching, killing and selling of the bird, locally known as ‘Kahuaipuina’, with immediate effect.
Thousands of migratory birds arrive in parts of Tamenglong and bordering areas from their breeding grounds in Northern China, Eastern Mongolia and far East Russia in the first half of October and roost until November-end, before resuming their journey for the wintering grounds in South Africa. An order issued by the District Magistrate directed the owners of air guns to deposit their hunting weapons at the offices of respective village authorities.
“Poaching and destruction of wildlife (including migratory birds Amur falcon) in any way for food or possession or otherwise is a punishable offence under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, sections 50 and 51” the DM order said.
“As the period is considered crucial in the life cycle of Amur falcons, the authorities should keep the air guns in their custody until the last flock leaves their roosting place or until November 30. The collection of the air guns’ report must be submitted by September 30,” the DM said, while cautioning that people found violating the prohibitory orders shall be liable to face consequences as per law.
Tamenglong Divisional Forest Officer Kh Hitler said the state kicked off the conservation programme in 2016 by tagging two birds with radio transmitters to track their migration route.
Besides regular patrolling and awareness programmes, the district administration also organises ‘Amur Falcon’ festival annually. The authorities are planning to tag two more birds to study their migration, said the DFO.
