Rapid Fire
Amur Falcon
- 23 Sep 2024
- 2 min read
Recently, the Tamenglong district administration in Manipur imposed an immediate ban on hunting, catching, killing, and selling Amur falcons (Falco amurensis) in preparation for their arrival.
- About Amur Falcons:
- They are small and agile birds (raptors) locally known as ‘Kahuaipuina’ in Manipur and ‘Molulem’ in Nagaland (Amur Falcon capital of the world).
- Their distinctive features include dark plumage, white wing linings, and reddish-orange eyes and feet.
- Migration:
- They migrate from Northern China, Eastern Mongolia, and Far East Russia to South Africa, covering a distance of approximately 22,000 kilometres and passing through India.
- Feeding: They are insectivorous but may also consume small vertebrates.
- Threat:
- They face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trapping.
- Conservation Program:
- In 2016, Manipur tagged Amur falcons with radio transmitters to monitor their migration routes.
- An annual ‘Amur Falcon Festival’ is held in Tamenglong district to raise awareness and celebrate these birds.
- Legal Protection:
- IUCN Red List- Least Concern
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule IV
Read More: Amur Falcon - Drishti IAS
