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Daily News Analysis

AMUR FALCONS

1st November, 2022 Environment

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Context: Amur falcons, the world’s longest travelling raptors, began to arrive in Manipur’s Tamenglong district as part of its annual routine migration.

 

Details:

  • Locally known as Akhuipuina, the bird arrives mainly in Manipur and Nagalandon its southbound migration from breeding grounds in North China, Eastern Mongolia and far-east Russia en-route to its wintering grounds in South Africa.
  • The one-way journey via India is about 20,000 km long and the birds do this twice a year.
  • Amur falcon is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and included under its Schedule IV.
  • Hunting of the birds or possessing its meat is punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to Rs 5,000.
  • In 2018, the forest department started a conservation programme by radio-tagging the birds to study their migratory route.
  • IUCN status is Least Concern.

https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/amur-falcons-arrive-manipur-8237440/