The Divisional Forest Office, Kamjong has initiated a mass awareness drive to educate the public, especially villagers about the need for protection of migratory bird Amur Falcon across the district.
A team of Kamjong Forest Division led by DFO Kamjong SW Suisa is conducting a public awareness campaign for conservation of Amur Falcon at different corners of the district since 9 November.
The team moved around in different villages appealling to the locals to welcome the migratory birds and not hunt them, reminding the public of the threat posed to the migratory birds due to indiscriminate hunting.
During the campaign, the team highlighted about the penalties for illegal hunting, and informed that anyone found hunting Amur Falcon and other wildlife could be prosecuted with a fine of Rs. 3000, along with imprisonment upto 3 years under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Also read: Amur Falcon Hunting Episode: Ukhrul villages directed for strict compliance with hunting ban order
The forest team also put up colourful posters inscribed with cathy words like “Welcome Home, Amur Falcon, Welcome Falcons, Welcome Happiness,” “Stop Hunting Amur Falcons,” and others in villages like Koso, Leishi, Leiting, Phallang, Shakok and Phungyar under Phungyar sub division, different other villages under Kasom Subdivision and Sampui areas under Kamjong district headquarters.
The migratory birds have been sighted in some parts of Kamjong district in the last few days coming from a long distance passing through the district being the migratory route of the birds on its way to South Africa.
“Earlier it was believed they only preferred Tamenglong and Noney districts in but this year they are widespread in other parts of the state like Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati and Churchandpur districts”, DFO Suisa observed.
Meanwhile, Kamjong DM Hungyo Worshang, in an order issued on Tuesday, declared a total ban on hunting, catching, killing and selling of the bird Amur Falcon by anyone in the district with immediate effect.
“The Village Authorities shall strictly monitor the implementation of this order and in case of any reports of violation the concerned SDOs shall take up appropriate actions in accordance with the existing law under the provision of Wildlife (Protection) Act. 1972 and in consultation with the DFO, Kamjong,” he warned.
He further cautioned that hunting, killing/destruction of wildlife (including migratory bird Amur Falcon (Falcon amurensis) locally known as ‘Langthik’ in any way for food or possession or otherwise is a punishable offence under Sections 50 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The birds are considered to be a part of ecosystem which maintains ecological balance for sustenance of all organisms and its environment for a sustainable living most importantly to the humans. “Kamjong is endowed with its rich biodiversity and the people are known for good hospitality. Therefore, there is a need to welcome the long distance visitors to the district for a short period of time by protecting them to make this place a hotspot global destination to visit and roost for the migratory bird,” DM Hungyo stated.
