UKHRUL: Two satellite-tagged Amur Falcons, Apapang and Alang, have returned to Tamenglong district after completing their annual migratory journey, marking a significant milestone in the region’s conservation efforts.
According to the Tamenglong Forest Division, the birds returned on October 22 and are expected to remain in the district for two to three weeks before continuing their migration.
Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav also acknowledged the return of the two falcons in a social media post on October 23.
“Having started from their breeding areas in northeastern China 11 days ago, the two Amur Falcons Apapang and Alang arrived in Manipur yesterday. This marks the successful completion of their nearly year-long tracking and also their round-trip journey back to Manipur since tagging by scientists of WII in November 2025; travelling through 23 countries on their journey across Africa and Asia, the Amur Falcons are truly global citizens,” wrote union minister Yadav.
Divisional forest officer (DFO) Amit Kaler said the birds’ return was an encouraging development for conservation efforts in the district. Satellite tracking provides valuable data on their migratory routes and movement patterns, helping researchers better understand the species and protect its habitats.
The DFO acknowledged the contribution of Dr Suresh Kumar, a scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, along with former officers and staff of the Tamenglong Forest Division, for their role in advancing Amur Falcon conservation.
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The Forest Division also credited Rainforest Club Tamenglong, civil society organisations and residents of villages, including Chiuluan, Khangchiuluan, Guangram, Puching, Matung and Phalong, for their continued support in protecting the migratory birds.
Amur Falcons are long-distance migratory raptors that travel between their breeding grounds in eastern Asia and non-breeding grounds in southern Africa. They feed on insects, including locusts and termites, helping regulate pest populations and maintain ecological balance.
The Forest Division warned that illegal hunting, trapping, capture, possession or trade of Amur Falcons would invite legal action under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended.
It appealed to village authorities, civil society organisations, student bodies, youth clubs, educational institutions, security agencies and the public to continue supporting conservation efforts and safeguarding the migratory birds.
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