Dimapur, November 7 (MExN): The Green Foundation Wokha has appealed to the Wokha, Mokokchung and Zunheboto to stop illegal trapping and hunting of Amur falcons. However, it has lauded the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha for imposing ban on trapping and sale of migratory birds in the district.
The Foundation in a press note issued by its General Secretary Hayibemo Ezung and PRO Zachamo Ezung) has requested the concerned authority in all the affected districts to impose ban on such illegal practices and also seek the immediate attention of Chief Wildlife Warden of Nagaland to take stock of the situation as Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a protected bird under Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Convention of Migratory Species.
Every year, during the months of October and November thousands of Amur falcons arrive in Nagaland from Siberia en route to their final destination — Somalia, Kenya and South Africa. These attractive raptors have one of the longest migration routes of all birds traveling up to 22,000 km in a year. The raptors are unique in that they migrate a large distance over the sea and also continue their journey even at night.
This annual migrations of falcons has tremendous potentials to promote nature tourism in the state but it is disheartening and disturbing to see several thousands of such birds being captured every year through nets or hunted through air rifle or catapults to be sold in every streets and markets for a few rupees of money, the pres note stated.
The foundation has urged all conscientious citizens to desist from buying such birds but report the matter to the authority in concern. The foundation also assures its cooperation to the concerned authority to curb the “menace and prevent mass massacre of Amur falcons” in Nagaland.
