Satellite-Tagged Amur Falcon Completes Journey to Somalia-Kenya Border

Chiuluan 2, a satellite-tagged Amur falcon released from Manipur, has reached the Somalia-Kenya border after a journey that began in Maharashtra. The falcon’s migration is being tracked to understand its route and environmental behaviors. This initiative, part of conservation efforts by the Manipur Forest Department and local villagers, aims to safeguard these long-distance migratory birds.

A satellite-tagged Amur falcon, named Chiuluan 2, has successfully migrated from Manipur, India, to the Somalia-Kenya border following a stop in Somalia. The male falcon embarked on this remarkable journey from Guhagar in Maharashtra on Sunday and arrived in Somalia by Tuesday evening. This migration is being closely monitored by Dr. R. Suresh Kumar, a senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India. In contrast, Guangram, the female falcon, remains at the tagging site in Tamenglong district.

On November 8, the Manipur Forest Department, in partnership with the Wildlife Institute and local communities, released the two falcons for research purposes, utilizing satellite transmitters to track their migratory patterns. This initiative is designed to enhance understanding of the Amur falcons’ annual migration route, which spans about 20,000 kilometers between their breeding grounds in Russia and China and their wintering areas in South Africa. Upon their arrival in Northeast India during October, Amur falcons gather in nesting spots such as Nagaland and Manipur before their non-stop flight to Africa.

The tagging project that began in Tamenglong in 2018 aims to collect vital data regarding the challenges faced by these birds during migration. The commitment shown by the local communities and the Forest Department underscores the significance of these conservation strategies. Chiuluan 2’s successful migration highlights the urgency of these efforts to protect the raptors and their habitats in the face of potential threats associated with climate change and other environmental factors.

The Amur falcon, known as “Akhuaipuina” in local terms, is recognized for being the world’s longest-traveling bird species. Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, these birds undertake an extensive journey that spans approximately 20,000 kilometers annually. They breed in the regions of Southeast Russia and Northeast China before migrating to the warmer climates of South Africa. The migration process includes critical stopover points in areas such as Northeast India, including Manipur, which serves as a vital resting and feeding location before their extended flight. The tagging efforts initiated in Tamenglong aim to monitor these migratory behaviors and patterns, providing insight into their ecological needs and conservation status.

In summary, the migration of Chiuluan 2 from India to the Somalia-Kenya border exemplifies remarkable endurance and navigational skills characteristic of the Amur falcon. This event reflects the collaborative efforts of the Manipur Forest Department, the Wildlife Institute of India, and local communities in safeguarding these birds through monitoring. The ongoing research on Amur falcon migration routes will contribute significantly to conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of this vital species and its habitat.

Original Source: www.eastmojo.com