Three Amur falcons tagged with satellite transmitters in Manipur are currently spending their winter migration period across three African countries, officials said on Thursday.
The falcons — named Ahu, Alang and Apapang — were tagged in November last year by the Manipur Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India. After being fitted with satellite transmitters, the birds were released from the Chiuluan roosting site in Tamenglong district.
According to officials, the tagged falcons reached Africa in a record time of about nine to ten days after leaving Manipur. Since then, they have been spending their wintering period in different regions of the continent.
Dr R. Suresh Kumar of the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India said the latest satellite data indicate that all three birds are active and healthy. Although there were earlier concerns regarding the movement of one falcon, Ahu, recent tracking data show that the bird is making normal local movements.
As per the latest location data, Ahu is currently in Somalia, Apapang is in Zimbabwe, and Alang is in Botswana. Officials said the tracking exercise aims to better understand the migratory routes, behaviour and conservation needs of the species.
The Amur falcon’s extraordinary long-distance migration from Northeast India to southern Africa is considered one of the most remarkable journeys in the avian world. Continued monitoring is expected to strengthen conservation efforts in the region.
