Tamenglong, November 6: The Tamenglong Forest Division, working alongside the Tamenglong District Police, has stepped up efforts to protect the migratory Amur falcons that have recently begun arriving in large numbers in the region. The move comes in response to the annual roosting of these remarkable birds and an increased risk of hunting and illegal wildlife trade.
According to a post by the Government of Manipur’s media account, the arrival of more Amur falcons over the past few days has triggered intensified protection and prevention measures including:
Monitoring of known roosting sites
Prevention of hunting and collection of the birds near these locations
Crackdown on illegal sale of wildlife products in local markets
The post emphasises the collective responsibility for conservation: “Let’s join hands to protect these migratory wonders and uphold Manipur’s commitment to wildlife conservation.”
The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small raptor that breeds in southeastern Siberia and Northern China, and then embarks on an epic migration - through Northeast India - towards its wintering grounds in Southern and East Africa.
In Northeast India - particularly in areas such as Nagaland and Manipur - these birds make autumn haltovers in roosting sites, where tens of thousands gather before continuing their long journey.
Tamenglong has become an important staging area for the falcons in recent years, drawing attention from conservation groups and authorities alike. Efforts such as satellite-tagging individual birds in Manipur have helped trace their incredible migratory paths. For instance, one bird tagged in Tamenglong was tracked all the way to Kenya.
Historically, these roosting sites have faced threats from poaching, local hunting and sale of the birds, especially when they gather in large numbers. These activities undermine both local biodiversity and India’s conservation commitments.
In response, the Manipur government has already imposed a hunting ban during the falcon season in key districts, including Tamenglong. The current intensified patrolling and market monitoring underscore the state’s ongoing commitment to safeguard this migratory spectacle.
For Tamenglong and the surrounding region, these measures mean:
Increased vigilance by forest authorities and police at roost and transit sites
Local engagement - particularly among communities living near roost sites to support non-hunting and conservation initiatives.
Support for ecotourism and community-based awareness raising around the falcons’ migration and the region’s rich natural heritage
As the birds arrive and gather, the timing provides an opportunity for local communities and authorities to strengthen protection efforts, enhance biodiversity conservation, and build broader awareness of Northeast India’s role in one of the world’s most remarkable migratory phenomena.
The arrival of the Amur falcons in Tamenglong has triggered a coordinated response by the Manipur government. With intensified protection, community involvement and strict monitoring, the region is poised to protect these annual migrants and highlight its vital place in global bird migration.
