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Falcons Fly 6000km: Tracked Birds Reach Africa!
26 Nov
Summary
- Three Amur falcons were fitted with transmitters to track their migration.
- Birds flew between 5,100 km and 6,100 km non-stop to reach Africa.
- Conservation efforts began after mass hunting of falcons in Northeast India.
This season, three Amur falcons were equipped with transmitters by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to monitor their incredible journey. These birds embarked on a non-stop migration of 5,000-6,000 km, a feat rarely seen, reaching Africa from Northeast India. One male, Apapang, flew an astounding 6,100 km in just over six days. Alang and Ahu, two females, also successfully crossed continents, covering distances of 5,600 km and 5,100 km respectively.
The tracking initiative, a project born from a crisis, aims to conserve Amur falcons following a period of significant hunting in Northeast India. The WII, along with state forest departments and local communities, has worked to protect these species. By tracking their migratory patterns and stopover sites, the project also fosters pride and a sense of custodianship among local communities.
These remarkable raptors stop in Northeast India to feed on termites, a high-protein food source that allows them to build essential fat reserves for their long, arduous journey. This conservation turnaround, particularly in Nagaland, is now recognized as a successful model, with local ownership playing a crucial role in protecting the species.
