WII to tag 5 Amur Falcons

IMPHAL, Sep 18: Wildlife Institute of India (WII), in collaboration with Manipur Forest Department, is planning to tag five Amur Falcons with Satellite Radio Transmitters this year as well.
According to WII scientist Dr Suresh Kumar, 5 Amur Falcons will be satellite tagged in order to study their migratory route.
It may be recalled that last year, WII and the Forest Department worked together to satellite tag two Amur Falcons, Manipur and Tamenglong. Manipur was unfortunately killed by hunters while signals from Tamenglong were lost before reaching South Africa.
Dr Suresh Kumar informed that a team from WII will reach Manipur on October 6 to monitor the process of satellite tagging the birds while he himself will reach the State on October 16.
Study conducted by the WII points out the immense benefit brought by the migration of the bird as they prey on the insects affecting crops and trees, he said stressing on the importance to initiate steps for protecting the bird in other districts of the State and not only Tamenglong district.
The migratory bird will start landing in Tamenglong around the first week of October and the bird will leave the State by the end of November.
It may also be recalled that after Amur Falcon Manipur was shot dead, villagers came out and surrendered their guns to the village authorities, apart from taking pledges to stop harming the bird in any way.