Satellite-tagged AFs bound for Africa

Imphal, Nov 25
Amur falcons, the world’s longest-traveling birds, have embarked on their annual migration from Siberia, China, and Russia to the Somalia-Kenya border in Africa.
A significant stopover for these magnificent creatures is India’s North Eastern States of Manipur and Nagaland.
Recently, one of two satellite-tagged Amur falcons from Manipur’s Tamenglong district reached the Somalia-Kenya border, a remarkable achievement for wildlife conservation and migratory bird studies.
Dr R Suresh Kumar, a scientist from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), tagged two Amur Falcons, named Guangram (female) and Chiuluan 2 (male), with satellites on November 8, 2024, in Tamenglong. While Chiuluan 2 successfully crossed the Arabian Sea and reached Africa, Guangram remains in Tamenglong district.
In collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the satellite tagging of Guangram and Chiuluan 2 highlights the ongoing efforts to study and protect these migratory birds.
Since 2015, Tamenglong has emerged as a vital sanctuary for Amur Falcons. The satellite tagging of 5-6 birds has placed the region on the global wildlife conservation map, inspiring the local community to strive for greater independence and self-reliance in conservation efforts. In addition to satellite tagging, nine other Amur falcons were ringed with BNHS rings bearing identification numbers C58352 to C58362 as part of this broader initiative.  NE NOW