GUWAHATI: The Commissioner & Secretary for the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, has urged the public to continue preserving the state's legacy as a prime example of community-driven conservation, emphasizing the need to safeguard the Amur Falcon population within Nagaland. Speaking at the commemoration event held at the conference hall of the office of PCCF & HoFF, Kohima, Sema stressed the responsibility shared by the department and the local community to maintain Nagaland's status as the "Amur Falcon Capital."
"A decade ago, our state took on the crucial responsibility of protecting one of the world's most remarkable avian wonders – the Amur Falcon," stated Kikheto. These remarkable birds undertake one of the longest migrations among raptors, covering a staggering 22,000 kilometers annually. Their extraordinary journey, spanning from Asian breeding grounds to the southern reaches of Africa, includes a marathon non-stop flight of over 4,000 kilometers across the Arabian Sea, a feat that is truly astonishing.
In 2013, concerted efforts by the media, the Forest Department, Village Councils of Pangti and Sungro villages, churches, and the Wildlife Trust of India led to the declaration of a complete hunting ban on Amur Falcons, marking a turning point in their conservation.
Nagaland's conservation success captured the attention of both national and international communities. Following an observation by an international team of ornithologists that nearly one million Amur Falcons roost in the Doyang-Pangti region, Nagaland was honored with the title "Falcon Capital of the World" on November 6, 2013.
The commemoration event included discussions from key figures, including Vedpal Singh, PCCF & CWLW, Nagaland, Suman WM Sivachar, DFO Wokha Forest Division & Doyang Plantation Division, and Dr. R. Suresh from the Wildlife Institute of India. They discussed the significance of the Amur Falcon's stopover sites in Nagaland and the migratory routes, shedding light on the critical role of local communities in the successful conservation of these incredible long-distance migrants.
A report by the Wildlife Institute of India titled "Understanding the Amur Falcon - Their Stopover Sites in Nagaland and Their Migratory Routes for Better Conservation Planning," as well as the Nagaland State Poster of State of India Bird Report, were released during the event.
Chandra Prakash Goyal, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, commended the Nagaland people and the State forest department for their remarkable work in the conservation of Amur Falcons. Goyal noted the positive shift in attitudes towards hunting practices and affirmed that "hunting of Amur Falcons is the story of the past." He praised the engagement of local communities in falcon conservation.
The story of Pangti village, widely known as the 'Falcon Capital of the World,' reflects the deep historical connection between the community and the Amur Falcons. P. Thungchumo Shidio, the president of the 'Amur Falcon Roosting Area Union (AFRAU) Pangti village, recounted the village's long association with these migratory birds.
Amur Falcons have been part of Pangti's heritage for generations, with the birds locally referred to as 'Eninum' in their Lotha language. However, their true significance came to light in 2001 when the birds were first spotted roosting at Tzuza Eryu, Pangti Village in Wokha District. Over the years, their numbers increased, but a lack of awareness regarding wildlife conservation led to widespread hunting from 2006 to 2012.
The exposure of this indiscriminate killing in October 2012 prompted a rapid awareness campaign, involving the State Forest and Wildlife departments, and various NGOs like Conservation Trust and BNHS, among others. Pangti village, in collaboration with Roosting Area Land Owners, Village Councils, Churches, and the entire community, resolved to conserve and protect the Amur Falcons and officially prohibited their hunting in 2013.
In recognition of their dedicated efforts, Pangti Village has received prestigious awards from various agencies, including the 'Meritorious Award 2014' by the Department of Forest, Government of Nagaland, the 'Governor's Commendation Certificate' by the Government of Nagaland, the 'Earth Heroes Award 2014' by the Royal Banks of Scotland, and 'The Balipara Foundation Annual Award 2014' by the Government of Assam. The success of Amur Falcon conservation in Nagaland serves as a testament to the power of community involvement in preserving wildlife.
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