Nagaland- The Place where Predators turned Protectors

Guwahati: Birds, one of the finest creations of the creator, can change to cruelest of people into kind-hearted nature lovers and this instance of Nagaland hunters turning bird conservators is the best proof of that! Remarkably, Nagaland which hosts thousands of migratory Amur Falcons every year now cherishes for being so fortunate for being chosen by the migratory bird which flew thousands of miles to reach this easternmost corner of the world.

Nagaland is currently hosting the Amur falcons which come all the way from Siberia takes shelter by a massive reservoir In Nagaland. After a few days of stay in the beautiful north-eastern state, the massive flock then takes off for their final destinations — Somalia, Kenya and South Africa that is a distance up to 22,000 kilometers (13,670 miles).

The reservoir which is being chosen by the migratory birds for rest in Nagaland is surrounded by breathtaking hills and has a hydroelectric dam. The reservoir is located near Pangti village inhabited by Lotha Naga tribes. A village which became infamous in the year 2012 for all the wrong things they did, today has held an instance of humanity and love for nature. It is the people of this village who came into light as the killers of this beautiful migratory bird and the shocking fact is that was found killing up to 15,000 migratory Amur falcons per day.

There was a time when the people of this village were seen either consuming these birds or selling them off to interested buyers for the meat. But now, they have realized what big mistake they were doing by killing these winged guests who come from such a distance just to find natural solace and a green shelter for some days.

With the arrival of the migratory bird, tourists too make way towards Pangti and the Doyang reservoir just for having a glimpse of the guests from abroad. Such a huge response received from tourists coming from different parts of the state and region made the villagers realize that the bird is worth saving and protecting than killing them. Now the scene is that the residents of this village have held the instance of the biggest conservation success stories in South Asia wherein an entire village transformed from predators to protectors.

Also read: The First Ever Amur Falcon Festival is to be Held in Nagaland