The Mokokchung Forest Division has today appealed to all the concerned and responsible citizens of Mokokchung to refrain from hunting of Amur Falcons and provide a safe stay and passage to the State Guest.

The appeal has been made following the rescue of an injured Amur Falcon on Wednesday. The injured bird was found by a Staff member of SBI while travelling along the Alichen highway, who quickly informed the Mokokchung Forest Division office.

“As we are aware, the migratory bird Amur Falcon (‘Molulem’ in local dialect) has started arriving in Nagaland. This magnificent bird is a long distance, trans-equatorial migrant travelling up to 22,000 km in a year from eastern Asia all the way to South Africa & back in early autumn. In Nagaland they gather in huge flocks (up to 1,00,000 nos.) for up to 3- 4 weeks to feed & rest before continuing their journey. They play an important role in the ecosystem – acting as natural regulators of pest population, pollination etc,” stated the Divisional Forest Officer of Mokokchung Forest Division in their appeal.

Photo: The injured Amur falcon rescued by the staff of SBI Mokokchung being handed over to Forest officials, Mokokchung.

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Highlighting the efforts made by the State Government and public in enabling a safe passage to this bird, the Forest Division reminded how these initiatives have entitled Nagaland state the sobriquet “Amur falcon capital of the world”.

The Bird has also been accorded legal protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, which mentions that the Amur Falcon (Falco Amurensis) is a protected species listed in Schedule IV of the law. Therefore, the Mokokchung Forest Division has pointed out that hunting of these birds or having their meat in possession is a criminal offence punishable up to 3 years imprisonment under the Act.

Hence, it appealed to all the citizens to protect and safeguard the State Guest.