Amur Falcon Chiuluan 2’s Remarkable Migration to Somalia-Kenya Border

Chiuluan 2, a satellite-tagged male Amur falcon from Manipur, has reached the Somalia-Kenya border after a journey that began in Maharashtra. This conservation project aims to study the migratory patterns of these long-distance birds. The Amur falcon is recognized as one of the world’s longest-traveling birds, migrating annually from breeding grounds in Russia and China to wintering areas in South Africa, with significant stopovers in Northeast India and Somalia. Efforts to protect and monitor these raptors are crucial for their conservation.

In a remarkable feat of migration, Chiuluan 2, a male Amur falcon tagged with a satellite transmitter in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, has successfully reached the Somalia-Kenya border after a brief stopover in Somalia. This journey began on Sunday from Guhagar in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district, where the bird commenced its flight across the Arabian Sea. By Tuesday evening, Chiuluan 2 had arrived at its destination, showcasing the impressive migratory capabilities of this species. Meanwhile, another falcon, the female Guangram, remains at the original roosting site in Tamenglong.

On November 8, the Manipur Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and local villagers, initiated an important conservation project by releasing Chiuluan 2 and Guangram, aiming to study the migratory patterns and environmental interactions of the Amur falcons. In conjunction, nine other Amur falcons were released after being ringed for data collection purposes. The falcons are named after significant roosting villages in Manipur, reflecting both conservation efforts and local culture.

Amur falcons, locally known as ‘Akhuaipuina’, are recognized as the world’s longest-traveling birds. Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, these raptors migrate approximately 20,000 kilometers annually from their breeding grounds in southeast Russia and northeast China to their winter habitats in South Africa. Their migratory journey includes critical stopovers in Northeast India and Somalia. Notably, these birds typically arrive in India around October, roosting in Nagaland and Manipur before continuing to Africa in November.

The tagging initiative for Amur falcons in Tamenglong began in 2018, a significant step in understanding the challenges these birds face during migration. Such efforts have emphasized the importance of collaboration between governmental bodies, scientific organizations, and local communities in conserving these remarkable raptors and safeguarding their habitats. The successful migration of Chiuluan 2 underscores the significance of ongoing conservation measures and the commitment to protecting these avian travelers.

The article discusses the migration journey of Amur falcons, particularly one named Chiuluan 2, which recently reached the Somalia-Kenya border after being tagged in India. This highlights efforts to monitor migratory routes, the significance of these birds in biodiversity, and conservation initiatives by the Manipur Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India. It provides insights into the migratory patterns of Amur falcons, known for their long-distance travels from breeding grounds in Russia and China to wintering areas in Africa, including stopovers in India.

In summary, the migration of Chiuluan 2 demonstrates the impressive abilities of Amur falcons, marking an important chapter in conservation efforts led by the Manipur Forest Department and the WII. The successful tracking of these birds not only provides vital data on their migratory patterns but also shows a commitment to preserving their habitats and ensuring their protection. The initiative underscores the vital role of local communities in wildlife conservation and the broader impacts of environmental stewardship.

Original Source: www.eastmojo.com