AMUR FALCONS

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Context: Amur falcons, the world’s longest travelling raptors, began to arrive in Manipur’s Tamenglong district as part of its annual routine migration.

Details:

• Locally known as Akhuipuina, the bird arrives mainly in Manipur and Nagalandon its southbound migration from breeding grounds in North China, Eastern Mongolia and far-east Russia en-route to its wintering grounds in South Africa.
• The one-way journey via India is about 20,000 km long and the birds do this twice a year.
• Amur falcon is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and included under its Schedule IV.
• Hunting of the birds or possessing its meat is punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to Rs 5,000.
• In 2018, the forest department started a conservation programme by radio-tagging the birds to study their migratory route.
• IUCN status is Least Concern.

https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/amur-falcons-arrive-manipur-8237440/