Nagaland has been declared as the Falcon capital of the world” by an international team of ornithologists after estimating that about one million Amur Falcons roost in the State. During their annual migration on their way to South Africa, thousands of falcons are spotted in Doyang under Wokha district of Nagaland. These birds play an important role in the eco-system by helping to check the insect population.
KRC TIMES Desk
‘’The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a Falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim’’—- Sun Tzu.
Nagaland has been declared as the Falcon capital of the world” by an international team of ornithologists after estimating that about one million Amur Falcons roost in the State.
During their annual migration on their way to South Africa, thousands of falcons are spotted in Doyang under Wokha district of Nagaland. This huge gathering of Falcons can nowhere be seen in the world. This is a perfect example of the rich biodiversity of Nagaland.
The success of Amur Falcon’s conservation has put Nagaland on the global map, and the sheer number of the Amur Falcon population in Nagaland has made it the ‘Falcon Capital’ of the world. During winter to escape the harsh cold of Siberia, thousands of Amur Falcon roost in Nagaland for over a month. These birds play an important role in the eco-system by helping to check the insect population.
Pangti and adjoining villages of Wokha district have left no stone unturned to turn this spectacular migration of these magnificent birds into a lifetime opportunity for tourists. Two watchtowers have been constructed in the area to witness the phenomenon of mass migration of these birds.
A few years back, these birds were slaughtered and eaten by the local people. But with the support of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Nagaland forest department has spread relentless awareness amongst the local people.
To ensure the safety of these guests, protection squads of around 30 former hunters have been formed who patrol the area during the season.
The forest department also arranges a Welcome Programme for these birds at Pangti village. Rapid Action Project (RAP), run by WTI and Natural Nagas with the assistance of the state forest department to protect the birds has started an awareness programme in Assam’s Dima Hasao district.
While migrating, these birds stay in Dima Haso district for a few weeks during October and November. Here they are hunted and traded by the locals. They are also trying to provide the Naga people with knowledge about the origins of their annual falcon visitors.
