Manipur: Amur Falcon Festival Celebrated in Tamenglong

IMPHAL- The 9th edition of the Amur Falcon Festival kicked off in Tamenglong, Manipur, celebrating the annual migration of this small raptor bird on November 21, 2024. The festival aims to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of this remarkable species while highlighting the crucial role of the Amur falcon in the local community’s ecosystem.

The Amur falcon migrates annually from Siberia to Southern Africa, passing through Northeast India, including Tamenglong, where large flocks roost during their migration during the months of October and November. The region has become a key stopover for these birds, emphasising the need for effective conservation strategies to prevent threats like illegal hunting and trapping.

This year’s festival is being organised by the Tamenglong Forest Division, in collaboration with the District Administration, the Tamenglong Rainforest Club, and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), with support from Foundation Segre.

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The festival was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Awangbow Newmai, Minister of Water Resource Department, Relief and Disasters Management, Government of Manipur and the Guests of Honour Mr. Janghemlung Panmei, MLA, Tamenglong and Mr. Leishiyo Keishing, MLA, Phungyar District along with Rev. Dr. Guigongdai Pamei. Dignitaries from the various administrative departments of Manipur including Dr. L Angshim Dangshawa, District Collector of Tamenglong; and Mr. Kh. Hitler Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Tamenglong were also present.

The festival also showcased cultural performances by the Khunchung Dance Troupe and Puching Dance Troupe. An enthralling performance by the famous Manipur musical band Goodwill Mission Project will also take place in the evening for the visitors.

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Mr. Awangbow Newmai, Minister of Water Resource Department, Relief and Disasters Management, said, “The community must reflect on why conservation efforts are being spearheaded by researchers, the government, and others. It is the responsibility of each one of us to safeguard and conserve these remarkable birds, as well as our precious natural forests.”

Mr. Ramhiamang Gonmei, Secretary of the Rainforest Club, said, “The Tamenglong Rainforest Club started in 2014 in order to preserve the local flora and fauna. We witnessed that Amur falcons were being hunted in large numbers, which motivated us to raise awareness in the community about the importance of coexisting peacefully with wildlife. This festival has had a great impact, as hunting has decreased significantly, and we will continue our efforts to conserve wildlife.”

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The partnership between the Rainforest Club Tamenglong and the WTI has been instrumental in reducing the illegal hunting of Amur falcons in this region, during their migration. Through WTI’s Rapid Action Projects, the Rainforest Club has been conducting patrolling drives in Amur Falcon roosting sites involving local communities and also helped sensitise them to the importance of safeguarding these birds, ensuring their safe passage through the region.

Amrit Menon, Head, Wild Aid Division, WTI said, “Rapid Action Projects are one of WTI’s longest-running projects, which aims to address conservation emergencies across India, with short-term, focussed interventions, with the help of conservation partners based in the field. Conservation partners like Ramhiamang, have been working to protect these migrating Amur falcons around Tamenglong, and we at WTI are happy to support him and his team.”