TAMENGLONG, October 23, 2026: Two satellite-tagged Amur Falcons, Apapang and Alang, returned to Tamenglong district on October 22 after completing their annual migratory journey, marking a significant milestone in the region’s ongoing wildlife conservation efforts.
The return of the two migratory birds highlights the importance of scientific research, satellite tracking and community participation in protecting the Amur Falcon, a long-distance migratory raptor that travels between its breeding grounds in eastern Asia and its non-breeding grounds in southern Africa.
According to the Tamenglong Forest Division, the return of Apapang and Alang will provide valuable insights into their migratory routes, movement patterns and habitat use, helping strengthen conservation strategies for the species.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Amit Kaler, IFS, expressed happiness over the successful return of the birds, describing it as an encouraging development for the conservation movement in Tamenglong.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav also acknowledged the return of the two satellite-tagged Amur Falcons in a social media post on October 23. According to the Forest Division’s press release, the birds are expected to remain in Tamenglong for another two to three weeks before continuing their migration.
The DFO acknowledged the scientific contribution of Dr Suresh Kumar, a scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), for advancing research and understanding of the Amur Falcon. He also recognised the contributions of former officers and staff of the Tamenglong Forest Division, whose initiatives helped lay the foundation for the district’s conservation programme.
The Forest Division further appreciated the Rainforest Club Tamenglong, civil society organisations, and village authorities and residents of Chiuluan, Khangchiuluan, Guangram, Puching, Matung and Phalong, among others, for their cooperation and continued support in protecting the migratory birds.
Amur Falcons play an important ecological role by feeding on insects, including locusts and termites, helping regulate pest populations and maintain ecological balance. Their remarkable transcontinental migration also underscores the importance of coordinated conservation efforts across countries and regions.
While celebrating the birds’ return, the DFO warned that illegal hunting, trapping, capture, possession or trade of Amur Falcons would invite strict legal action under the applicable provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended.
The Tamenglong Forest Division has appealed to village authorities, civil society organisations, student bodies, youth clubs, educational institutions, security agencies and the general public to strengthen their commitment to protecting the migratory birds and their habitats.
The return of Apapang and Alang reinforces Tamenglong’s significance as an important stopover in the Amur Falcon’s migratory journey and highlights how scientific monitoring, institutional commitment and community-led conservation can work together to safeguard Manipur’s rich biodiversity.
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