Friday November 22, 2024
An Amur Falcon in flight, showcasing its elegant wingspan and resilience. These migratory birds are renowned for their extraordinary journeys, traveling up to 20,000 kilometers annually between Asia and Africa.
Mogadishu (HOL) — A satellite-tagged Amur Falcon named “Chiuluan2” has captured the attention of researchers and conservationists worldwide, completing a non-stop migration from India to Somalia in just five days and 17 hours, a testament to the resilience of migratory birds and the ecological systems they depend on.
Chiuluan2 began its journey early Sunday morning from Guhagar, Maharashtra, in India and arrived in Somalia by Tuesday evening, passing near Socotra Island at the Horn of Africa’s tip. The remarkable feat was closely monitored by R. Suresh Kumar, a scientist with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). “This is a significant step in understanding the migratory paths and challenges faced by these extraordinary birds,” Kumar stated.
The falcon was one of two birds released in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on November 8, fitted with satellite transmitters to track their migration. This project, spearheaded by the Manipur Forest Department, WII, and local communities, aims to shed light on the environmental factors influencing the survival of Amur Falcons. Another falcon, Guangram, remains at its roosting site in Tamenglong.
Amur Falcons undertake one of the longest migratory journeys of any bird species, traveling up to 20,000 kilometers annually. They breed in Southeast Asia, including northeastern China and Russia, before flying to Africa for the winter. Their journey includes stopovers in India’s northeast and Somalia, both critical habitats during migration.
In India, the falcons are celebrated in communities like Manipur and Nagaland, where they are locally known as “Akhuaipuina.” The annual Amur Falcon Festival, held on November 21, promotes awareness of conservation efforts and underscores the role of local communities in protecting these migratory birds.
Radio-tagging projects, initiated in 2018, have advanced our scientific understanding of Amur Falcons. However, their migration routes face growing threats, including habitat destruction and climate change.
A map illustrating the remarkable migration pattern of the Amur Falcon, spanning from breeding grounds in China to wintering sites in South Africa. Key stopovers include India and Somalia, highlighting the bird's incredible endurance and the ecological significance of its journey.