In a heartwarming annual event, the migratory Amur Falcons (known as Molulem in the local dialect) have begun their arrival in Nagaland. These majestic birds embark on an incredible long-distance journey, traversing up to 22,000 kilometers in a single year, all the way from eastern Asia to South Africa and back during early autumn, an official report said on Thursday.

Nagaland serves as a crucial stopover for these remarkable creatures, where they congregate in enormous flocks, sometimes numbering up to 100,000 individuals, to rest and refuel for a duration of 3 to 4 weeks. Their presence holds immense ecological importance, as they naturally regulate pest populations and participate in vital pollination activities.

The dedicated efforts of both the Nagaland government and the public have significantly contributed to providing a secure passage for these avian travelers over the years. As a result, Nagaland has proudly earned the well-deserved title of the “Amur Falcon capital of the world.” Furthermore, the Amur Falcon is granted legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the report also said.

According to this Act, the Amur Falcon (Falco Amurensis) is classified as a protected species and listed in the law's schedule IV. It is imperative to understand that hunting these birds or possessing their meat is a serious criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years under the provisions of the Act.

Therefore, the Forest Department has appealed to all the concerned and responsible citizens to protect and preserve the Amur Falcon by refraining from hunting these remarkable birds and ensuring their safe stay and passage through their region, the report added.