Three satellite-tagged Amur falcons from Manipur have successfully reached Africa under Phase II of a scientific tracking project.

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• Under Phase II of the Manipur Amur Falcon Tracking Project, three Amur falcons — Ahu, Alang and Apapang — tagged in November 2025 have completed their migration to Africa within nine to ten days. 
• The tagging exercise was carried out by the Forest Department, Manipur, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, at Chiuluan village in Tamenglong district.

As per the latest satellite data:

• Ahu is in Somalia
• Apapang is in Zimbabwe
• Alang is in Botswana

About Amur Falcons

• Scientific name: Falco amurensis
• Breed in eastern Russia and northern China
• Migrate annually to southern Africa, covering nearly 20,000 km
• Known for crossing the Arabian Sea in a non-stop flight

Project Details

• Operates under: State Forest Department with scientific support from the Wildlife Institute of India
• Speared headed by: Forest Department, Manipur
• Objective:
  • Track migratory routes
  • Study behaviour and stopover sites
  • Strengthen conservation strategy
• Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

The project highlights how scientific monitoring can aid international bird conservation, especially after past incidents of mass hunting in Northeast India.

Exam Hook: 

Consider the following statements regarding Amur Falcons:

1. They breed in eastern Russia and migrate to Africa.
2. They are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
3. They cross the Arabian Sea during migration.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 only

One line wrap: The Amur Falcon tracking project reflects how science, conservation and community efforts can protect one of the world’s longest migratory birds.

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