Satellite-Tagged Amur Falcon Chiuluan 2 Completes Journey to Somalia-Kenya Border
Chiuluan 2, a satellite-tagged Amur falcon from Manipur, has reached the Somalia-Kenya border after a remarkable journey that began from Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district. With tracking initiated by the Wildlife Institute of India, this falcon crossed the Arabian Sea and arrived in Somalia before nearing its destination. Meanwhile, its companion Guangram remains in Tamenglong. These efforts form part of a broader initiative to study and conserve the migratory patterns of Amur falcons, recognized as the longest-traveling birds globally.
A satellite-tagged Amur falcon, known as Chiuluan 2, has successfully reached the Somalia-Kenya border after starting its journey from Manipur’s Tamenglong district. This remarkable journey, which involved crossing the Arabian Sea, commenced on a Sunday afternoon, with the majestic bird arriving in Somalia by Tuesday evening. As of Friday, Chiuluan 2 was spotted near the border region. In contrast, another falcon named Guangram, which was also tagged, remains in Tamenglong’s roosting area.
On November 8, the Manipur Forest Department, alongside the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and local residents, released these two Amur falcons fitted with satellite transmitters to study their migratory behaviors and environmental patterns. They chose the names Chiuluan and Guangram after local villages significant for falcon roosting in Manipur. In total, nine additional Amur falcons were released on the same day, equipped with identification rings.
Amur falcons, locally termed as ‘Akhuaipuina,’ are celebrated as the world’s longest migratory birds, traversing nearly 20,000 kilometers annually. These birds breed in Southeast Russia and Northeast China during the summer and migrate to their winter habitats in South Africa. Their migratory paths notably include regions such as Northeast India and Somalia. The timing of their arrival in India around October allows them to build up nourishment before embarking on their vigorous journey to Africa in November. They typically return to their breeding grounds by April or May.
The initiative to track Amur falcon migrations in Tamenglong commenced in 2018, with subsequent tagging of additional birds. These efforts have been instrumental in analyzing migration patterns and identifying challenges that the species faces. The collaborative actions of the Manipur Forest Department and local communities highlight the increasing dedication to conserving these remarkable raptors and their habitats. The successful migration observed with Chiuluan 2 underscores the importance of such conservation projects.
The Amur falcon, scientifically recognized for its extensive migratory patterns, holds the title of the longest-traveling bird globally. Each year, these birds undertake a formidable journey spanning approximately 20,000 kilometers, migrating from their breeding territories in Southeast Russia and Northeast China to their wintering grounds in South Africa. Their migration involves several critical stopovers, including significant locations in Northeast India, and they typically arrive in India around October. Conservation efforts, particularly involving satellite tagging, have been pivotal in monitoring these birds’ migratory routes and understanding their ecological challenges.
The journey of Chiuluan 2 from Manipur to the Somalia-Kenya border exemplifies the extraordinary migratory capabilities of Amur falcons and emphasizes the significance of conservation efforts in protecting these iconic birds. The collaboration between the Manipur Forest Department, the Wildlife Institute of India, and local communities has reinforced the commitment to ensuring sustainable habitats for these raptors. As tracking initiatives continue, they will provide deeper insights into the migratory patterns and preservation needs of this remarkable avian species.
Original Source: www.eastmojo.com
