Kohima: A high alert was sounded by the Nagaland Forest Department to Village Councils, Gaon Burahs and NGOs to protect the migratory bird Amur Falcons.
The birds have started arriving from South Africa in flocks of 50 to 60 in Wokha and other western districts since the last few days.
According to a statement by Steve Odyuo, Chairman of the Natural Nagas, an Ornithological organization, the first group of falcons (numbering 50-60) arrived on October 1.
Another ten to fifteen thousand Amur Falcons arrived yesterday, reported the Patrolling Squad engaged by the Wildlife Trust of India and Natural Nagas.
Odyuo said no reports of hunting and trapping had come during the 8 to 9 days of the birds’ stay in the Doyang area.
‘Another positive sign is the sighting of flocks of water birds in and around the water body,’ he added.
Meanwhile, a one day awareness campaign on the Conservation of Amur Falcons is scheduled be organized tomorrow by the Pangti Village Council and supported by Wildlife Trust of India, Natural Nagas and Department of Forest, Nagaland.
A series of such campaigns involving the Church, students and village councils had so far been undertaken.
He said the latest campaign will have multiple events like screening of films on Wildlife, power point presentation of the activities of the WTI, Natural Nagas and the Forest Department, distribution of pamphlets, performances by singers from Wokha, Kohima etc, putting up posters in and around the Amur Falcon bearing area and getting feedbacks from the affected people.
The campaign will target all age groups in the village. All neighbouring villages have been invited to participate in the campaign.
To give a safe passage to this guest birds from South Africa, the Village Council members, Gaon Burhas, village youth bodies and NGOs are keeping strict vigil against their trapping and killings. (UNI)