Satellite-Tagged Amur Falcon Chiuluan 2 Successfully Migrates to Somalia-Kenya Border

Satellite-tagged Chiuluan 2, an Amur falcon, has reached the Somalia-Kenya border after leaving from Manipur. The birds were tagged to study their migration, which spans around 20,000 km from breeding grounds in Russia and China to wintering areas in South Africa. This conservation initiative showcases collaborative efforts to protect this species, particularly as Chiuluan 2’s journey highlights its significant migratory resilience.

The Amur falcon, specifically the male Chiuluan 2, has made an impressive journey from Manipur to the Somalia-Kenya border, crossing the Arabian Sea. This satellite-tagged bird, tracked by senior scientist R. Suresh Kumar of the Wildlife Institute of India, began its migration from Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district and reached its current position after stopping in Somalia.

On November 8, the Manipur Forest Department, in partnership with the Wildlife Institute of India and local villagers, released both Chiuluan 2 and a female falcon named Guangram after equipping them with satellite transmitters. This initiative aims to better understand the migratory paths and environmental dynamics impacting these remarkable birds. The Amur falcons are recognized as the world’s longest-traveling birds, known for their extensive migration of about 20,000 kilometers from their breeding grounds in Russia and Northern China to wintering locations in South Africa.

The tagging program, which began in 2018, reflects concerted efforts to conserve Amur falcons, which are also protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The initiatives taken by the Manipur Forest Department and local communities underscore the importance of protecting these avian raptors and their migratory routines, as exemplified by the successful journey of Chiuluan 2 from Manipur to the African continent.

The Amur falcon, or ‘Akhuaipuina’ in local terminology, is celebrated for its extraordinary migratory patterns, traveling approximately 20,000 kilometers annually. These birds undertake long flights from their breeding grounds in southeastern Russia and northern China to winter in South Africa. The conservation efforts in India, particularly in Manipur, aim to monitor and understand their migratory habits and the ecological challenges that affect their survival. With the use of satellite tagging, researchers gather critical data to aid in the preservation of this species and its habitat.

The remarkable journey of the satellite-tagged Amur falcon Chiuluan 2 illustrates the successful conservation initiatives undertaken by the Manipur Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India. Such efforts not only enhance our understanding of migratory patterns but also emphasize the necessity of preserving avian species that traverse vast distances. The successful tracking of these falcons serves as a vital reminder of the commitment required to safeguard biodiversity.

Original Source: www.eastmojo.com