New Delhi: Three satellite-tagged Amur Falcons from Manipur have completed one of the longest recorded migrations, flying thousands of kilometres across continents to finally reach Africa.
The three birds, named Apapang, Alang, and Ahu, have now attracted global attention for their endurance, having covered the distance in 5-6 days, as reported by India Today.
IAS officer Supriya Sahu shared a post on X on Amur falcons, writing that the destinations of the birds were explained to her by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) scientist Suresh Kumar.
Supriya is now the additional chief secretary for environment, climate change and forests in the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Apapang, tagged with an orange marker, completed a direct 6,100-kilometre passage in six days, landing in Kenya after soaring across India, the Arabian Sea, and the Horn of Africa.
This flight now ranks among the longest uninterrupted journeys for a small raptor. Amur Falcons weight around 150 grams and feed on insects.
Alang is the youngest of the lot. Allotted a yellow tag, it journeyed 5,600 kilometres, with brief stops in Telangana
and Maharashtra before reaching Kenya.
Ahu, marked with a red tag, paused in Bangladesh before flying over the Arabian Sea, covering 5,100 kilometres to Somalia.
Conservationists say that these extraordinary flights bolster the Amur Falcon’s nickname, the “tiny long-distance voyager.” These birds normally migrated from Siberia to Africa during the winter, with a stopover in India. Naturists are keen to keep track of their migration routes and distances.
Their journeys highlight the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and the importance of conserving migratory routes that bridge continents.
“As they continue their travels, reaching places like Botswana’s magical Okavango Delta and Xaafuun in Somalia, these birds enhance our understanding of avian endurance and the critical need for global conservation efforts,” Supriya posted.
The annual migrations of these birds inspire birders and conservationists alike, encouraging efforts to safeguard these remarkable pathways.
Bird lovers worldwide are keenly watching their continued journeys, illustrating the need for cross-border conservation policies to safeguard migratory species. The collaboration between nations is crucial for the preservation of the habitats that support not only the Amur falcons but also numerous other species that share these age-old routes.
Research continues to unveil additional nuances of their flights, guiding future conservation strategies and fostering a global appreciation for these tireless travelers, as reported.