Amur Falcons Triumph: Preserving Nature's Harmony

Ever since the the Doyang Reservoir was created by a hydroelectric dam on the Doyang River in 2000, Amur Falcons have made it a regular stop on their migratory route. The yearly stopover in Nagaland, India, of tens of thousands of migrating Amur Falcons from Siberia made the falcons vulnerable to hunting. By around 2010 villagers were slaughtering these majestic birds for their meat, with estimates suggesting at least 120,000 falcons were killed annually.

 

 

Ipakshi's founder, Anjali Hood, stumbled upon this heartbreaking reality in 2012, when searching for a bird to match the design of a cushion cover that was inspired by feathers.

Having spent her formative years in India, this discovery sparked a deep sense of responsibility, driving her to collaborate with global charity BirdLife International in a quest to halt this mindless massacre.

BirdLife, its local partner, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), and others embarked on a  journey that was to transform the lives of both, the magnificent birds and the Pangti villagers.

 

BNHS worked to empower Pangti villagers, guiding them away from the dark path of hunting. Focus group meetings and eco-club initiatives instilled a love for nature among the youth, fostering a deeper connection with wildlife.

The church (Nagaland is a mostly Christian state) stepped in too, citing the Book of Leviticus in the Bible, which prohibits the consumption of birds of prey. With the government's support and the dedication of local villages, a united front emerged to protect these winged wonders. 

 

Village councils agreed to make falcon hunting illegal and imposed a fine on hunters. Villagers, along with green groups, patrolled the region to enforce these laws.

Eco-tourism emerged as a beacon of hope for Pangti's community. Tourists flocked to witness the awe-inspiring congregation of Amur Falcons at Doyang Reservoir, offering the villagers new sources of income while preserving the falcons' natural habitat. This symbiotic relationship showcased the power of sustainable living and the beauty of coexistence.

 

The efforts to protect the falcons have yielded remarkable results. Recent hunting seasons witnessed no killings. 

Nagaland is now taking an extraordinary step towards showcasing Nagaland's biodiversity to the world by setting its sights on a groundbreaking avian documentation exercise. This ambitious initiative aims to go beyond falcon conservation and celebrate the state's diverse birdlife. 

Chenibemo Odyuo, with the Nagaland Forest Management Project Foundation for Ecological Security, emphasised that while Amur falcons brought global attention to Nagaland's birding wonders, the communities have more to offer in terms of nature conservation. The event intends to instil a sense of pride in the rich birdlife and the natural treasures that grace the region.

 

Nagaland's success story can serve as a template for other states facing similar wildlife conservation challenges. By displaying a united front, embracing a conservation ethic, and safeguarding the natural harmony between humans and wildlife, we hope to witness a brighter future for South Asian forests.