Tamenglong Bans Amur Falcon Hunting and Demands Air Gun Surrenders

Imphal: Tamenglong District Magistrate Dr. L. Angshim Dangshawa issued a strict ban on hunting, trapping, killing, or selling Amur Falcons. This order, dated October 14, follows the start of the birds' 1,200 km journey from Siberian and Chinese breeding grounds. Two satellite-tagged birds, Apapang and Alang, lead this year's migration. Officials want these birds safe.

The district administration ordered residents in 35 villages to deposit all air guns with their respective Village Authorities by October 20. Affected areas include Chiuluan, Khangchiuluan, Duigailong, and Tamenglong Town. The authorities will hold these weapons until November 30, 2026. The mandate also forbids the use of catapults and firearms for hunting the birds, which locals call “Kahuaipuina” or “Akhuaipuina.”

Enforcement is coming. Village authorities must report their total weapon collection to the District Magistrate by October 22. The Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Forest Officer will oversee compliance. Violators face prosecution under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita of 2023.

Amur Falcons travel from Siberia and China, crossing Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar before hitting Northeast India. They eventually fly over the Arabian Sea to reach wintering grounds in Africa. Protecting their roosting sites during this October and November window is a priority.