Campaign to save the Amur Falcons - MorungExpress

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 28 (MExN): In response to the mass killing of Amur Falcons recorded last year, a campaign to protect the migratory birds has been launched in Wokha district. The 'Friends of the Amur Falcon' campaign will include nature education, creation of Amur Falcon Ecoclubs, patrolling and enforcement as well as scientific study of the birds. Thousands of Amur Falcons migrate through Nagaland every winter on their 22,000 journey from Siberia to South Africa. Nagaland Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Trust, a Dimapur based NGO has taken the principal lead in this campaign. The campaign is supported by conservation institutions like Wildlife Conservation Society, Birdlife, Bombay Natural History Society, Raptor Research and Conservation Foundation and Wildlife Conservation Trust.  There is also support from the Government of Nagaland. The local administration (Deputy Commissioner) as well as Department of Forests, Ecology, Environment and Wildlife will step up vigilance to prevent any hunting this season. Expressing his support, Chief Minister, Nephiu Rio stated, "The state government is committed to end the unfortunate killings of the migratory Amur Falcons in Nagaland." The CM added it is "our duty to protect the Amur Falcons and, in true Naga tradition of hospitality, treat them as honored and esteemed guests." The NWBCT has kicked-off an education initiative covering areas visited by the falcons. A press note informed that this programme "opens a window into the world of nature education as a tool for conservation." A 'training the trainer' workshop will prepare participants to help educate kids in the villages. The formation of Ecoclubs in specific villages will focus on nature and wildlife education, fieldwork, creative arts and photography. Bano Haralu, Managing Trustee of the NWBCT said that "local communities respond better when the youth are educated and this can only happen through intensive grassroot education." In 2012, NWBCT documented the massacre of thousands of the Amur Falcons in Wokha district. The birds descend along the banks of the Doyang River, where hunters set up nets to catch them. These findings were published in Conservation India, resulting in national and international outcry. via Science - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEaiDFzgPySoyBfUBwqCkr2bwhVUg&url=http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/101982.html

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