Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis)

Category: Environment & Migratory Species | GS Paper III

SEO Title: Amur Falcon Migration: Doyang Reservoir, Nagaland and Conservation Initiatives

UPSC Notes

The Amur Falcon is a small migratory raptor known for its long-distance seasonal migration between breeding grounds in Asia and wintering areas in Africa.

  • Scientific name: Falco amurensis.

  • Breeding grounds: Southeastern Siberia and northern China.

  • Wintering grounds: Southern and eastern Africa.

  • Migration: Undertakes an exceptionally long migration, with the source citing a round trip of about 22,000 km.

  • Migration route: Includes a non-stop crossing of the Arabian Sea.

  • Indian passage: Typically passes through Northeast India during October–November.

  • Important site: Doyang Reservoir in Wokha district, Nagaland.

  • Pangti village: Known as the “Falcon Capital of the World.”

  • Conservation history: Community-led efforts helped stop mass hunting and developed the Falcon Festival conservation model.

  • Research: Satellite tagging by the Wildlife Institute of India in 2013 helped reveal migration routes.

  • IUCN status: Least Concern, as stated in the source.

  • International framework: Convention on Migratory Species, Appendix II, according to the source.

Key Pointers for Prelims

  • Doyang Reservoir is in Nagaland.

  • Amur Falcons migrate from Asia to Africa.

  • Community participation is central to their conservation.

  • The species is known for its long-distance sea crossing.