Imphal: Three Amur falcons fitted with satellite transmitters in Manipur last November are currently wintering in different parts of Africa, officials have said, highlighting the success of the ongoing tracking initiative.
The birds — named Ahu, Alang and Apapang — were tagged by the Manipur Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India. After being fitted with transmitters, they were released from the Chiuluan roosting site in Tamenglong district.
According to officials, the tagged falcons completed their long transcontinental journey to Africa in a record nine to ten days. Since arriving on the continent, they have been spending their winter migration period in separate African nations.
Dr R Suresh Kumar of the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India said the birds are being closely monitored through satellite data. “All three falcons are active and doing well. There were earlier concerns regarding Ahu’s movement, but recent tracking inputs show that the bird is making normal local movements,” he said.
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As per the latest location data, Ahu is currently in Somalia, Apapang has been traced to Zimbabwe, and Alang is in Botswana, officials added.
