Species In News: Amur Falcons

In News 

Recently, Amur Falcons have reached the Tamenglong district of Manipur – the annual stopover.

Image Courtesy: ebird.org

About 

  • Scientifically termed as ‘Falco amurensis’.
  • The Amur falcon is a small raptor of the falcon family.
  • Distribution and Migration: They breed in Siberia and Northern China and migrate to winter in Southern Africa. 
    • Migrates west through India and across the Arabian Sea to Southern Africa.
  • Food: Feeds on dragonflies and insects. 
  • Threats: illegal trapping and killing during migration, prone to habitat loss from agricultural practices and land reclamation. 
  • Conservation Status: The birds are the least concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
  • The hunting of the bird was punishable under the Manipur Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and could lead to three years of imprisonment and a fine of ?25,000.

Source:TH