What: Amur falcon is a small raptor of the falcon family. The migratory bird passes through India's northeast, including Nagaland, every year in October-November during its long annual journey of 22,000 km. They breed in south-eastern Siberia and northern China and travel to southern Africa. These birds were facing a massive crisis while passing through India, as it is estimated that during peak migration 12,000-14,000 birds were being hunted daily for consumption and commerce. After this plight was highlighted, a campaign was launched by Conservation India and other NGOs including Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) against this massacre.

An Amur falcon takes flight. Pic courtesy/Saurabh Sawant