Irang now in Bangladesh

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 6 : Irang, the satellite radio transmitter tagged Amur Falcon reached Bangladesh today while Chiulon is still resting in Chiulon village in Tamenglong district, said Wildlife Institute of India scientist Dr Sureshkumar.
Irang left Tamenglong yesterday and reached Bangladesh via Mizoram today. Chiulon which is still roosting at Chiulon village may also soon begin its flight for South Africa to spend the winter there, said Dr Sureshkumar.
On the other hand, sightings of Amur Falcons have been reported from Khumbong in Imphal West for the first time. The migratory birds were seen sitting on electric wires at Khumbong area, the reports said.
It may be mentioned that the Amur Falcons usually visit Puching and Chiulon villages in Tamenglong district in winter before they leave for South Africa. They are usually seen resting in the bamboo groves on the banks of Barak river and the villages.
Meanwhile, to spread awareness about the migratory birds and conserve them, an ‘Amur Falcon Sports Meet’ was kicked off yesterday at Puching village with the assistance of DFO (District Forest Officer), Tamenglong.
Kicking off the sports meet, DFO Kh Hitler took a pledge to conserve Amur Falcons and urged people to protect the birds.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Puching village chairman, Ramkhonang Gonmei expressed happiness about Irang and Chiulon reaching the village and stated that the villagers are taking all steps to ensure safe stay of the Amur falcons.
With the village gaining recognition for its efforts in conserving the Amur Falcons, he said many bird watchers from India and outside countries have started visiting Puching village to witness the migratory birds.
Stating that Puching village can also benefit from such exposure and improve wildlife tourism, he appealed the Government to construct guest houses and home stay facilities at the village.
M Panmei, director of Rainforest Club Tamenglong which have been spearheading many Amur Falcon awareness campaigns in the district, said Puching village has become a role model for other villages and the whole State to follow to successfully conserve wildlife.
Notably, two tree houses have been set up at Chiulon village for visitors and wildlife enthusiasts to watch the migratory birds and enjoy the scenic beauty of the village. The villagers and the authorities concerned are also promoting orchids in the village, said sources.
Notably, Irang had reached Puching village on October 27 a day after Chiulon arrived. Both the birds along with three others were fitted with satellite radio transmitters in November last year to study their migratory patterns. The other three Amur Falcons were named Barak, Puching and Phalong, but unfortunately the Wildlife Institute of India has lost contact with them.