Status of Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) under Amendment (2022) of the Principal Wildlife Protection Act 1972

Kh Hitler Singh
Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is a special Act which is enforced all over India. Under Article 51A(g) of Constitution of India; it is the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures. The Act was enacted to protect wildlife and its habitat. The Principal Act of WPA 1972 had been amended several times. The Act was last amended (major) in 2022, the amended Act was enforced from 1st April 2023. In the past amendment many schedule III and IV species were brought under Schedule I and Part II of Schedule II; which are considered endangered and given highest legal protection under the Act. On one hand it means many species are more endangered and vulnerable to extinction in the very near future.
In the light of major Amendment, 2022 of the principal Wildlife Protection Act 1972,  the Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is brought under Schedule I, Part B from the earlier Schedule IV. Because of uniqueness of migration over 22000 km annually covering two continents of Asia and Africa, passing several countries and vast ocean of Arabian Sea, it is a very hot topic for the General studies of Civil Servi- ces and other competitive examinations. The latest detailed of legal status of Amur falcon and Penalties prescribed under the Act is highlighted herewith for general public and various aspiring students.
Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) which is locally known as Akhoipuina or Kahoipuina in the Rongmei dialect is a small raptor bird which migrate in a large numbers up-to several lakh from Siberian and Northern China during the winter season to the warmer climatic region in the southern countries. The migratory route passes through central Chi-na, Myanmar, North East India, Central India, Western India, Arabian Sea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa in search of food and adaptable temperature. Among these region/countries; North-East India is very crucial in the life of Amur falcon. They use to stay at this region for about forty five days to two months feeding on different insects, termites, locusts, rodents etc. to keep the body fit & refuelling with fat to further migrate over the Arabian Sea in an amazing non-stop flight for about five days and five nights.
The Amur falcon has the approximate size of common pigeon. The body length is about 26 cm to 30 cm with wing span of about 63 cm to 71 cm. The weight ranges from 97 gm to 170 gm in male bird and from 111 gm to 195 gm in female bird. Amur falcons are raptor birds feeding on several insects. The diets include Termites, Locusts, Ants, Beetles, Mice, etc. The male is blackish grey in color and female bird is brighter in color both having under wing whitish in color. The female is larger in size than the male.
Still there is threat of hunting of these birds in large number by using different tool such as nylon traps and air guns in the interior areas. Some villagers use to sell these killed birds either in raw or roasted form. These heinous crimes of Wildlife offences shall be dealt with more severe penalties.
The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is now included under Schedule-I, Part B of WPA,1972 (Amended 2022).  The Species under Schedule I are considered endangered or its threshold population is declining or they are prone to hunting threat etc. The penalties for committing Wildlife Offences had also been enhanced under the Amendment Act.
The penalties for hunting or committing a crime involving Amur falcon such as hunting, selling its meat (raw or roasted) shall be imprisonment not less than three years and may extend to seven years and also fine not less than twenty five thousand rupees.  Concerning Amur falcon; the message given by the Amendment 2022 of principal Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is that Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is becoming very important species and need to be conserved for the future generation.  Today is the right time because tomorrow may be too late. Extinction is forever and an extinct species cannot be brought again by any scientific advancement.  
Further according to the Scripture of Old Testament of Holy Bible, falcon and other raptors are unclean birds, so one should not consume them as food.
Leviticus 11:13-18: “And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten; they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, the kite, and the falcon after its kind; every raven after its kind, the ostrich, the short-eared owl, the sea gull, and the hawk after its kind; the little owl, the jackdaw, and the carrion vulture; the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat.”
So let us all be united to conserve, protect this unique species which is very important for consuming all harmful insects, termites, locusts etc in India and in other part of the world for keeping our environment healthy and clean which is a priceless eco-system service. (The article is intended for academic & general awareness. The writer would like to thank & acknowledge Shri Anurag Bajpai, IFS, PrCCF &HoFF, and Senior Forest Officers of Forest Dept both retired and serving who have guided and administered the Conservation & Protection of Amur falcon in Manipur since 2016-17. The writer also would like to thank & acknowledge Dr L Angshim Dangshawa IAS, DC, Tamenglong and District Administration, Tameng-long for their kind support in conservation activities. The writer further would also like to acknowledge many Village Authorities, local Youth Clubs & Rainforest Club, Tamenglong and every citizens of Tameng-long District for their kind helping hand in the conservation & protection of Amur falcon & other wildlife in Tamenglong Dist. The writer can be reached at - [email protected])