The 9th edition of the Amur Falcon Festival under the theme ‘Rhythm of Migration’ kicked off in Tamenglong, Manipur, celebrating the annual migration of this small raptor bird on November 21, 2024.

• The festival hosted at Mini Stadium, Apollo Ground, aimed to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of this remarkable species while highlighting the crucial role of the Amur falcon in the local community’s ecosystem.
• The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) migrates annually from Siberia to Southern Africa, passing through Northeast India, including Tamenglong.
• Large flocks of these birds roost during their migration during the months of October and November.
• The region has become a key stopover for these birds, emphasising the need for effective conservation strategies to prevent threats like illegal hunting and trapping.
• This year’s festival was organised by the Tamenglong Forest Division, in collaboration with the District Administration, the Tamenglong Rainforest Club, and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), with support from Fondation Segre.