IMPHAL, Oct 23: Two satellite-tagged Amur falcons, Apapang and Alang, have returned to Manipur after travelling across 23 countries during their nearly year-long migration, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Friday.
The birds arrived in the state on Thursday, 11 days after departing from their breeding grounds in north-eastern China. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) tagged the two falcons in November 2025 to track their movements across Asia and Africa. Yadav said their return marked the completion of their round-trip journey since being tagged.
The falcons are expected to spend the next two to three weeks at selected mountainous sites in Tamenglong district, where local communities help protect the migratory birds during their annual visit. They will feed on termites to build up fat reserves before continuing their journey.
According to Yadav, the birds will then undertake a non-stop flight of nearly 6,000 km from Manipur to Somalia over six days, including a crossing of around 3,000 km over the Arabian Sea.
Amur falcons migrate annually between their breeding grounds in north-eastern Asia and wintering areas in Africa. Their seasonal arrival in Manipur has highlighted the role of local communities in safeguarding the species.
