Wokha, November 4 (HBTV): In a renewed effort to safeguard the Amur Falcons, the deputy commissioner of Wokha district has issued a public order declaring the rrosting site of the birds at Doyang a temporary silence zone.'
The order represents Nagaland's status as the ‘falcon capital of the world.’
This recognition stems from the largest annual gathering of Amur Falcons at Pangti village in the district during the months of October and November.
The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small raptor of the falcon family. It is said that the bird breeds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter in Southern and East African coasts.
Hundreds of thousands of the migratory birds reportedly roost in many parts of Nagaland during autumn, most notably in the forests near Doyang hydro reservoir.
The order, issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, emphasizes the importance of continuing safe passage for the migratory birds, which are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), to which India is a signatory. To minimize disturbances, the roosting site at Pangti has been officially declared a temporary 'Silence Zone' within a 3-kilometer radius for the duration of the migration season.
Scientific studies have shown that high-intensity sound can induce fear in wild birds, potentially causing them to abandon their habitat and disrupting vital communication linked to reproduction and survival.
The district administration has urged all citizens, communities, and visitors to cooperate in preserving this unique ecological phenomenon and to uphold Nagaland's global reputation for successful wildlife conservation.