[dropcap]D[/dropcap]uring 2012 there was negative publicity about the mass harvesting of the Amur Falcon, the Forest Department, NGOS local communities have came together and started conservation movement and make the people to understand the conservation and the communities have protected Amur Falcon and not a single bird was harvested. This was a big turnaround within a year. Come to 2014 there is sea change in perception of the people from Hunter to conservationists.
I spent a day on the 25th of October 2014 in Doyang meeting various people, village Council chairman of the Pangti, Village committee members, Amur falcon Roosting union, volunteers engaged by Wildlife Trust of India, Forest department, Nagaland wildlife and Biodiversity Trust, Natural Nagas, Woman self help groups. People have got alternative livelihood, the volunteers engaged are getting Rs 200 per day, and nearly 60 volunteers were engaged. I visited Natural Nagas base camp and they pitched the make shift tents with all amenities at reasonable rates a good place for tourists to stay overnight, serve good naga cuisine, play light music, in beautiful serenity on the banks of Doyang dam. Nagaland Forest Protection force patrolling the area along with other volunteers of different NGOS who are in uniform and with badges directing the visitors to the roosting areas.My next halt on the way is Amur Falcon Roosting area union reception who has kept welcome camp and asking all visitors to sign the register. I along my all staff have signed the register they maintained, they kept a donation box which is for voluntary contribution by visitor. Small card has been handed over to me by the volunteers, which appeals the visitors’ dos and don’ts in and around roosting area. Avoid donning bright cloths, Maintain speed limit of 20 KMPH, Avoid honking within roosting premises. Maintain plastic free zone, carrying of fire arms and crackers are strictly prohibited. Spoke with fisherman community leaders and volunteers in the reception of Amur Falcon roosting Area union everyone says we want protect Amur Falcon. I saw fleet of vehicles with tourists to visit the roosting site.
On the way to roosting site one can see sign boards with No horn after 4PM and I halted at Hotel manned by Women self help group of Asha village who are serving Tea for Rs 5 and food to all tourist. I saw visitors are sipping Tea in the tea stall. They are getting good business. Pangti village council also kept a Reception counter near the roosting site. Met Deputy Commissioner Wokha and discussed about conservation of Amur Falcon.
The crew from BBC who are shooting film “HUNT” met me and they told me they were amazed to see millions of Amur Falcon flying on the sky. I met Pangti Village Council Chairman and members who are recipients of Governors commendation award, and Royal Bank of Scotland award which they are going to receive on the 4th of November 2014, and Balipara foundation Award which they are going to receive on the 7th of November 2014. it was 5PM Amur Falcons are coming from all corners towards roosting site it is spectacular scenery millions are flying together and finally settled on tree top for night sleep.
It is one of the historic conservation movement the villagers and communities have done and now they are tasting the success of the conservation. To keep the conservation movement sustainable there should be big road map of the developing the whole Doyang area as Ecotourist spot as the surrounding of the Doyang areas has natural beauty which reminds me the Alps of Switzerland. People from all over country and Nagaland are visiting to see the success story. You also visit and be part of the conservation movement and replicate this in your area to protect the Natural heritage god has given us.
When I was driving back from Roosting site I remember the Famous ABBA song EAGLE (replace EAGLE with AMUR)
They came flying from far away, now I’m under their spell
I love hearing the stories that they tell
They’ve seen places beyond my land and they’ve found new horizons
They speak strangely but I understand
And I dream And I dream I can spread my wings
Flying high, high, I’m a bird in the sky
I’m an eagle that rides on the breeze
High, high, what a feeling to fly
Over mountains and forests and seas
And to go anywhere that I please
As all good friends we talk all night, and we fly wing to wing
I have questions and they know everything
There’s no limit to what I feel, we climb higher and higher
Am I dreaming or is it all real?
Is it true I’m an eagle (AMUR)?
Is it true I can spread my wings?
Flying high, high, I’m a bird in the sky
I’m an eagle that rides on the breeze
High, high, what a feeling to fly
Over mountains and forests and seas
And to go anywhere that I please
And I dream I’m an eagle(AMUR)
And I dream I can spread my wings
Flying high, high, I’m a bird in the sky
(I’m an eagle)
I’m an eagle that rides on the breeze
High, high, what a feeling to fly
(What a feeling)
Over mountains and forests and seas
Flying high, high, I’m a bird in the sky
I’m an eagle(Amur) that rides on the breeze
High, high, what a feeling to fly
(What a feeling)
Over mountains and forests and seas
And to go anywhere that I please
M.Lokeswara Rao I.F.S
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force
Kohima: Nagaland
