Amur Falcons: The world’s longest travelling raptors
Being the world’s longest travelling raptors, Amur falcons amaze everyone with their annual migration that begins with the onset of winters. These birds breed in southeastern Siberia and northern China. Every year, millions of them continue their journey crossing India and the Indian Ocean to reach southern Africa before making their way back to Mongolia and Siberia.
Their Migratory Route
Amur falcons follow an impressive migratory route spanning 22,000 kilometres, one of the longest amongst all avian species. They are named after the Amur river that marks the border between Russia and China. Notably, Doyang Lake in Nagaland is a significant stopover for these birds during their annual voyage from their breeding grounds to a warmer South Africa.
Conservation Efforts
Though not endangered, Amur falcons are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Convention on Migratory Species which India has signed. It is mandatory for the state government to ensure the protection of these birds as per these agreements.
Nagaland: The Falcon Capital of the World
Nagaland has been christened as the “Falcon Capital of the World.” Here, the tourism department organizes an annual festival, starting from 2018 that aligns with the peak migration period of the Amur falcons and offers an optimal time for outdoor activities.
Moths as Pollinators
Contrary to the popular belief of moths being pests, a study by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has shed light on their role as pollinators of numerous flowering plants in the Himalayan ecosystem. In India, the number of moth species is estimated at nearly 12,000.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Moth species in India | 12,000 |
| Role of Moths in the ecosystem | Pollinators |
Zoological Survey of India
Established in 1916, ZSI is a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. It functions as a national centre with its headquarters at Kolkata, 16 regional stations situated across varied geographical locations in the country, and is heavily involved in faunistic survey and exploration for enhancing knowledge on India’s rich faunal diversity.
Manas National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
India and Bhutan have joined hands to create an integrated river basin management plan for the transboundary Manas river flowing from Bhutan to Assam. Manas National Park (MNP) is a UNESCO World Heritage spread across 850 sq. km on the Indo-Bhutan border in Assam. MNP houses several rare and endangered species, including tigers, rhinos, swamp deer, and various birds.
Decline in Lesser Florican population
Lesser Florican (sypheotides indicus), the smallest bustard, is confronting a threatening risk of extinction due to habitat loss including overgrazing by cattle or conversion into agricultural lands.
Electoral Bond Scheme
The Indian government has introduced the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018. The scheme allows any Indian citizen or a body established in India to buy Electoral Bonds with no limit on investment. Under this scheme, no interest will be paid on the amount invested in bonds and they are not tradable. The loan against these bonds is not permissible.