Three Amur falcons fitted with satellite transmitters in Manipur have successfully completed their transcontinental migration and reached Africa, with the birds currently tracked in Somalia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, according to forest officials involved in the monitoring programme.
The birds, named Ahu, Alang and Apapang, were tagged on November 8, 2025, in Tamenglong district as part of an ongoing satellite-tracking initiative being implemented by the Manipur Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India. The programme aims to study the long-distance migratory routes and behaviour of the Amur falcon.
After tagging, the raptors were released from the Chiuluan roosting site by a team comprising scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India, officials of the Tamenglong Forest Division and village volunteers. Officials said the birds reached Africa within a record time of approximately nine to ten days after departing Manipur and have since been wintering in different parts of the continent.
According to the latest satellite data shared by the research team, Ahu is currently located in Somalia, Apapang has been tracked in Zimbabwe and Alang in Botswana. Forest officials said all three birds are active and in good condition. Earlier concerns regarding restricted movement by one of the birds have since been addressed, with tracking confirming normal activity patterns within its current range.
The satellite-tagging initiative is designed to generate
