Taking note of the report published in Nagaland Post that there were still instances of Amur falcons being hunted in certain areas of Wokha district, the district forest officer of Wokha, Suman Shivashankar Sivachar W.M called upon all to refrain from carrying such illegal activities.
Speaking to Nagaland Post about the recent repot of Amur Falcons being hunted in some parts of the district, Shivashankar expressed regret over the incident and maintained that the forest personnel were doing their best to protect wildlife, despite difficulties being faced by them in carrying out their duties.
He said forest patrolling teams and personnel have already been deputed at various locations including the roosting area located at Old Aree village. While reminding that poaching of Amur falcons and other animals was illegal and unethical, DFO stressed that it was the responsibility of every individual to ensure that wildlife was protected at all cost.
He further maintained that the recognition and global reputation of Wokha was largely due to these magnificent birds. Stating that the Amur Falcons have also been declared as the ‘state guest of Nagaland’ the DFO pointed out that Amur Falcon is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and included under Schedule IV of the Act.
Trapping, killing and selling of Amur falcon is a criminal offence punishable with three years rigorous imprisonment/fine.