Manipur’s tagged Amur falcons achieve record-scale ocean migration to Kenya and Somalia

Three satellite-tagged Amur falcons from Manipur have crossed the Arabian Sea nonstop (Image: X/@supriyasahuias)

Three tagged Amur falcons from Manipur have completed a dramatic migration. Their journey spans continents, oceans, and extreme endurance. The new tracking data reveals exceptional flight performance. It also strengthens conservation efforts across the species’ global route.

Researchers tracked three falcons from Tamenglong district. The birds crossed the vast Arabian Sea without stopping. Their names are Apapang, Ahu and Alang. Each carried a lightweight 3.5-gram transmitter. The devices recorded movement with high precision.

Satellite view of Amur falcons on their non-stop flight after crossing the Arabian Sea, covering more than 3,000km (Image: X/@supriyasahuias)

Apapang reached Kenya after the long ocean flight. Ahu landed safely in Somalia. Alang followed the same demanding route. The journey covered over 3,000 kilometres of open water. This migration is one of nature’s toughest aerial tests.

The species stops in northeast India to refuel. Here, they feed intensively before the major crossing. Conservation in Manipur has reduced hunting pressures. Local communities protect roosts during the migration season. Satellite tagging helps ensure this protection remains effective.

These birds breed in Russia and China. They winter in eastern and southern Africa. Their route spans Asia, India, the Arabian Sea and Africa. They are protected under Indian wildlife laws. Their endurance makes them exceptional long-distance migrants.

The data confirms the falcon's high-altitude, nonstop sea flight. It shows precise stopovers and migration timing. Researchers can now map weather-based flight strategies. The information supports cross-continental conservation planning.

Tracking will continue in coming months. More birds may be tagged in future seasons. Researchers aim to study energy use during long flights. Cooperation across countries will improve habitat protection. The findings may refine global migratory-bird monitoring methods.