The Amur falcon migration from Siberia has arrived again in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland.

Amur falcon. (Photo: Conservation India)

Last year tens of thousands of the birds were trapped in nets and killed in their gathering place on the Doyang reservoir.

Last year – trapped.

This year, the Councils of three villages came together and passed a resolution making the hunting and killing of falcons a punishable offense.

Meetings were held with villagers in the district to advise them of the need to protect the birds and a number of awareness campaigns were conducted including an Animal Action Education programme for school children.

Last year. (Photo: Conservation India)

Patrols by local villagers have policed the birds’ roosting sites and brought the entrapment and killing to an abrupt stop.

Wildlife Trust of India’s Regional Head Sunil Kyarong talks to villagers about wildlife and the importance of protecting nature. (Photo: Yuri Pator)

Natural Nagas and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) assisted the state Forest Department in mounting the campaigns.

Amazingly, many of the people helping to protect the birds are former hunters.

According to reports not a single bird this year has been killed.

Source: Wildlife Trust of India.