Manipur’s Noney district imposes airgun ban to protect endangered Amur falcons
Noney district in Manipur has issued a comprehensive prohibitory order (November 10, 2025) under the leadership of the Additional District Magistrate to protect the migratory Amur falcon (locally known as “Akhuaipuina”) during their roosting period. The order includes:
• A ban on hunting, catching, killing or selling of these birds throughout the district and surrounding areas.
• A mandatory surrender of all air-guns to village authorities until the birds depart (or until November 30, whichever is earlier).
• Designation of 15 villages (including Longmai, Raengkhung, Awangkhul, Taobam, Khongsang) as air-gun collection points, with village authorities required to submit collection reports to the district office by November 15.
• Enforcement by the police and forest guards: searches of markets, roads, vehicles; daily roost-site surveillance by forest officials.
• Legal back-up via sections 50 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for violations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why ban air-guns in Noney district?
Air-guns are used in poultry/hunting and have previously been used to shoot or disturb roosting Amur falcons. Since these birds arrive in large numbers and are vulnerable, the ban (and surrender of air-guns) helps reduce that threat.
2. What is the duration of the ban and gun-surrender requirement?
The ban is currently active until the departure of the falcons or until November 30, 2025 (whichever is earlier). The air-guns need to be surrendered to village authorities by November 15 for formal accounting.
3. Which legal provisions apply to violations in this order?
Violations are punishable under Sections 50 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
4. How does this action help the falcons?
By removing major disturbance/hunting risk during roosting, the falcons can rest, feed and refuel in the district safely, which improves their survival and successful onward migration. Such measures also contribute to longer-term conservation of the species.
5. What should village authorities and residents do now?
Village authorities must establish collection-points for air-guns, keep them in safe custody, submit reports of collected guns to the district office by the deadline. Residents must comply, avoid hunting/trapping/prohibition activities, and assist forest/police if asked.
