Meet the Winners:
2024 BioOne Ambassador
The Tale of Amur Falcons: Conservation and Global Implications
Unlocking the Mystery of the Amur Falcon Stopover
To answer this, we analyzed the falcons’ diet during their stopover by examining regurgitated pellets from roost sites. We found that these insectivorous raptors fed almost exclusively on termites. Their arrival coincided with the mass emergence of termites in the region. And, upon closely examining the termite specimens, we identified that two species of the genus Odontotermes, particularly O. feae and O. hornii, emerge en masse. Our team also observed large numbers of Amur Falcons feasting on swarms of termites, almost appearing like a frenzied feeding event. Local hunters who call Amur Falcons “Loi,” meaning “insect-eater,” used to harvest falcons towards the end of their stopover season because of their consumption of termites, which resulted in a rich layer of fat. Tracking data revealed that the stopover in northeast India is the longest before the falcons embark on a ~3,500 km, non-stop transoceanic flight across the Arabian Sea. The findings indicated that termite availability is a critical fuel source to sustain the nonstop flights of Amur Falcons towards their non-breeding grounds and that the stopover sites in the northeastern Indian region are critical.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the borders of Nagaland. Amur falcons depend on a tightly timed migration schedule, and any disruption in their food supply during stopover could have catastrophic consequences for their survival. Climate change has already been documented to affect long-distance migrants by causing mismatches between food availability and migration timing, risking starvation—a fate the Amur Falcons could share if termite cycles shift If termite emergence is disrupted due to shifting rainfall patterns or land-use changes, Amur Falcons may face significant challenges, ultimately threatening their global population. Our study provides crucial insights into the ecological role of stopover sites in sustaining migratory species. Northeast India, particularly Nagaland, has now been identified as a key conservation priority site for Amur Falcons. These findings underscore the necessity of landscape-scale conservation strategies that protect both the falcons and the environmental conditions that support them.
Our study estimates that one million Amur Falcons can consume approximately two billion termites in just over fifteen days, a feast fueling their marathon ocean crossing. This finding highlights the role of insectivorous raptors such as the Amur Falcon in regulating insect populations, a crucial ecological function.
Transforming Conservation Through Community Involvement
A Shared Responsibility
Migratory birds like the Amur Falcon traverse multiple countries, making international cooperation essential for their protection. Our research underscores the importance of safeguarding critical stopover sites, which are often overlooked in conservation planning. Our research has set the stage for further investigations into stopover site ecology. Future research aims to identify key habitat features of Amur Falcon stopover sites across Northeast India and predict the potential stopover sites. Additionally, understanding the cyclic nature of termite swarming events and their response to climatic variables will be critical in predicting future changes in migration patterns. The story of the Amur Falcon conservation serves as a powerful example of how scientific research, community involvement, and government interventions can drive meaningful conservation outcomes.
This summary is in reference to:
Journal of Raptor Research, 58(3): 283-293 (2024).
Amarjeet Kaur, Alex Jacob, Deven Mehta, R. Suresh Kumar
What drew you to this research topic?
I joined Dr. R. Suresh Kumar’s research lab at the Wildlife Institute of India in 2018 and soon became part of the fieldwork on Amur Falcon research in Nagaland. The remarkable conservation story of these falcons captivated me, inspiring annual visits to witness their incredible congregations. Dr. Suresh, intrigued by their sheer numbers, initiated research on their diet to determine whether the falcons were merely resting or actively refueling. As we delved deeper, exciting discoveries unfolded—first, identifying their preferred prey and then quantifying their consumption. Our findings confirmed that these falcons stop over primarily to refuel as they embark on a nonstop flight to their non-breeding grounds in Africa. This research highlights the critical role of stopover sites in the success of migration, emphasizing the need for their conservation.
How do you see your work contributing to public policy, citizen science, or science education more broadly?
Our work emphasizes the critical role of community involvement in conservation, as demonstrated by the success of Amur Falcon protection efforts in Nagaland. The conservation model, driven by local participation and awareness, not only safeguarded the species but also inspired similar initiatives in neighboring states like Manipur and Assam. This sets a strong foundation for landscape-level conservation strategies that ensure the long-term survival of the species. More broadly, our research contributes to public policy by demonstrating the effectiveness of community-led conservation and the need for policies that integrate scientific research with local stewardship. Additionally, this work can aid science education by highlighting the significance of migration studies and conservation efforts, inspiring future researchers and conservationists.
What are your continuing research goals for the future (near and/or far)? What topics, areas, subjects are you interested in exploring?
My current research focuses on the Barn Swallow, a long-distance migrant breeding in the Indian Himalayan Region—a species that has been largely unstudied in India. While common globally, Barn Swallow populations have declined significantly across Europe and North America. My research aims to document their breeding distribution, nesting ecology, and population differences across the Himalayan arc using morphometric and genetic analyses. A key aspect of my work is understanding their unique coexistence with humans in the Himalayas, where they rely on human-made structures for nesting. I plan to continue this research long-term to track changes in nesting patterns due to anthropogenic and climatic pressures. Additionally, I aim to engage local communities to raise awareness and encourage conservation efforts. Moving forward, I intend to expand my research to study their migration ecology, identifying key stopover sites and non-breeding grounds to better understand the full annual cycle of this species and also of other avian migrants of the Himalayan region.
Is there anything else you want to share about you or your research?
Beyond research, I am deeply passionate about sharing the stories of local communities and their connection with migratory birds. By documenting this bond and amplifying their efforts, I aim to acknowledge and encourage their continued support for conservation. I actively engage in public outreach through bird talks, podcasts, and live shows, bringing scientific research to a broader audience. These platforms allow me to bridge the gap between science and society, making conservation more inclusive and impactful. Through storytelling and public engagement, I hope to inspire more people to appreciate and protect migratory birds and their habitats. The following are links to selected talks, podcasts, and articles where I share my research with the public.
- Nature In Focus
- Heart of Conservation Podcast
- Hindustan Times’ exclusive live webinar: Looking for a Home within a Home: The Barn Swallows in the Himalayas
ContactInformation
Amarjeet Kaur
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