Chiuluan 2: The Globetrotter from Manipur
This article is an adaptation of a piece by Sobhapati Samom, originally published in The Assam Tribune, chronicling the incredible migration of Chiuluan 2, a satellite-tagged Amur falcon.
If there were a frequent flyer programme for birds, Amur falcons would undoubtedly be Platinum members. Take, for instance, the rather adventurous ‘Chiuluan 2’, a satellite-tagged Amur falcon who has been flitting across continents like a seasoned globetrotter. After an extended layover in South Africa, this winged wanderer has finally touched down in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, much to the delight of scientists and bird enthusiasts alike.
Dr R Suresh Kumar of the Wildlife Institute of India, who has been keeping a close eye on Chiuluan 2’s jaunts, confirmed that the falcon had spent nearly 20 days exploring South Africa before making its way back to the Kalahari. Now, one can only assume that Chiuluan 2 is merrily circling the skies, perhaps in search of a decent meal, much like a Brit on the hunt for a good Sunday roast.
A Whirlwind Journey Across Continents
Chiuluan 2’s itinerary puts even the most seasoned travellers to shame. Back in November last year, this feathered high-flyer took off from Manipur’s Tamenglong district, embarked on a non-stop flight across the Arabian Sea, and touched down in Somalia after an epic five-day, 17-hour marathon. No layovers, no in-flight meals—just pure determination and an enviable set of wings.
The Amur falcon’s odyssey is part of a larger conservation effort spearheaded by the Manipur Forest Department and local residents, who radio-tagged Chiuluan 2 and its fellow falcon, Gwangram, to better understand their migration patterns. While Chiuluan 2 appears to be thriving, Gwangram, unfortunately, has been radio-silent since December—presumably on a covert mission or simply off the grid.
A Tale of Roosts and Routes
Amur falcons are the avian equivalent of world-class endurance athletes, covering an astonishing 20,000 kilometres every year. They breed in the summer months in the forests of northeast China and southeast Russia before making the arduous journey to Africa for a well-earned winter break. Along the way, they take pit stops in North East India, particularly in Manipur and Nagaland, before launching themselves into the vast skies once more.
Locally known as ‘Akhuaipuina’, these pigeon-sized raptors descend upon the Northeast every October, much to the delight of birdwatchers. However, their presence is fleeting—they depart by November, having fuelled up on enough food to power their non-stop transcontinental flights.
Conservation Through Curiosity
The satellite-tagging initiative in Tamenglong, first implemented in 2018 and expanded in subsequent years, has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of Amur falcon conservation. Over the years, a number of falcons have been tagged, each bearing names that pay homage to the villages of Manipur. These efforts have shone a spotlight on the birds’ incredible journey, ensuring that future generations appreciate these remarkable travellers and the ecosystems they navigate.
As for Chiuluan 2, he seems quite content with his African retreat, tracking rainfall and food sources with the precision of a meteorologist. And while we can only speculate about his next move, one thing is certain—he’ll be back on the road (or rather, in the air) before we know it, giving travel bloggers a run for their money.
Until then, bon voyage, Chiuluan 2. May your skies be clear, your tailwinds strong, and your GPS signal ever reliable.
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