“Bird migration is a seasonal activity. Generally, birds migrate from the northern hemisphere during the winter season to warmer regions of tropical/equatorial regions. India is considered as a preferred wintering destination for several species of migratory birds like Bar headed Geese, Amur Falcons, Black necked cranes, Demoiselle cranes, etc.
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As per the ‘Asian Water bird census’ coordinated by the Wetlands International, some migratory birds in the region showed a decreasing trend during the last decade, whereas some species indicated a stable population. The decline in the number of migratory birds is attributed to various factors including wetland reclamation, pollution of wetland through domestic sewage, hunting, trapping in the migratory routes, indiscriminate use of pesticides & fertilizers, reduction of habitat, climate change, etc.
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The important steps taken by the Government for protection of migratory birds include:
- Rare and endangered species of birds including migratory birds are included in Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby according them highest degree of protection.
- Stringent punishments have been provided in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for violation of provisions of the Act.
- Important habitats of birds, including migratory birds have been notified as protected Areas under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for better conservation and protection of birds and their habitats.
- Focused protection measures involving the local communities have been taken up in the State of Nagaland for protection of Amur Falcons that migrate to North East India on their route to Southern Africa. With the coordinated efforts of the Forest Department, Government of Nagaland, NGO’s, scientific institutes and local communities, killing of Amur Falcons have become ‘Zero’ since 2013.
- Vulture species have been identified as one of the species for recovery programme for critically endangered species under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.
- Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State/UT Governments for protection and management of Protected Areas.
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been established for control of illegal trade in wildlife and its parts and products.
- India is a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and India has also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CMS on Conservation of Siberian Cranes and Raptors”.
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