Dimapur: With thousands of Amur falcons beginning to arrive in Nagaland, particularly at Pangti village in Wokha district, Doyang wildlife division of the forest department on Wednesday issued an order reiterating the ban on hunting and trading wild animals and birds under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.The order said Amur falcons, which migrate to Nagaland annually, were protected under the Act.It said hunting, trapping, killing or selling Amur falcons for food, possession or trade constituted a criminal offence punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both, under Sections 9 and 51 of the Act.The Wildlife Warden of the division cautioned that legal action would be initiated against any individual or group found violating the directives.The order said all persons and organisations within the jurisdiction of Doyang Wildlife Division — covering Wokha, Mokokchung and Zunheboto districts — must comply with the ban in the interest of wildlife conservation.Authorities warned that violators would be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Act.
