In a remarkable display of endurance and speed, a male Amur Falcon named “Apapang” covered an astonishing ~1,500 km from Manipur to Odisha in only 48 hours, according to a satellite-tagging effort by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Image courtesy : newindianexpress
How the Journey Was Tracked
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Scientists from WII, Dehradun, tagged Apapang on November 11, 2025, in the Tamenglong forest, Manipur.
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He was fitted with a lightweight (~3.5 gram) satellite transmitter using Teflon ribbon, along with two other falcons: Ahu (female) and Alang (juvenile female).
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By November 13, Apapang had entered Odisha, traversing Balasore, Satkosia, and Phulbani, and was located around 11:30 AM in Baliguda (Kandhamal district).
Why This Journey Matters
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Researchers are astonished by the speed and directness of Apapang’s flight.
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The data is critical for understanding migratory behavior, mapping stopover sites, and planning conservation efforts.
Apapang’s naming is significant: “Apapang” is after a roosting hillock in Tamenglong, emphasizing the local community’s role in this conservation project.
Conservation Implications
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This tagging project is part of a larger effort to track Amur Falcons’ long-distance migratory patterns – from breeding grounds in East Asia to wintering grounds in Africa.
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Such data can help identify critical stopover habitats in India, which are essential for protecting these globally migrating birds.
Enhanced tracking supports international cooperation for conservation, as Amur Falcons cross multiple countries during migration.
Fast Facts About Apapang’s Flight
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance Covered | ~1,500 km |
| Time Taken | 48 hours (2 days) |
| Tagged Location | Tamenglong, Manipur |
| Detected In | Baliguda, Kandhamal, Odisha |
| Purpose of Tagging | Migration tracking, conservation |
What’s Next?
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Continued monitoring of Apapang and other tagged falcons for future migrations.
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Greater protection for identified stopover zones in Odisha and the Northeast.
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Awareness drives to involve local communities in conservation.
FAQ – “Apapang” the Amur Falcon
Q1. Who is “Apapang”?
“Apapang” is the name given to a male Amur Falcon that was fitted with a satellite transmitter in Manipur to track its migration.
Q2. How far did Apapang fly and how long did it take?
He covered about 1,500 km from Manipur to Odisha in just 48 hours.
Q3. Why was Apapang tagged?
Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) tagged Apapang (along with two others) to study his migratory route and behavior, which helps in conservation planning.
Q4. What kind of transmitter was used on Apapang?
A lightweight (~3.5 g) satellite transmitter was used, attached with Teflon ribbon to minimize impact on the bird.
Q5. What is the significance of his journey for conservation?
Tracking Apapang's rapid flight helps researchers map important stopover sites, understand routes, and strengthen conservation strategies for this long-distance migratory species.
Q6. Are there more falcons being tracked?
Yes — at least two other Amur Falcons (Ahu and Alang) were also tagged in Manipur’s Tamenglong forest.
Conclusion
The astonishing 1,500 km trek by Apapang in just two days is a powerful testament to the remarkable endurance and navigational skill of the Amur Falcon. By tracking his journey, scientists are gaining invaluable insights into migratory behavior — insights that are critical for preserving these birds and their habitats. Apapang’s flight highlights how India, especially regions like Manipur and Odisha, plays a key role in the global story of bird migration. For conservationists and bird lovers, his journey is not just a data point — it’s a source of hope and inspiration.
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