Nagaland’s Wokha district has earned global recognition as the “Falcon Capital of the World” due to the spectacular seasonal congregation of Amur Falcons. To preserve this unique natural event, authorities have declared the Pangti village area a temporary ‘Silence Zone’ during the birds’ migration months — October and November.
The Amur Falcons undertake one of the longest migratory journeys in the avian world, travelling thousands of kilometres from Siberia and Mongolia to southern Africa. India serves as a crucial stopover during this migration, and the largest known roosting site is located in Pangti village of Wokha district. This remarkable event highlights both nature’s wonder and the success of community-driven conservation efforts in Nagaland.
The Silence Zone initiative is supported by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), of which India is a signatory. The declaration aims to minimize noise pollution and human activity in sensitive areas, ensuring the migratory birds have a safe and undisturbed habitat during their temporary stay.
Scientific studies reveal that continuous or high-decibel noise can cause stress and disorientation among wild birds, leading to habitat abandonment and disruption of breeding patterns. By restricting loud activities within a 3-kilometre radius of the roosting zone, the initiative helps sustain bird populations and supports broader ecological balance.
The people of Pangti and nearby villages have played a transformative role in conserving the Amur Falcons. Once known for hunting the birds, local communities have now become their protectors. Through partnerships with the Forest Department and various NGOs, they have shifted from exploitation to conservation, setting a global example of community-based wildlife protection. Eco-tourism initiatives have also provided new livelihood opportunities, linking conservation with sustainable development.
Pangti village in Wokha district hosts the world’s largest congregation of Amur Falcons during their annual migration, earning Nagaland the title of the “Falcon Capital of the World.”
The Silence Zone aims to reduce noise and human disturbance around the falcons’ roosting sites, ensuring a peaceful environment for the birds during their resting and feeding period.
Amur Falcons are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), offering both national and international protection.
They arrive in India around October and depart by late November, continuing their migration toward southern Africa.
Through awareness drives, eco-tourism projects, and coordination with conservation groups, the local community has successfully transitioned from hunting to protecting the birds — turning conservation into a sustainable livelihood opportunity.
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