Guwahati: Conservation organisation Aaranyak has urged the Assam government and local authorities to impose a complete ban on drone operations around identified Amur Falcon congregation sites, warning that recreational and commercial drone flights could injure the migratory birds and disrupt their seasonal gatherings.
The appeal follows reports of content creators and visitors flying drones close to congregations of Amur Falcons to capture photographs and videos for social media.
In a statement issued on November 4, Aaranyak said the high-speed rotating propellers of drones posed a potential physical threat to the birds, with collisions capable of causing serious injuries. Drone operations in close proximity could also cause unnecessary disturbance at their congregation sites.
The organisation has urged the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council and the Morigaon district administration to issue orders prohibiting recreational, commercial and other non-essential drone operations around identified sites.
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It has also called for clearly demarcated no-drone buffer zones, effective enforcement by the Forest Department and local administration, and awareness campaigns to discourage visitors and photographers from flying drones near the birds.
Expressing concern over the practice, Udayan Borthakur, Organising Secretary of Aaranyak and a wildlife photographer, said obtaining aerial photographs and videos for social media should not come at the expense of wildlife safety.
He cautioned that the birds remained vulnerable to the high-speed propellers despite their active and sometimes aggressive behaviour towards other species.
“No amount of photographs, videos or social media-fame is worth risking wildlife,” Borthakur said, emphasising that the privilege of observing migratory birds came with the responsibility of protecting them.
Aaranyak has also offered its expertise to the authorities to develop awareness materials and conduct sensitisation programmes involving local communities, visitors, photographers and content creators.
The organisation said responsible wildlife photography and tourism must prioritise the welfare of animals over entertainment and personal interests.
Why Amur Falcons matter to Northeast India
Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) are small migratory raptors known for undertaking one of the longest migrations among birds of prey. They travel annually from their breeding grounds in eastern Asia, particularly northeastern China and southeastern Russia, to wintering grounds in southern Africa.
During this journey, the birds pass through Northeast India, making parts of the region important stopover and congregation sites.
Nagaland and Manipur are particularly well known for their seasonal Amur Falcon congregations, while other parts of Northeast India also provide important transit habitats.
The birds are known for gathering in large numbers during migration, making these sites significant for birdwatchers, researchers and wildlife photographers.
However, increased visitor activity and the growing use of drones for aerial photography have raised concerns about the impact of human activities on migratory birds.
Aaranyak has stressed that protecting the birds requires safeguarding not only their migration routes but also the places where they congregate and rest.
The organisation’s appeal comes amid growing interest in wildlife tourism and digital content creation, where aerial footage has become increasingly popular.
Conservationists warn that without clear restrictions and enforcement, attempts to capture close-up images and videos could expose wildlife to avoidable risks.
Aaranyak has called for a precautionary approach, arguing that restricting unnecessary drone activity around congregation sites would help ensure the safety of the migratory visitors during their seasonal presence.
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