Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct ? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Why the answer is (a)
• Amur Falcons breed in Siberia, Mongolia and north China and stop over at Doyang reservoir in Wokha district, Nagaland, each October–November on their way to southern Africa — the longest raptor migration.
• In 2012 tens of thousands were being netted there; after a campaign by conservation groups, the Nagaland government and village councils, hunting stopped and the villages now guard the roost — statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2 is wrong: satellite tags (e.g. 'Naga', 'Wokha', 'Pangti') only track the birds; they do not guide them. The falcons navigate by their own innate migratory ability.
• Statement 3 is wrong: the birds remain migrants; they stay only a few weeks to fatten up and then continue across the Arabian Sea to Africa.
• Hence 1 only.
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 1 and 2
- Statement 2 is wrong: tracking tags record movement; they do not guide birds.
- (c) 2 and 3
- Both 2 and 3 are wrong; the falcons navigate themselves and do not stay permanently.
- (d) 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong: Amur Falcons are passage migrants, not residents.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.