UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

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 :

Explanation: 

• The Amur Falcon conservation story in Nagaland is a classic example of how sustained local  conservation efforts, specifically the transformation of local communities from hunters to  conservationists brought about the return and protection of these international migratory birds. The  hunting of nearly 1.5 lakh falcons annually was stopped almost completely within one year through  community-led action. So, statement 1 is correct. 
• Tracking technologies such as satellite tagging were used by scientists to study the migration routes of  Amur Falcons; they do not "guide" migratory birds to their stopover sites. Birds navigate through  innate instinct, environmental cues, and memory not through technological guidance. So, statement 2  is not correct 
• Amur Falcons have not adapted to permanent residency in India. The raptors breed in southeastern Siberia  and northern China and migrate across India to southern Africa, making their 22,000-kilometre  migratory route one of the longest amongst all avian species. Doyang Lake is a stopover site, not a  permanent habitat. So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.