Transmitters fitted on birds for first time in State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 11 2011: For the first time in Manipur, three Nganu Thangongs (Ruddy Shelduck) found in Tangjeng Pat in Thoubal district have been planted with transmitters in addition to adorning them with bird rings under a joint initiative of the Wildlife Wing, Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society.

The initiative to plant transmitters on Nganu Thangong which feed at Tangjeng Pat started since last year.

Notably, Tangjeng Pat has been already declared a biodiversity reserve by the State Biodiversity Board.

It is reported that plantation of transmitters on Nganu Thangong would enable the authorities to identify the routes taken by these migratory birds as well as their breeding grounds which generally migrate to Loktak Lake and adjoining wetlands during winter season.

Transmitter fitted birds readied for release

Five Nganu Thangongs were caught using nets from Tangjeng Pat after which three of them (one female and two males) were fitted with bird rings and radio transmitters by scientists of Bombay Natural History Society today.

It is said that the Bombay Natural History Society and the Wildlife Wing would plant radio transmitters on two other species of migratory birds found at Loktak Lake.

Bombay Natural History Society Deputy Director Dr S Balchandra said that the movements of Nganu Thangong can be traced easily after transmitters have been fitted on them as signals would be received from them through satellite every two hours.

Deputy Conservator of Forest (Park and Sanctuary) L Joykumar said that wearing of bird rings and plantation of transmitters on Nganu Thangongs would prove to be great help to those researching on this species of migratory bird.

He also appealed to release without doing any harm if these birds wearing bird rings are caught by any one.

M Ibohal, president of the Tangjeng Khunjao Well Organised Club which has been taking active role in protecting Nganu Thangongs found at Tangjeng Pat said that the club has passed a resolution to impose a fine of Rs 500 for catching one Nganu Thangong.

He said that the villagers have been closely guarding the migratory birds.

Following declaration of Tangjeng Pat as a biodiversity reserve, minuscule islets have been developed inside the wetland for comfort of the birds feeding there.