Increase in number of new frog and snail species attributed to climate change
State begins to feel heat of global warming
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06 2012:
Abundance of Indian Bull frog species in Manipur along with discovery of new snail species has been attributed to gradual change in the climatic condition of the region.
According to environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou, population of Indian Bull Frog, also known as 'Moreh Hangoi' in the local parlance, has multiplied in the last couple of years due to change in weather conditions.
The environmentalist also informed The sangai Express that the frog variety, having its origin in some South Asian countries as well as abundantly found in some hotter regions of india, was first reported in the State about 30 years back.
Highlighting that increase in the number of this frog species is an indication of Manipur's weather condition getting warmer/hotter with each passing year, he also noted that alarming increase in population of the frog is a worrisome experience for the fish farmers.
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On the otherhand, number of Land Snail (Leikang Tharoi) variety is also gradually on the rise and is another indication that Manipur is undergoing drastic climatic change in the recent past, said Dr Shamungou.
It is also informed that another alien frog species known as 'Spotted Frog' was recently spotted at the Langol Range foothills with the environmentalist conceding that further study would be required to work out its population strength as well as to ascertain whether climatic change is responsible for the evolution of the new species or had originated from neighbouring regions.
Another development signifying impact of climatic change in Manipur is the arrival of migratory birds to Loktak and nearby water bodies in November month in the last few years rather than the normal trend of these birds flocking to their winter habitat in October month, said Dr shamungou.
Meanwhile, experts commented that 2011 was the hottest year of the 21st century with an increase of 0.51 degree celsius recorded.