Winter guest Grayleg Goose sighted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 04 2024:
This year, Tangjeng Khunjao Lamyai Pat Community Reserve has a rare winter visitor - a Grayleg Goose.
While the return of this winter guest after a gap of 3 years is a welcome sign, the sighting of only one goose at the lake is alarming, said wildlife experts.
The Tangjeng Khunjao Lamyai Pat recorded 22 grayleg geese in 2017.After a gap of 4 years, 7 geese were sighted at the lake.
Now after a gap of 3 years, this bird has once again visited the lake, but this sighting of a single bird is a matter of concern, said Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thoubal, M Open Meitei.
He said the drastic drop in the number of these birds and others may be because of the impact of climate change, human activities which have disturbed their natural habitat.
He further informed that two Ruddy Shelducks (Nganu Thangong) have also visited the lake after a gap of 3 years.
It may be noted that for the first time in Manipur in December 2011, three Ruddy Shelducks at the lake were fitted with satellite radio transmitters to track their migratory routes.
This project was initiated by the Forest Department in association with Bombay Natural History Society.
Wildlife expert, Dr Kh Shamungou said the dwindling number of the winter visitors may be because of anthropogenic activities which have destroyed their natural habitats.
He said, proper awareness should be given to the public in and around the lake not to harm the winter guests and their natural habitat.
This season, 252 Lesser Whistling Ducks (Tingi) have been sighted at the lake.
The lake has also recorded sighting of 2 Little Cormorants (Ura), 18 Openbill Storks (Tharoichabi), 2 Common Coots (Porom), 3 Ferruginous Pochards (Nganu Meetngoubi) and 2 Black Headed Ibises (Mayang Urok), said birdwatcher and former Kumbi College Principal, Kumam Jugeswor.