The Waterbirds of Loktak Lake: A Fragile Symphony of Nature

R.K. Birjit Singh / Ng. Sanajaoba Meitei *

Loktak Lake

Loktak Lake is located in Manipur, a tiny state in the northeastern fringe (23° 50´-25°44' N; 93° 0' - 94°45' E) of India with an area of 22,327 sq.km. A central valley of about 1813 square kilometers known as the Imphal valley is nestled at an average altitude of 790 m (2592 ft) above mean sea level.

Sparkling like a blue diamond in the vast expanse of green, emerald Imphal valley is the Loktak Lake, the mirror of Manipur and Ibudhou Thangjing as the frame Imphal valley is surrounded by rolling Blue Mountains with peaks rising to 2998 m (9836 ft) above mean sea level..

Marveled for its unparalleled biodiversity amidst the unending maze of mountains where the Great Himalayas meets the Arakan Mountain ranges. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in the region and it spans a dynamic surface area that fluctuates between 200 and 300 square kilometers depending on the season.

Loktak Lake stands as a shimmering jewel of the great cultural heritage and ecological significance of the land and people of Manipur. Since time immemorial, one can find the relationship between waterbirds and ecological bounty of Loktak in the intangible cultural awakening melodies of "Yakairol" performed with "Pena", a mono string lute musical instrument during "Lai-Haraoba", the ritualistic, theatrical music and dance symphony to glorify sacred sylvan deities of Manipur.

Ode to Keke Loktak

Kege Loktak Wangfurel,
Moirang Loktak, Isha Mapan fangba lam,
Heikak na souji saba Lam,
Charang na pommai tuba lam,
Thangjing na imai shiba lam
Tingee gi di hadaram
Khara gi di ifuram
Chingoi Touthra ngamun lam
Lamgi Kangana chaktaram
Phumdi sarel mathakta
hanou kambong matonna nongmadon temshingnariba lam
Mayum keke yakeichek
Chekla Uthum khon-noubi
Cheklana Tum-Tum yakeiba lamdamni.

O Keke Loktak, sacred realm where waters rise,
Almighty heart of Moirang's hallowed lore!
Nine rivers blend beneath thy mystic skies,
Their confluence a hymn forevermore.
The water chestnut's sepals weave a shield,
A guardian's mat on tides that softly sway.
With water-thyme, the lake's bright glass is sealed,
Its stitches tracing light through night and day.
Prickly lilies veil thy face with grace,
In tender thrall, they cradle dreams serene.

The Lesser whistling ducks, in tranquil space,
Linger gently, bound by peace unseen.

The Northern shoveler's wings, with artful sweep,
Carve fleeting ripples on thy gleaming tide.
Where low isles loom, the gulls in vigil keep,
Seizing fish in squabbles, side by side.

Wild geese, with quiet grace, thy bounty share,
Their gentle feeding stirs the morning's calm.

Above the vast and floating biomass,
Where tender wild rice leaves aspire to sky,
The waking bird of Keke, Watercock,
Sounds here thy vibrant "Ptum-Ptum," clear and high

O Loktak, jewel of waters, none compare,
Thy timeless depths an everlasting psalm.

The Waterbirds of Loktak Lake

These lines of legendary folklore awakening rites of Lai Haraoba (Pleasing of God and Goddess) of Moirang Kangleirol and the celebrated love stories of the great epics of "Khamba Thoibi" and Kadeng Thangja hanba" reflects the rich cultural traditions and harmonious relationship with nature sets aside Loktak from other lakes worldwide besides its unique floating islands, Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii) or phumdis—masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter that drift across its waters.

These phumdis or the floating biomass not only define the lake's ethereal beauty but also create a rich habitat for an array of waterbirds, both resident and migratory. Designated a Ramsar Site, a Wetland of International Importance in 1990, Loktak Lake is a biodiversity hotspot, yet it faces mounting threats that imperil its avian inhabitants. This article explores the waterbirds of Loktak Lake, their ecological roles, the challenges they face, and the efforts to conserve this vital ecosystem.

Loktak Lake's ecological richness is a magnet for waterbirds, offering a mosaic of habitats—open water, floating biomass, mudflats, and grasslands—that cater to diverse avian needs. The lake supports over 200 bird species, including 57 waterfowl species, as documented in historical records.

Its location along the Central Asian Flyway makes it a critical stopover for migratory birds fleeing the harsh winters of Siberia, Mongolia, and China. Each year, from October to March, the lake transforms into a bustling avian hub, hosting thousands of feathered visitors alongside its resident species.

Among the most iconic residents is the "Tingi", Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica), a species often seen in flocks with its highest population in Loktak, their synchronized whistling calls echoing across the lake as they take flight. This resident breeder thrives in the shallow waters and floating vegetation, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.

Other notable residents include the purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), with its striking plumage, and the Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra), a familiar sight dabbling in the lake's verdant expanses. It's a migratory bird and earliest to arrive in Loktak and northeast India but extant resident in the rest of the country.

The migratory influx, however, adds a seasonal spectacle. Ducks and geese dominate the winter landscape, with species like the Gadwall (Mareca strepera), Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), and Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) descending in droves.

These birds rely on Loktak's nutrient-rich waters and abundant food sources—fish, invertebrates, and aquatic vegetation—to refuel during their long journeys. Rarer visitors, such as the Baer's pochard (Aythya baeri) and Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola) which are critically endangered as per IUCN Red List of threatened species have also been spotted, their presence is a testament to the lake's global ecological significance.

The Waterbirds of Loktak Lake

Ecological Roles and Importance

Waterbirds are more than just picturesque inhabitants of Loktak Lake; they are integral to its ecosystem. As primary consumers, species like ducks and coots feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates, helping regulate vegetation growth and maintain water quality. Predatory birds, such as the Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)—a globally threatened species occasionally sighted here—control populations of smaller animals, contributing to ecological balance.

Migratory waterbirds also play a vital role in nutrient cycling. By feeding in Loktak's waters and depositing waste, they redistribute nutrients across ecosystems, linking distant habitats along their flyways. Moreover, their presence signals the health of the wetland. A decline in waterbird numbers or diversity often indicates underlying environmental stressors, making them key bioindicators.

In fact, Loktak meets all the nine Criterion of the Ramsar Convention which deems a wetland internationally important besides it support of 1% of a waterbird species' population. At its peak, the lake has hosted over 50,000 waterbirds, far exceeding the Ramsar threshold of 20,000, reinforcing its status as a globally significant wetland.

A Declining Symphony: Threats to Waterbirds

Despite its ecological bounty, Loktak Lake's waterbirds face an alarming decline. Census data paints a stark picture: from a high of 50,725 birds in 2015, the count dropped to 14,235 in 2024—the lowest in a decade and a ray of hope with a count of 23390 and 53 species in this year (2025). This decline is driven by a confluence of anthropogenic and environmental pressures.

1. Human Encroachment: The proliferation of floating huts (phumshangs)and private fish farms along the shores encroaches on bird habitats.These structures, while culturally significant, fragment the lake's ecosystem, disturbing shoreline species.

2. Pollution and Siltation: Rivers like the Nambul, laden with urban sewage, pesticides, and sediments, flow into Loktak, degrading water quality. Deforestation in the catchment area exacerbates siltation, shallowing the lake and smothering aquatic vegetation essential for waterbird diets.

3. Habitat Alteration: The commissioning of the Ithai Barrage in 1983 for hydroelectric power dramatically altered Loktak's hydrology. By blocking the lake's natural outlet, the barrage raised water levels, submerging shallow habitats preferred by wading birds like ducks and plovers. The once-diverse mudflats and have shrunk, leaving fewer foraging grounds.

4. Light Pollution: A surge in LED light use by fishermen since the early 2010s has disrupted waterbird behavior. These artificial lights, employed for night fishing, interfere with nesting, breeding, and foraging patterns, particularly for migratory species reliant on seasonal cues. Experts note that such disturbances may cause birds to migrate too early or late, missing optimal conditions.

5. Overfishing and Poaching: The lake's fish stocks, a primary food source for piscivorous birds, are under strain from overfishing and illegal electric-shock methods. Poaching of waterbirds for food or trade further depletes their numbers, with species like the Lesser Whistling Duck particularly vulnerable.

These threats have landed Loktak on the Montreux Record since 1993, a list of Ramsar sites undergoing ecological change. The decline in waterbird populations mirrors this degradation, with once-abundant species like the Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) and Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) now rarely seen.

Conservation Efforts: A Ray of Hope

Loktak Lake is more than a waterbody — it is a living, breathing ecosystem that sustains a rich diversity of waterbirds. Protecting the lake means protecting the myriad species that depend on it. For bird lovers, ecologists, and policymakers, Loktak stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human intervention, and the urgent need to preserve it for future generations.

Amid these challenges, concerted efforts are underway to safeguard Loktak's waterbirds. The Loktak Development Authority (LDA), in collaboration with the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) and local communities, leads the charge.

1. Waterbird Census: The first international waterbird census (IWC) was held in 1967 and the Asian Waterbird Count (AWC) was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and first introduced in Manipur in 1997 by IBCN in association with the Rhino Foundation, Assam and Manipur Association for Science and Society (MASS) and later with Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and Forest Department.

The annual census conducted provide critical data on population trends. The 2025 census was conducted on 18 January, at 50 locations, supported by trained volunteers and experts and the report was released on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, 2nd February,2025 by the Honourable Governor of Manipur. The release of census reports, raises awareness and guides conservation strategies.

2. Sanctuary Initiatives: In 2018, plans emerged for Manipur's first bird sanctuary at Thinungei village, west of Loktak. This mushroom-shaped peninsula, rich in phumdis and mudflats, aims to protect breeding and foraging sites. Though progress has been slow, it represents a promising step.

3. Community Engagement: The LDA's World Wetlands Day celebrations, such as the 2025 event at Sendra, emphasize community involvement. Symbolic acts like releasing fish fingerlings into the lake highlight collective responsibility. Partnerships with colleges, formalized through a 2023 MoU with IBCN, foster research and education.

4. Policy and Regulation: Efforts to regulate fishing practices and remove illegal structures are gaining traction. The LDA's 2025 notice to dismantle floating huts aims to curb environmental damage, though it has sparked tensions with local fishermen and homestay operators.

5. Habitat Restoration: Addressing siltation and pollution requires tackling upstream deforestation and urban waste. Initiatives to restore natural water flow, potentially by modifying the Ithai Barrage, are under discussion, though they face logistical hurdles. These efforts have yielded glimmers of success. In 2012, species like the Glossy Ibis and Bar-headed Goose reappeared after years, hinting at resilience. Yet, the scale of the challenge demands sustained action.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

Loktak Lake stands at a crossroads. Its waterbirds—symbols of its ecological vitality—are a fragile symphony threatened by human activity and environmental change. Restoring their populations require balancing conservation with the needs of the 100,000 people who depend on the lake for livelihoods. Sustainable fishing practices, stricter pollution controls, and habitat restoration are non-negotiable steps forward.

For bird enthusiasts, Loktak remains a mesmerizing destination. From the haunting calls of the Lesser Whistling Duck to the graceful dives of the Northern Pintail, its avian diversity captivates. Yet, preserving this spectacle demands collective will—government, communities, and global partners must unite to ensure Loktak's wings continue to soar.