Sharp decline in migratory birds at Loktak lake
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 02, 2011: Loktak lake saw a sharp decline in the number of migratory birds this winter as the latest bird census showed today.

A joint team of the Wildlife Wing of the state Forest Department, two officials of the Bombay Natural Historical Society and some NGOs working in the field conducted the bird census.

Three renowned environmentalists and ornithologists, Dr Kh Shamungou, Kumam Jugeshwor and RK Birjit, were also part of the census team.

The team conducted the census at 51 places including 25 in the Loktak.

Some of the important places considered to be the main flocking places of birds that were covered in the census are Toubul, Ningthoukhong, Birhari pat, Phubala, Chingnungsoi, Takmu, Pabot Ching, Nongmaikhul, Ungamel, Khordak, Laphupat Tera, Pumlen, Keirenphabi, Phoubakchao, Sekmaijin, Komlakhong, Khoidumpat, Tangjeng Khunjao etc.

Kh Hitler, RO, Keibul Lamjao National Park said before the census began, a workshop participated by selected villagers and NGOs was held.

It targeted not only on bird census but also to find ways to protect migratory birds visiting the lake.

The authority identified 26 places in the lake area where migratory birds visit and is considering for declaring the places as conservation sites, he said.

Dr S Balachandra, assistant director, Bombay Historical Society, also noted the sharp decline in the number of migratory birds compared to the previous year.

He said this is because of disturbances to their flocking places by fishermen and a high water level.

Non-availability of food due to cleansing of phumdi is another factor, he asserted.

Dr Balachandra who came to study the physical biological parametres of migratory birds was disappointed with the sharp decline in the number of migratory birds visiting the lake.

He further said these migratory birds coming from Siberia, China, Mongolia, Tibet etc.

spend the winter here and go back in summer for breeding.

He said the migratory birds include the Lesser Whistling Duck (Tingi Macha), Brahminy Shelduck (Nganu Thanggong), Coot (Porom), Spot-billed Duck (Nganu Peren), Gadwall (Nganu Thoidingnum), Large Cormorant (Ura) among others.

The decline in the number of migratory birds visiting the state should not be taken lightly, said Dr Samungou.

If the present trend continues, migratory birds may never be seen.

RO Hitler said radio telemeter will be used to research the movement of the birds in collaboration with Bombay Natural Historical Society.

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