Birds counted, wild geese sighted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 11, 2012: At least three Bar Headed Geese which have not been seen in Loktak lake in the past many years have been sighted today during a headcount of wild birds conducted at 31 different places in and around Loktak lake.

The headcount was also joined by Manipur Biodiversity Board Member Secretary RK Srivastava, LDA Project Director L Ibobi, and Wildlife Wing officials.

Environmentalists Dr Kh Shamungou, K Jugeshwar and RK Birjit assisted in the headcount as experts.

The headcount of wild birds was done by the Wildlife Wing under the sponsorship of LDA as a part of the ongoing phumdi clearance work.

Speaking to media persons, K Jugeshwar said that three bar headed geese were sighted in Birhari Pat inside Loktak lake today.

However, details of the ongoing headcount exercise would be available after two/three days.

It was a matter of serious concern that the number and varieties of wild birds found in and around Loktak lake have been diminishing every year, said Jugeshwar.

Echoing the same concern, L Ibobi highlighted the need to prepare a complete data base for the number and varieties of wild birds found around the lake.

Saying that poaching and shrinking feeding ground are the two main reasons for the diminishing number of wild birds, Ibobi stated that necessary efforts would be put in to develop suitable habitats for the wild birds in consultation with experts.

RK Srivastava said that headcount of wild birds was conducted in 31 places as against 21 places last year.

A flock of Asian Open Bill Stork (Tharoi Chabi) was also sighted near Kumbi, Srivastava said.

He also informed that the State Biodiversity Board has initiated development of Tangjeng Pat as a special habitat for Brahminy Shel Duck (Nganu Thangong).

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