Yangoupokpi sanctuary emerges as avian hotspot
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 21 2025: A recent peer-reviewed study has spotlighted the Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary in the state as a critical habitat for avian diversity in Northeast India, while also warning of growing conservation challenges fuelled by human activities.

Published in the International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (June 2025), the study titled "Bird Diversity in Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Manipur North-East India" was authored by Angom Aruna Devi of the Department of Forestry, Mizoram University, along with Awadhesh Kumar and Yengkhom Roamer Zest of the Wildlife Resource of Conservation Laboratory at NERIST, Arunachal Pradesh, and Anurag Vishwakarma of WWF-India, Western Arunachal Landscape Division.

The sanctuary, located in Tengnoupal district along the Indo-Myanmar border, spans 184.8 square kilometres and is recognised as one of nine Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Manipur.

It holds the distinction of being the only site in India where the endangered Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus), locally known as Wahong Asangba, has been sporadically recorded.

Based on fieldwork conducted between January and May 2020 at 117 sampling sites using point count distance sampling methods, the study identified 103 bird species from 38 families.

Passeriformes was the most dominant order, with 70 species recorded.

Forested habitats were found to support the highest bird diversity, with 96 species and 621 individuals documented.

Among the significant sightings were several threatened species, including the endangered Green Peafowl, the vulnerable Wreathed Hornbill, and the near threatened Red-breasted Parakeet.

Notably, only five species were found to be present across all six identified habitat types, while 35 species were exclusive to a single habitat.

The research further analysed habitat-wise bird distribution using ecological indices.

Riparian forests recorded the highest bird density at 0.55 birds per square metre, though they hosted fewer species overall.

In contrast, forests had the highest diversity and total bird count.

Bamboo forests recorded the lowest density.

Agricultural areas, despite high bird cluster density, showed reduced diversity due to habitat disturbances.

The findings also underscored the sanctuary's ecological importance, revealing that three-fourths of the total bird population resides in structurally rich and relatively undisturbed forest habitats.

By contrast, settlements and farmlands attracted generalist bird species but lacked the diversity and ecological value of forested areas.

The study confirmed that avian species are highly sensitive to habitat structure, which is being rapidly altered by human interference.

The authors pointed out several conservation challenges facing the sanctuary.

These include illegal logging for charcoal, firewood, and construction purposes; slash-and-burn (jhum) agriculture; expansion of human settlements; road development projects; and widespread hunting for bushmeat, pet trade, and traditional medicine.

The use of pesticides and herbicides in nearby agricultural lands has also affected bird health and breeding.

Field observations during the study period noted that local youth were frequently seen carrying slingshots and airguns, posing an ongoing threat to bird populations.

In response to these threats, the researchers called for a series of policy and community-based interventions.

They recommended the promotion of agroforestry in place of jhum cultivation, enhancement of vegetation and water availability in and around the sanctuary, and the establishment of regular bird monitoring systems.

Awareness programmes and workshops involving local youth and villagers were also advised, along with the provision of alternatives to forest-based resources to reduce pressure on the sanctuary.

The study further advocated for the development of community-based conservation models and eco-tourism initiatives as potential sustainable livelihood options.

The research highlighted the urgent need for integrated conservation measures to protect the rich avifauna of Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary and secure its ecological future amid rising anthropogenic pressures.

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