State Coordinator of IBCN Manipur Chapter, RK Birjit informed that the count of 14,235 waterbirds belonging to 11 families this season is disappointing as compared to the count of 21,634 last year and 47,472 in 2022, 37992 in 2021 and 36,434 in 2020.
TFM Desk
The annual 2024 waterbird census conducted in the Loktak wetland complex indicated a declining trend as compared to the preceding years, reveals the census report released Saturday jointly by the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN, Manipur Chapter) and the Loktak Development Authority (LDA).
Addressing media persons at the office complex of LDA, State Coordinator of IBCN Manipur Chapter, RK Birjit informed that the count of 14,235 waterbirds belonging to 11 families this season is disappointing as compared to the count of 21,634 last year and 47,472 in 2022, 37992 in 2021 and 36,434 in 2020.
A high of 50,725 waterbirds were counted in 2015 and this was considered significant in the backdrop of the Ramsar guideline’s nominal criteria of 20,000 waterbirds count for important wetlands to be included in the list of Ramsar sites of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971, said Birjit.
The population chart of waterbirds visiting Loktak wetland complex during the ten-year assessment period from 2015 to 2024 indicates fluctuation in the population trend, however, the 2024 census revealed the lowest-ever count in the decade. The main reason for the downward trend could be attributed to increased human presence and related anthropogenic activities in the lake area that are not favourable to the wintering waterbirds, opined Birjit.
The 14,235 total waterbird population count belonged to 45 species including 17 migratory species, 26 resident species, and 2 local migration species. The maximum bird count spots were Karang Mamang with 1273 birds, followed by Pabot Ching-mamang with 1113 counts, and Ningthoukhong Awang with 1092 counts. Species of maximum count were Common Coots at 4770, Lesser Whistling Teals at 4162, and Purple Moorhen at 725 respectively.
Addressing the media briefing, LDA chairman Moirangthem Asnikumar underlined the singular importance of collective effort in improving the ecological status of Loktak and its associated wetlands within the Manipur River Basin. Emphasizing the State’s commitment in conservation of Loktak and the other wetlands to achieve multiple ecosystem services for both human and the natural environment, Asnikumar stressed that the State Government is committed to rejuvenating wetlands across the State.
Appealing to the general public to extent cooperation in conserving wetlands for posterity, the LDA chairman extolled the significance of protecting the visiting migratory waterbirds and in conserving their habitat to achieve the United Nations’ goals in ecosystem restoration of forests and wetlands for long-term sustainability of human life, biodiversity and all living forms dependent on these ecosystems for their existence.
Speaking on the occasion, IUCN CEESP member Salam Rajesh informed that considering the declining trend of the waterbirds in the Loktak wetland complex it is important for LDA to consider networking with the CMS (Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals) Secretariat on its ‘Initiative for the Central Asian Flyway’ that was adopted at the CMS COP14 at Uzbekistan’s Samarkand on 17 February earlier this month.
The annual 2024 waterbird census was conducted in 50 different locations within the Loktak wetland complex, and was supported by the State Forest Department and the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur. Saturday’s media briefing was attended by IBCN Manipur State Coordinator RK Birjit, LDA’s wetland-in-charge Ng. Sanajaoba Meetei, Ch. Bidan Singh, IUCN CEESP member Salam Rajesh, and avid birdwatchers Brajesh Khumanthem and N Sony Meitei as resource members.