Archive for category Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment
Lesser Whistling-Duck (Tingi)
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on February 4, 2010
By R.K. Birjit Singh
The most abundant water bird in Loktak (Photo: R.K. Birjit Singh)
The Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica, locally known as “Tingi” is the most abundant waterfowl species in Loktak wetland (IBA) also known as Indian Whistling Duck or Tree Duck. It is a resident, small whistling duck which breeds in South Asia and Southeast Asia. In other classification, it is also known as Lesser Whistling Teal. Although the species is resident bird, local migration can be seen due to flood and drought sitution of the habitat. As per hard time census data made available by GENIM & MASS and IBCN(BNHS), the highest number of population of this species can be observed at Khordak and Nongmaikhong area (NS – 24.438020 ; EO – 93.852100 ) and Birahari pat –Ningthoukhong area (NS – 24.60330 ; EO – 93.82550) of Loktak lake. Interestingly, local fisherman in and around the lake started domesticating this duck species. Read the rest of this entry »
The Waterfowl species of Loktak Ramsar in Manipur (IBA)
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on January 22, 2010
The Waterfowl species of Loktak Ramsar in Manipur (IBA)
Purple Moorhen (Umu) By R.K. Birjit Singh
Purple Moorhen P.Porphyrio (Photo: R.K. Birjit Singh)
Phubala Tourist Home is some 36 kilometers away from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur in the vicinity of Loktak Lake located at NS – 24.5350; EO – 93.765650 with an elevation of 775 meters above sea level (MSL) and it is the richest home of the Purple Moorhen (Porphyrio Porphyrio) locally known as Umu. No other part of Loktak Lake has such a good number of Purple Moorhen as seen in Phubala although the number and population had been dwindled during the last two decades. During our childhood days local fisherman’s used to catch and trap this water bird by using nets and a beam of lights to attract and dazzle the species during the night in many parts of the villages surrounding the lake such as Thinungei, Phubala, Naraseinya and Toubul. Most handsome catch was recorded at Thinungei and the roasted bird was sold at the local wine vendors of Moirang and Ningthoukhong. Read the rest of this entry »
Time to Hit the Headlines
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on December 5, 2009
Water! Water ! everywhere, but not a single drop to drink
By R.K. Birjit Singh
It is said that future war will be fought over water and whether it is the sun or the rain, water only hits the headlines under two conditions. Number one, when there is not enough of it and secondly, when there is excess of it, what is known as flood and drought. Whenever, there is flood and it is to be followed by drought. In fact, water is not hitting the headlines, but rather management (mismanagement)? We have had the scientific evidence that life on earth originated in water. Man can survive for weeks without food but not for days without water. Water is the most crucial single resource for the survival of human life and it cannot be replaced or substituted by any form. Read the rest of this entry »
The Last Geese
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on December 3, 2009
By R.K. Birjit Singh
The Last Geese
It is a gloomy early morning of the 1st week of November, 2008. A fine drizzle and low cloud cover the countryside. There is no sign of the moon or stars in the sky. Nothing is visible to the eye. Yet regularly, high-pitched sounds pierce the silence of the night. It is the sound of Barhooded Goose carrying winter in their back migrating from Siberia and Aral Sea through the routes of Mongolia and Chinese-Turkestan for wintering at Loktak lake. Every year they never fail to reach Loktak in this part of the month. The season is the good time for enjoying the meat of the migratory birds wintering in Loktak lake by the local people in and around the lake. Although the number is drastically reduced and some of them are included in the “Rare” category of the species survival commission of IUCN, it is still available in our flooding local wind vendors in and around Thinungei, Moirang, Kumbi, Nongmaikhong, Thanga, Keibul etc. The hectic activities of “AMADA”, “CADA” cannot stop these local vendors, and the young minds are determined to enjoy the petty flesh of these migrating birds. It becomes a trademark of “Owners Pride and Neighbours Envy”. “Come on Yaar, they have paat uchek and huisa”. They are popular as much as that of Chinese “Peking Duck” served at the various restaurants of Sanghai and Beijing. Secretly and silently a number of young customers are flocking around the local wine vendor where roasted Paat Uchek are available.Most of the time these birds are made available only to those recognized and trusted customers. Read the rest of this entry »
Waiting on grassy floats
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on October 24, 2009
By N Kalyani
The Sangai is a unique and rare deer found in one place in the world — in the state of Manipur; in its wetland habitat, the Loktak pat, in the Loktak lake. An approximately 300 sq km waterbody, the lake is the largest fresh water source of the North East that was declared, in 1990, as a Ramsar Site, a wetland of international importance.
Imphal-based Thoudam Brajabidhu Singh captures the endangered Sangai, the Manipur brow-antlered deer, in the wild, in his documentary titled Sangai: A Vanishing Deer of Loktak. The director has to his credit more than 80 tele-plays and documentary films, and has won numerous accolades and awards.
The 23-minute film showcases Manipur’s picturesque landscape and vegetation and also portrays the cultural, social and economic aspects of the Manipuris that is yoked to the Loktak. The Loktak lake, 40 km away from Manipur’s capital city of Imphal, is fed directly or indirectly by about 45 rivers and streams that emanate from the nine hill ranges that surround Manipur, making it a perennial water body. Read the rest of this entry »
Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant: Death Dance
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on July 1, 2009
By Kh. Shamugou
Source: BEE NEWS, BEE NET Manipur.
Nongin- The State bird of Manipur
The State bird of Manipur Nongin is greatly endangered. Besides its rare occurrence they are facing the onslaught of the hunters and man made calamities. If an urgent step for their location and conservation is not taken up, they are certain to disappear.
The Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant, lovingly called Nong-in in Manipuri is also known as Loining-koi/Noining-koi. A fully grown male is chestnut and glistering steel blue, conspicuous white bars on the shoulder and across the wing is indeed, very lovely and colourful. The bird is strongly bar tailed and hence, Mrs Hume’s barred tailed pheasant. It usually resides near rivers with rocky hillsides abundant with scrub forests. The people of Manipur had the belief that eternal soul of an orphan unable to bear hunger and thrust had transformed itself into a bird to be known as Nong-in. In fact, this bird earned its name Nong-in because of its ability in predicting changes in weather conditions (Nong – meaning rain, in – meaning to follow: one knowing the rain/weather cycle). Admired by lyricist and naturalist of all ages, Nong-in is often described as the most talented lover of song, dance and moonlights. They spend the time by feeding and resting in pair-a phenomenon of ‘sunbathe’ continues hours together. When a sudden danger or change of weather is sensed, they crawl behind the rock-clefts with noisy calls. When a pair from a cleft-shelter starts calling, another pair nearby responds, and thus within a short period the whole air is filled with a chord of their calls. Trawlers take advantages of it for locating the presence of the bird.
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Environmental concerns: A farce in Manipur
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on May 31, 2009
By Seram Neken
“YOU MUST be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
If I talk of planting trees for saving human lives in Manipur, I will certainly be ridiculed. Murders, encounters – fake or genuine, bomb blasts, grenade hurling, kidnappings for ransom, JAC – one after another, strikes, bandhs and enquiries being the order of the day, people of Manipur will hardly find time to ponder over environmental problems. Issues like global warming, ozone depletion, melting of ice, green house effects, etc, are not a burning problem here as it is in the rest of the world.
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History of Scientific Management of the Forests of Manipur
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on April 25, 2009
By Basanta Rajkumar
Jhum Cultivation
Manipur has a rich history of written chronicles which record in detail the different aspects of life prevailing during the time of different kings that ruled the state. Such detailed royal chronicles or “puyas” date back to the time of King Pakhangba who ruled during 33 AD. Forest and Wildlife have always been recognized as an important resource however, there is no mention of any form of management of forests in any of the puyas. The only form of conservation of forest in prehistoric and early part of recorded history was the practice of worshipping local deities known as “Umang Lai” which formed important aspect of the religious customary practice. Since the Ukmang Lai, as the name itself suggest, reside in a forest it was sacrosanct to protect the forest which stand in the name of the god residing therein. Similar practices are also seen in other parts of India and such forests are known as “sacred groves”. The custom of worshipping Umang Lai is still prevalent till today and in fact the festival of “Lai Haraobas” are the “Pleasing” of gods of such Umang lais/forest deities. However the forest where they reside have been depleting over the years and today most of the Umang Lais are bereft of any forests.
A Concern for Sangai Conservation
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on September 13, 2008
By Dr. Kh. Samungou
Source: Orient Vision, NRC, Imphal.
The Manipur brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi) lovingly called Sangai by the people of Manipur is a noble and graceful species available nowhere in the world but in Manipur. Today about 100 heads of them are preserved along the south eastern edge of the Loktak Lake in Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) as a vanishing species. The KLNP is the only floating wildlife sanctuary in the world. Here the deer is ecologically vulnerable and an event of a political expediency or a natural calamity could destroy its last abode along with the remnant and isolated population or reduce both of them to a miserable condition that it could never be recovered.
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Kwatha – Nature’s gift. Exploring the rich biodiversity of Kwatha
Posted by admin in Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment on June 27, 2008
By Bedavati Laishram
Scaling 709MSL and braving the edgy terrain, a one day adventurous expedition at Kwatha is insufficient, like a view from a fast car. Much read and heard about the endless treasure, one is immediately enthused to explore and strike the hidden chest. But much to our amazement, what we see is not a concealed fortune; Kwatha is itself a treasure haven. Surrounded by lush vegetation, breathtaking landscape amidst thick groves is Kwatha. One whole day is caught in absorbing the rich creation of nature within your sight and beyond and when night falls you are submerged in the curiosities/intrigues of the lifestyle of this small habitat.
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