Nearly after 40 years absence of its sight in Manipur, the bird that symbolizes ‘resilience and hope’ was recently seen in flock in Loktak Lake.
‘Nganu Sadaang’ (Tufted Pochard), a small diving duck believed to be from Northern Eurasia, was sighted hovering in flock, dipping their heads underwater in Loktak Lake recently, nearly after four decades of its absence in the lake. And the return of such rare migratory water bird highlights the improving ecological health of Loktak Lake and serves as an encouraging indicator of conservation efforts, according to expert.
Loktak Lake, which is often referred as cradle of Manipuri civilization, is once home to 127 waterbird species. However, it now supports only around 50 species due to ecological changes.
It may be mentioned that Migratory birds from as far as Siberia and Central Asia arrive at Loktak annually, making it a vital stopover for many species during their migration. The dwindling numbers highlight the urgent need for conservation measures, as the presence of these birds and other ecological parameters is integral to Loktak’s designation as a Ramsar site.
And to estimate the presence, population seize, abundance, diversity of birds and also to determined the health of wetland ecosystem, the state is all set to launched ‘Birds Census’ from 18th of January, 2025. Its is joint initiatives of Loktak Development Authority (LDA), the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department-Government of Manipur, the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), and the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN).
Picture Courtesy : Oken Sanasam
