IMPHAL, June 9 � Waterbird Gadwall (Anas strepera) or Thoidingnum in Manipuri has become the largest group of migratory waterbirds visiting State�s Loktak lake and its associated wetlands in the last three years, according to a report on species diversity and population of waterbirds in Loktak Ramsar.
This waterbird species which breeds in northern Europe and Asia besides North America visits Manipur in groups during the cold season when their habitat becomes frozen. This came to light when a group of more than 100 individuals standing across 50 observatory centres in and around Loktak Lake conducted a day-long waterbird census under the aegis of State Forest department and wildlife activists in the early part of this year.
At least 6,144 Gadwalls, which were listed as the least concerned waterbird by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), visited wetlands of Manipur this year against just 2,470 birds last year. Only about 208 of the bird species visited the State in 2011, the report added.
About 3,951 Waterbird Coot (fulica altra altra) or �Porom� which breeds in Europe, Australia besides Africa became the second largest migratory waterbirds in Manipur. Last year, just 342 birds visited Manipur and only 302 visited in 2011, the report added.
The report further said that Ferrigunous Pochard (Aytha Nyroca) or Nganu Mitngoubi are the third largest group of waterbirds visiting Manipur wetlands. A total of 439 species of this near threatened species as per IUCN status visited the State this year against 220 in 2012 and just 89 in 2011.
Around 57 species including 27 migratory and 30 resident birds and two nearly threatened species Ferrigunous Pocchard (Aytha nyroca), Darter (Ahimsa melonogaster) visited the lake this year, according to the report.
Another 14 species of wetland associated birds with a total population of 5,845 have also been recorded. Lesser whistling duck has been recorded as the highest number followed by Gadwall (Anas strepera).
The sudden rise of migratory waterbirds in Loktak and its associated wetlands is because of less human pressure and sudden increase of open water of the lake following the recent removal of bio-mass (phumdis), environmentalists felt. Besides, public awareness on environment and intervention by Forest officials and environment activists have also helped.
