Guwahati: The latest bird census at Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in South Asia, has unveiled a concerning decrease in the number of migratory birds visiting the region. As per a report by Northeast Now, ornithologists associated with the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) and Loktak Development Authority (LDA) expressed disappointment as their headcount revealed a stark 65% decline compared to the previous year.
Conducted on January 20, 2024, during the peak season for migratory birds, the joint bird census covered 50 locations across Manipur’s Loktak Lake. The results, released by LDA chairman L Ashinikumar, disclosed that only 14,235 birds belonging to 45 species, including 17 migratory families, were recorded. This marks a significant drop from the 47,472 birds documented in 2022 and 21,634 in 2023.
RK Birjit, the State Coordinator of IBCN, voiced his concern about the situation, stating, “The ecological imbalance and population explosions around the lake have finally resulted in a decrease in the number of migratory birds, along with the disappearance of various plants previously found at the lake.” He also emphasized the escalating bird trapping activities and urged for stricter enforcement measures to curb this practice.
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Experts attribute this sharp decline to a combination of factors, including habitat degradation, the encroachment of human settlements and activities around the lake, the loss of various plant species crucial for the birds’ food and shelter, and the rising instances of illegal bird trapping in the surrounding areas.
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