IMPHAL,Feb 7: As usual Manipur will be conducting annual water bird census on February 11. This time the bird census will be conducted by establishing around 35 counting centres against last year’s 27 across the three valley districts – Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur- with the involvement of more than a dozen local clubs.
The local environmentalists and ornithologists here opined that birds are nature’s indicator. “So we need bird counting as it controls insect invasion in conserving food grains for the human race”, the experts felt. “So bird census is compulsory for wildlife conservation in the region.”
The opinions, comments and observations were made during a day long motivation camp on water bird census 2012 here at Toubul village, 35 km south of Imphal in Bishunupur district today. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (wildlife) Dr Anilkumar was the chief guest at the day’s motivation camp, which was participated by about 70 representatives from more than a dozen local clubs in and around Loktak Lake.
RK Srivastava, member secretary of the Manipur Biodiversity Board was the guest of honour while Pradhan W Bornee Devi of Toubul village presided the gathering.
Former college lecturer K Jugeshwor of Moirang and ornithologist RK Birjit also presented lectures on how the water birds could be identified and conducted bird counting with modern kits.
Speaking on the occasion the additional PCCF called upon the masses to develop the wetlands of the state besides Loktak as well in order to restore the depleting biodiversity in the interest of the general public in this age of climate change.
Interestingly bird watchers in Manipur began to spot Glossy Ibis,a rare water bird besides sea gull in group in the state’s wetlands in the recent time.
Dr Kh Shamungou,noted environmentalist also informed about spotting such birds in their recent observations in Loktak and Ungamen wetland areas since last year.
Earlier there was no sign of spotting such birds,the environmentalist felt.
The environmentalist also expressed happiness over the development of Lamyai pat of Tangjeng Khunjao under Manipur’s Sugnu assembly constituency as the biodiversity spot for its rich flora and fauna.
According to senior forest officer, S Dhananjoy, Manipur is home to more than 538 birds including 35 globally endangered species.