Imphal, Jan. 15: Unlike the previous year, large number of tiny Siberian migratory bird species locally known as Siri flock to Shirui village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district where the State flower Shirui Lily is in blooming.
“A good number of Siri probably double the number comparing with last year’s record came to our village this time,” says GA Shimray, a resident of Shirui village on phone when contacted.
“There are many reasons for the increase of visiting birds. But one of the reasons could be because of fewer disturbances to the migratory birds.”
Ban on the use of air gun in the Shirui village area could be one reason for the sudden rise of numbers this time, the villager felt.
The tiny migratory bird species from Siberia flock to Shirui hill range to feed on fruits of Michelia (Leihao) trees. This particular bird species used to visit the village in the first and second week of December and stay for more than two weeks to feed on fruits of Leihao. Once they are fit enough, they migrates to other destinations.
In the recent past, a number of migratory birds visiting the Shirui hill range has been drastically declined due to large scale poaching, loss of habitat and scarcity of food.
Considering the positive development this time, some of the wildlife loving people suggested taking up some initiative conserving the tiny migratory birds like that of villagers in Tamenglong district protecting Amur Falcon during their short trip to Manipur vis-a-vis Doyang in Nagaland.
“Someone has to take the lead for conservation and protection of Siri at Shirui hill range as done in Bhalok in Tamenglong and Doyang in Nagaland in connection with Amur Falcon,” a wildlife activist observed.
The environmentalist also pointed out that presence or absence of migratory birds at a specific location is an indication on the ecological condition of the area. The gradual transformation of the wetlands in the state and conversion of such wetlands including Porompat, Akampat, Lamphelpat areas into an institutional area has resulted in shrinkage or total vanishing of the bird’s annual feeding place.
The decline of migratory bird’s population in Manipur has evoked apprehensions among the State’s environmentalists whether such birds will stop visiting the wetlands.
