- IMPHAL — In a
rare sighting, a researcher has spotted the Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza
aureola) listed as “critically endangered” species by the International Union
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in Loktak Lake, a Ramsar site and one of the
most critical wetland for biodiversity in NE India.
- “This critically endangered bird, locally known as Lam
Sendraang, has been sighted at a phumdi (a floating biomass) in Loktak Lake in
Manipur, marking a significant discovery in the conservation of this rare
migratory bird,” says Chitanpriya Akoijam, an MSc researcher from Punjab-based
Lovely Professional University who is undergoing research work under the
guidance of Dr. Harsh Gulati.
- “We recorded the rare bird along with others in our field
study in January this year.”
- The sighting added to the growing documentation of the
species in Manipur and underscored the importance of conserving wetland
habitats for migratory birds.
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- “The presence of the Yellow-breasted Bunting here highlights
the ecological significance of Loktak, the largest freshwater lake NE India and
the need for immediate conservation efforts,” the researcher felt. It thrives
in areas with specific vegetation including Luwang Tou, Tourel and Khoimom
plants which grow along clean-water rivers and wetlands.
- The species, which migrates from grasslands of northern
Euresia (including China) to India during the winter season, has suffered
severe population decline due to habitat destruction and poaching.
- Emphasising the importance of this finding, Dr. Harsh
Gulati, an assistant professor in Zoology, said, "This sighting at Loktak
lake is a crucial step in understanding the movement and habitat preferences of
the Yellow-breasted Bunting.”
- Encouraged by this discovery, the research team is now
planning conservation initiatives in the region.
- Previously the species had been recorded in other parts of
Manipur including Thinungei area in 2013, 2016, Keibul area in 2017, 2018
followed by Ikop part (wetland) in 2019 and 2021, according to state
coordinator of Indian Bird Conservation Network, Manipur, RK Birjit.
