Manipur Key Protected Areas

Introduction 

Manipur, located in the northeastern part of India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The state is home to several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites, each playing a crucial role in preserving the region’s flora and fauna. 

Overview of Manipur’s Geography

Manipur’s geography is characterized by lush forests, vast wetlands, and diverse wildlife. The state’s unique landscape supports a wide range of ecosystems, from semi-evergreen forests to aquatic wetlands. This biodiversity is a result of its strategic location in the Indo-Burma hotspot, one of the most biologically rich regions in the world.

National Parks in Manipur

Keibul Lamjao National Park

• Location and Significance: Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated in the Bishnupur district of Manipur and is an integral part of Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. It is the only floating national park in the world, known for its unique floating biomass called phumdis.
• Fauna and Flora: The park is renowned for being the last natural refuge of the Sangai (brow-antlered deer), the state animal of Manipur. Other notable fauna include the hog deer, Asian golden cat, and large Indian civet. The vegetation consists of semi-evergreen forests, aquatic plants, and wetland flora.
• Conservation Status: Established as a sanctuary in 1966 and upgraded to a national park in 1977, Keibul Lamjao was designated as a Ramsar site in 1990 to protect its wetland ecosystem.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Manipur

Jiri Makru Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Located between the tributaries of the Barak River near the Assam-Manipur border.
• Fauna: The sanctuary is home to the capped langur and hoolock gibbon.

Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Known for its diverse avifauna, including the Great Indian Hornbill.
• Fauna: Other notable species include the hoolock gibbon, barking deer, and clouded leopard.

Other Sanctuaries

• Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the Barail Range.
• Khongjaingamba Ching: Known for its unique biodiversity.
• Thinungei Bird Sanctuary: The first bird sanctuary in Manipur, located in a floodplain.
• Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary: Located southeast of Loktak Lake along the Indo-Myanmar border.
• Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary: A group of lakes with wildlife similar to Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ramsar Sites in Manipur

Loktak Lake

• Significance: Loktak Lake is the only Ramsar site in Manipur, designated in 1990. It is a vital wetland ecosystem supporting a wide range of aquatic life and is integral to Keibul Lamjao National Park.
• Challenges: Despite its importance, Loktak Lake faces threats from pollution, encroachment, and climate change, which affect its ecological balance.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Threats to Biodiversity

Manipur’s flora and fauna are threatened by deforestation, poaching, and climate change. These factors have led to the decline of several species, including the Sangai deer, which was once declared extinct but has since been rediscovered.

Conservation Initiatives

The state government has taken several steps to protect the environment, including setting up protected areas and enforcing wildlife laws. However, more needs to be done to ensure the survival of endangered species. Community involvement and sustainable practices are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of these protected areas.

Conclusion

Manipur’s national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites are vital components of its biodiversity. Efforts to protect these areas are essential for preserving the unique flora and fauna of the region. As India continues to expand its list of Ramsar sites, the conservation of Loktak Lake and other protected areas in Manipur remains a priority for both local and national environmental strategies.

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