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Wetlands in Keibul Lamjao National Park , Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, Keibul Lamjao National Park , Keibul Lamjao National Park Manipur |
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KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK Manipur
Location: 24°40’N, 93°57’E; 15 km south of Imphal, Manipur
Area: Formerly 4000 ha, recently reduced to 2160 ha
Altitude: 785 m
Biogeographical province: 4.9.4 Wetland type: 14,15,18
Description of site: Keibul Lamjao is a large expanse of swamp with floating mats of vegetation (phumdi) covering much of its surface. The swamp lies at the northeast corner of the Loktak Lake basin, and is connected with Loktak Lake (site 80) by a channel. Within the National Park, the only waterway that is open all year round is artificially maintained to enable boats to reach Pabot Hill in the north. The phumdi is composed of decaying vegetation and varies in thickness from 0.33 m to 1.33 m. It floats on the water with about one-fifth of its thickness above the surface, and is capable of supporting the weight of large mammals. The water is acidic, and varies in depth from 1.0 m to 1.5 m. At low water levels in February and March, the peripheral areas of phumdi come to rest on the ground. With the onset of monsoon, majority of the Park is covered with water and, three or four days later, the phumdi rises to the surface once again. Severe flooding washes away large amounts of the floating vegetation. This habitat, often referred to as “too deep to be marsh, too shallow to be a lake” is unique in India. Three hills, Pabot, Toya, and Chingjao, rise out of the swamp and provide a refuge for the large mammals during the wetter periods Climatic conditions: Tropical monsoon climate with an average annual rainfall of 1183 mm. Most of the rain falls in July and August, and the driest months are February and March
Principal vegetation: There are two types of phumdi, phumdi ataoba (floating) and phumdi aruppa (sinking). The ataoba consists of reeds, grasses, and other plants growing on a mat of dead and decaying vegetation floating on the lake surface. Phumdi aruppa consists of mats of vegetation which have sunk to the bottom of the lake and support a rich emergent growth of reeds and grasses. In 1960, the composition of the phumdi was estimated to be as follows:
45% Phragmites karka 25% Erianthus ravennae
15% Saccharum munja 5% S. latifolium
5% Alpinia allughas 2% Saccharum procerum and
3% other species, including Zizania latifolia,
a plant much relished by swamp deer (Cervus eldi). The floating phumdi gets thicker and heavier each year, the accumulation being greatest at the edge of the swamp. During a series of dry years, the edges of the phumdi become hard ground and the area of the swamp thus decreases. Eichhornia crassipes has recently appeared in the open water areas of the swamp, where species of Polygon um and Trapa also occur. The three small hills in the Park were formerly wooded, but are now almost barren Land tenure: Largely state-owned, with lands belonging to the Thang, Brel, and Maril tribes almost dividing the sanctuary into two parts. Surrounding areas are privately owned
Conservation measures taken: Keibul Lamjao was declared a Sanctuary in 1954, and officially gazetted in 1966. The 4000 ha Sanctuary was upgraded to a National Park in March 1977. However, because of strong opposition to the National Park from local villagers, the Park was reduced to its present 2160 ha. in April 1987. The Park is managed by the Forest Department of the Manipur Government. By 1978, the Government of India had spent Rs. 719,000 on construction works, including a perimeter fence of 2281 m to prevent people and domestic livestock from entering the reserve where it is most vulnerable. A cattle-proof trench has been dug along 870 m of the boundary; seven canoes have been purchased and four check points have been established at strategic places in the Park. The Department of Environment, Government of India, is financing a conservation programme for the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi), and an army helicopter has been leased to carry out census work. The Park is under the supervision of a full-time Assistant Conservator of Forests. Additional staff include an assistant veterinary surgeon, a ranger of forests, field assistant, three foresters, four forest guards, and eight others
Conservation measures proposed: There is a need to ensure that the legal provisions against poaching, fishing, encroachment, grazing, and other detrimental activities are properly enforced. The maintenance of the grassy swamp may require periodic burning. A proposal has been made for the establishment of a second sanctuary across the Manipur river at Khoidum Lamjao. This is the only other significant patch of swamp remaining in Manipur, and would be suitable for re-introduction of Cervus eldi eldi
Land use: Prior to the establishment of the National Park in 1977, grass-cutting was officially permitted during the dry season, but this has now ceased. The grasses were used for thatching and for the production of mats, hats, and other decorative articles. Grazing, mostly by buffaloes, was a prominent feature of both the northern and southern parts of the Park and caused some habitat degradation. All agricultural and fishing rights within the Park ceased in 1977, but fishing, alhough now illegal, continues on a small scale in the open water areas. Surrounding areas are almost entirely under rice cultivation Possible changes in land use: The Loktak Hydroelectric Project, commissioned in April 1985, has involved the construction of a dam across the Manipur river. This may have irreversible effects on the entire ecosystem Disturbances and threats: Even though the Sanctuary has been upgraded to National Park status, levels of exploitation by the local inhabitants remain high. Illegal grass-cutting still constitutes a major disturbance in some areas, and the continued presence of domestic livestock poses a threat to the brow-antlered deer. Emmeria wassilewskyi, a protozoan disease common in local cattle, afflicts the deer population. Poaching has been a major problem, particularly during the dry season in March-May. The shortage of reserve staff at KeibulLamjao prohibits the implementation of effective conservation measures. Surrounding areas are intensively farmed, and the use of insecticides, herbicides, and fertilisers is increasing. There have been reports of water pollution derived from nearby human settlements, and the run-off of agro-chemicals, needs to be monitored. Inevitably, deforestation -and subsequent soil erosion in the water catchment area are affecting the water regime and water quality. The Loktak Dam, which will maintain a constant water level in the swamp, is likely to have a severe impact on the entire ecosystem of Keibul Lamjao. The possible effects of the dam on the hydrology and ecology of one of the most complex wetland systems in India has yet to be thoroughly investigated. There has been strong opposition to the National Park amongst local people since its establishment. In a violent demonstration against enforcement measures in 1979, villagers set fire to dry grasses, check-posts, staff quarters, and the observation tower within the swamp. As a result of the continued opposition, 1840 ha were excised from the National Park in April 1987. The high level of local antipathy persists, placing land-use predictions in considerable doubt Economic and social values: The swamp is of considerable scientific interest as a unique habitat within India and the last refuge for Cervus eldi eldi
Fauna: The Keibul Lamjao swamp is the last refuge of the nominate subspecies of the Manipur brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi), locally known as “Sangai”. The subspecies was once thought to be extinct in the wild, but a small herd was discovered in Keibul Lamjao in 1950. By 1975 this population had dwindled to only 14 individuals. Under protection, however, the mammals living in the swamp include sambar (Cervus unicolor), hog deer (C. porcinus), common otter (Lutra lutra), the civets (Viverra civetta, Viverricula indica), and wild boar ‘Sus scrofa). The swamp doubtless supports a wide variety of waterbirds, but no information is available. The fish fauna includes Channa striatus, Channa punctatus, Cyprinus carpio, Wallago attu, and Puntius sophore Special floral values: The phumdi association of Phragmites, Saccharum, and other species is a unique ecosystem within India
Location: 24°40’N, 93°57’E; 15 km south of Imphal, Manipur
Area: Formerly 4000 ha, recently reduced to 2160 ha
Altitude: 785 m
Biogeographical province: 4.9.4 Wetland type: 14,15,18
Description of site: Keibul Lamjao is a large expanse of swamp with floating mats of vegetation (phumdi) covering much of its surface. The swamp lies at the northeast corner of the Loktak Lake basin, and is connected with Loktak Lake (site 80) by a channel. Within the National Park, the only waterway that is open all year round is artificially maintained to enable boats to reach Pabot Hill in the north. The phumdi is composed of decaying vegetation and varies in thickness from 0.33 m to 1.33 m. It floats on the water with about one-fifth of its thickness above the surface, and is capable of supporting the weight of large mammals. The water is acidic, and varies in depth from 1.0 m to 1.5 m. At low water levels in February and March, the peripheral areas of phumdi come to rest on the ground. With the onset of monsoon, majority of the Park is covered with water and, three or four days later, the phumdi rises to the surface once again. Severe flooding washes away large amounts of the floating vegetation. This habitat, often referred to as “too deep to be marsh, too shallow to be a lake” is unique in India. Three hills, Pabot, Toya, and Chingjao, rise out of the swamp and provide a refuge for the large mammals during the wetter periods Climatic conditions: Tropical monsoon climate with an average annual rainfall of 1183 mm. Most of the rain falls in July and August, and the driest months are February and March
Principal vegetation: There are two types of phumdi, phumdi ataoba (floating) and phumdi aruppa (sinking). The ataoba consists of reeds, grasses, and other plants growing on a mat of dead and decaying vegetation floating on the lake surface. Phumdi aruppa consists of mats of vegetation which have sunk to the bottom of the lake and support a rich emergent growth of reeds and grasses. In 1960, the composition of the phumdi was estimated to be as follows:
45% Phragmites karka 25% Erianthus ravennae
15% Saccharum munja 5% S. latifolium
5% Alpinia allughas 2% Saccharum procerum and
3% other species, including Zizania latifolia,
a plant much relished by swamp deer (Cervus eldi). The floating phumdi gets thicker and heavier each year, the accumulation being greatest at the edge of the swamp. During a series of dry years, the edges of the phumdi become hard ground and the area of the swamp thus decreases. Eichhornia crassipes has recently appeared in the open water areas of the swamp, where species of Polygon um and Trapa also occur. The three small hills in the Park were formerly wooded, but are now almost barren Land tenure: Largely state-owned, with lands belonging to the Thang, Brel, and Maril tribes almost dividing the sanctuary into two parts. Surrounding areas are privately owned
Conservation measures taken: Keibul Lamjao was declared a Sanctuary in 1954, and officially gazetted in 1966. The 4000 ha Sanctuary was upgraded to a National Park in March 1977. However, because of strong opposition to the National Park from local villagers, the Park was reduced to its present 2160 ha. in April 1987. The Park is managed by the Forest Department of the Manipur Government. By 1978, the Government of India had spent Rs. 719,000 on construction works, including a perimeter fence of 2281 m to prevent people and domestic livestock from entering the reserve where it is most vulnerable. A cattle-proof trench has been dug along 870 m of the boundary; seven canoes have been purchased and four check points have been established at strategic places in the Park. The Department of Environment, Government of India, is financing a conservation programme for the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi), and an army helicopter has been leased to carry out census work. The Park is under the supervision of a full-time Assistant Conservator of Forests. Additional staff include an assistant veterinary surgeon, a ranger of forests, field assistant, three foresters, four forest guards, and eight others
Conservation measures proposed: There is a need to ensure that the legal provisions against poaching, fishing, encroachment, grazing, and other detrimental activities are properly enforced. The maintenance of the grassy swamp may require periodic burning. A proposal has been made for the establishment of a second sanctuary across the Manipur river at Khoidum Lamjao. This is the only other significant patch of swamp remaining in Manipur, and would be suitable for re-introduction of Cervus eldi eldi
Land use: Prior to the establishment of the National Park in 1977, grass-cutting was officially permitted during the dry season, but this has now ceased. The grasses were used for thatching and for the production of mats, hats, and other decorative articles. Grazing, mostly by buffaloes, was a prominent feature of both the northern and southern parts of the Park and caused some habitat degradation. All agricultural and fishing rights within the Park ceased in 1977, but fishing, alhough now illegal, continues on a small scale in the open water areas. Surrounding areas are almost entirely under rice cultivation Possible changes in land use: The Loktak Hydroelectric Project, commissioned in April 1985, has involved the construction of a dam across the Manipur river. This may have irreversible effects on the entire ecosystem Disturbances and threats: Even though the Sanctuary has been upgraded to National Park status, levels of exploitation by the local inhabitants remain high. Illegal grass-cutting still constitutes a major disturbance in some areas, and the continued presence of domestic livestock poses a threat to the brow-antlered deer. Emmeria wassilewskyi, a protozoan disease common in local cattle, afflicts the deer population. Poaching has been a major problem, particularly during the dry season in March-May. The shortage of reserve staff at KeibulLamjao prohibits the implementation of effective conservation measures. Surrounding areas are intensively farmed, and the use of insecticides, herbicides, and fertilisers is increasing. There have been reports of water pollution derived from nearby human settlements, and the run-off of agro-chemicals, needs to be monitored. Inevitably, deforestation -and subsequent soil erosion in the water catchment area are affecting the water regime and water quality. The Loktak Dam, which will maintain a constant water level in the swamp, is likely to have a severe impact on the entire ecosystem of Keibul Lamjao. The possible effects of the dam on the hydrology and ecology of one of the most complex wetland systems in India has yet to be thoroughly investigated. There has been strong opposition to the National Park amongst local people since its establishment. In a violent demonstration against enforcement measures in 1979, villagers set fire to dry grasses, check-posts, staff quarters, and the observation tower within the swamp. As a result of the continued opposition, 1840 ha were excised from the National Park in April 1987. The high level of local antipathy persists, placing land-use predictions in considerable doubt Economic and social values: The swamp is of considerable scientific interest as a unique habitat within India and the last refuge for Cervus eldi eldi
Fauna: The Keibul Lamjao swamp is the last refuge of the nominate subspecies of the Manipur brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi), locally known as “Sangai”. The subspecies was once thought to be extinct in the wild, but a small herd was discovered in Keibul Lamjao in 1950. By 1975 this population had dwindled to only 14 individuals. Under protection, however, the mammals living in the swamp include sambar (Cervus unicolor), hog deer (C. porcinus), common otter (Lutra lutra), the civets (Viverra civetta, Viverricula indica), and wild boar ‘Sus scrofa). The swamp doubtless supports a wide variety of waterbirds, but no information is available. The fish fauna includes Channa striatus, Channa punctatus, Cyprinus carpio, Wallago attu, and Puntius sophore Special floral values: The phumdi association of Phragmites, Saccharum, and other species is a unique ecosystem within India
For Wetlands in Keibul Lamjao National Park
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