Transmitters on migratory birds
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10 2011:
With the objective of identifying the breeding grounds and the routes taken by migratory birds which flock to Loktak Lake during winter season, Wildlife Wing of Forest Department in association with Bombay Natural History Society has initiated a new project of wearing rings and planting transmitters on these migratory birds.
Talking to The Sangai Express, Deputy Director of the Society Dr S Balchandra said that he along another scientist, two technicians and two bird catchers arrived at Imphal yesterday to execute the new project.
At the proposal of the State Forest Department, the Society has been preparing to take up this project since June last year.
Three transmitters which cost Rs 2.5 lakhs each have been procured to fit on migratory birds.
With the help of these transmitters, the routes taken by the migratory birds can be traced.
Movement of these migratory birds would be monitored by ARGOS based in France.
Nganu Thangong (Ruddy Shelduck) which used to migrate to Loktak Lake from Arctic region, China and Mongolia has been identified for planting transmitters in their bodies.
It is reported that this species of migratory bird is also found at Tangjeng Pat.
Saying that no enough documentation has been done on the migratory birds found in Manipur, Dr Balchandra suggested to identify a safer area within Loktak Lake and declare it as a bird sanctuary.
The Bombay Natural History Society has been providing assistance to the Wildlife Wing on monitoring migratory birds.
Dr Balchandra and his team started wearing rings on migratory birds at Keibul Lamjao National Park from today.
Meanwhile, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Park and Sanctuary) L Joykumar said that works have been initiated to identify 2/3 spots of Loktak Lake where migratory birds would find convenient for feeding with a view to declare these spots as bird sanctuary.
On the other hand, a free medical camp was held today at Keibul Lamjao Community Hall under the joint aegis of Wildlife Wing and Foundation for Rejuvenating, Socio-Economy and Health.
Around 300 people were examined at the camp.