Diversity pattern of habitats of Macrophytes in Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), a floating mat (Phumdi) environment of Loktak Lake, Manipur, India

<div><p><em>Flowering calendar of a particular area will give the information of the period and duration of flowering among plants. The purpose of the study is to investigate the presence of the habitat of some dominant macrophytes in Keibul Lamjao National Park (a Ramsar site) which have ethnobotanical relationships with human beings (the lake dwellers in particular and tourist in general) and wild animals. Flowering calendar of six study sites viz., Keibul, Nongmaikhong, Kumbi, Khordak, Sargam and Toyaching were studied and monthly flowering calendars were taken for two year period (2010 to 2011). Flowering calendars of the macrophytes were surveyed by following standard methodologies and comparison of the stages of flowering period of 6 study sites was incorporated. Maximum number of flowering plants (44) was recorded in Sargam, Khordak (32), Kumbi (30), Nongmaikhong (29) during the period September to November. Whereas, Toyaching reached 35, Keibul recorded lowest plant numbers (14) during the period June to August. Four plant species viz., Ageratum conyzoides, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Leersia hexandra and Hedychium coronarium were found throughout the year in all the 6 sites. From the findings, it can be concluded that flowering calendar will give the information of plants which are used as fodder for the wild animals like Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii McClelland), an endangered deer species in this globe and ethnobotanically important plants of the lake dwellers as food, medicinal plants and allergens, thereby maintaining health status of man and animals. Conservation is required by controlling the human anthropogenic harassments, thereby maintaining the luxuriant growth of the seasonal and perennial, macrophytes observed during the study of flowering calendar, so as to maintain and conserve the natural flora and fauna of the park.</em></p></div>

Loktak Lake is the largest fresh water Lake in the North-eastern India. Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) is a floating-mat (Phumdi) park inside the Lake. Study deals with the inter-related approaches: micobiological study, free-listing, participant observation and preference ranking of the six study sites of KLNP. Generally, plant collection per day was about 600 kg of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig which were extracted from the park and found to be the most preferable species; while Persicaria sagittata (L.) H. Gross, as the least among the selected plants. Microbiological analysis of water for the six study sites recorded high pollution as evidenced by high values of Standard Plate Count (SPC) for bacteria ranging from 73,500-96,500 and microbial analysis of MPN (Most Probable Number) of coliform bacteria varies between100 and 320/100 ml and faecal coliform 95 and 200/100 ml. Free CO2 concentrations varied at the surface from 2-60 mg/l and 6-70 mg/l at the bottom of the park. In the KLNP environment the higher CO2 and lower concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) might be due to the floating mat (Phumdi) nature, in which light and exchange of gases does not occur as it does in the natural water bodies.

Seasonal variations in the water quality of a tropical wetland dominated by floating meadows and its implication for conservation of Ramsar wetlands

Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), a floating park in Loktak Lake, Manipur (India) was studied from Winter (WIN) to Post Monsoon (POM) for its zooplankton composition and some selected water parameters. The resultant data were subjected to multivariate techniques–Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Analyses of water parameters with PCA revealed that the first PC axis (PC1) accounts for maximum variance in the seasonal data, explaining a variability of 91%. The PCA revealed that the seasonal variability in water parameters was due to the wet and dry cycle of seasons and the stations were distinguished on the basis of transparency and turbidity. Zooplankton abundance was dominated by copepods followed by cladocerans. Temporally, abundance of copepods reached a maximum during Post-monsoon (POM) (3 880 ind./L). Spatially, S6 was found to be most abundant of the other stations in zooplankton. Copepodites and nauplii larvae were the major components of zooplankton. The Rotifera were the least abundant among the three zooplankton groups. Brachionus formed the major component of Rotifera zooplankton at all the stations during the study period. In the Cladocera, Macrothrix was present during all the four seasons, while Pleuroxus, Oxyurella, Kurzia and, Diaphanosoma were rare. The CCA shows that maximal temporal variability in zooplankton abundance was explained by temperature and rainfall. ANOVA revealed no significant diff erence in mean zooplankton abundance among the seasons, but there was a statistically significant diff erence among the sites.

The Sangai deer (Rucervus eldii eldii) is an endangered species which is found only in KeibulLamjao National Park, Manipur (India) with an area of 40 km2. Selection of observation point and direct observation method were utilized to record certain behavioral pattern shown by the Sangai deer. Determination of food resources were carried out to identified feed species during the observation hour. The finding of the present study shows that the behavioral activities were notice more in the morning (dawn) than evening (dusk). The most favorable food by Sangai deer were Zizania latifolia (Kambong), Pragmitis karka (Tou), Saccharum munja (Khoimom), Carex cruciata (Humdang), Learsia hexandra (Hup), Alpinanigra (Pullei) and Hydechiumcoronarium (Loklei). Amongst the favorable food species, the most preferable food by the Sangai deer is Zizania latifolia while some of the individuals were seen consuming ashes (Tanggoi) during the observation. Intrusion of domestic animals within the park area may lead to severe calamities which then lead to the spread of many harmful diseases to Sangai deer and its inhabitants. Shyness of animal and sensitive behaviors of Sangai deer was observed. Questionnaire surveys were carried out among 40 respondents. The result suggested that the status of feeding must be taken care so that there should not be any alteration or changes in their behavior due to intrusion, local vegetables collector and disturbances.

Aquatic insect diversity of a protected area, Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, North East India

Manipur is a biodiversity rich state located in the northeastern part of India that borders Myanmar. Situated within the western portion of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, the state has a large number of endemic and endangered species. The state is also prone to habitat destruction due to rapid clearing of forest for shifting cultivation, which is a common practice in the hill districts for agriculture and collection of firewood and timber. In the valley districts, the entire forest areas were converted to agricultural fields leaving only a few remaining green spaces, such as the sacred groves locally known as Umang Lais, small hillocks, and Keibul Lamjao National Park.

The Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii) is found only in the Manipur’s Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP). The Sangai is peculiar, being the "only deer to adapt to a floating wetland habitat." The reasons why there is threats to the Sangai's very existence will, for the purpose of this paper, assume that there are efforts to learn more about the basic characteristics that define the deer, regarding its population and approaches to conservation. Despite a population recovery from near-extinction in 1960s, the species remains in danger of extinction due to its habitat deterioration by Loktak Hydro Electric Project, loss of genetic diversity, poaching and disturbance on the overall ecosystem of Loktak Lake by human activities.

Loktak Lake is the largest fresh water lake in North East India. The lake is situated at Moirang in the Bishnupur District, Manipur about 48 km to South from Imphal city. This Lake extends about 287 km2. Loktak Lake has an indispensable relationship with the people of the state since time immemorial from socio- cultural and economic viewpoints. Many edible plants are available in and around the Lake. The food plants which are not commonly available in the market and those which are not commonly utilized as food throughout the country are considered as non-conventional food plants. There are various plants which grow in the lake as submerged, free floating, rooted with floating leaves, emergents, etc. and some are found to grow on the floating humus (Phum). The main food of the Brow Antlered Deer (Rucervus eldi eldi) which is found only in Keibul Lamjao National Wildlife Sanctuary near the Loktak Lake is a variety of young shoots of grasses, herbaceous plants, Zizania latifolia, etc. Some important non-conventional food plants available in and around the Lake are Hedichium flavum (Loklei), Alpinia allughas (Pullei), Euryale ferox (Thangjing), Nymphaea stellata (Thariktha), Nymphaea alba (Tharo angouba), Oenanthe javanica (Komprek), Ipomoea aquatica (Kolamni), Nelumbo nucifera (Thambou, Thamchet and Thamna khenjong), Sagittaria sagittifolia (Koukha), Trapa bispinosa (Heikak) Zizania latifolia (kambong) etc. Some plants such as Ipomoea aquatica (Kolamni) and Alpinia allughas (Pullei), Neptunia oleracea (Eshing Ekaithabi), Ludwigia adscendens (Eshing Kundo), etc. have medicinal importance. These food plants are very rich in vitamins and minerals.

Submerged macrophytes enhance carbon emission (CO2 and CH4) from the freshwater wetland in Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur, India

INTRODUCTION:Land use and land cover changes vary in accordance with relief, climatic conditions and other socio - economic requirements of individuals. Land resources fulfil the primary and secondary human needs, i.e., food, shelter, industries, recreation, communication and economic security (Stamp, 1960). Land use is a phenomenon which undergoes ever changing with the growing needs of human beings. These changes in land use patterns are more specific in the marginal and climatically severe regions. Rapid expansion of human populations in the recent decades coupled with widespread unscientific land use practices have resulted into decline in the land to man ratio and shifting from an extensive cultivation practices to intensive ones (Oinam et al., 2005); (Kuniyal, 1996); (Ramakrishnan et al., 2000); (Bilsborrow and Okoth-Ogendo,1992). Therefore, sustainable utilisation of land resources becomes utmost important to achieve sustainable development and food security of the ever increasing human population (Oinam et al., 2004-05).The current study attempts to assess the land use land cover changes taking place in the catchments of Loktak Lake as a result of impoundment for hydropower generation. Literature pertaining to studies in land use and land cover changes for the area is scanty, even though many studies were conducted by different scholars on other important aspects. For instance, WAPCOS (1993) conducted an extensive study on Loktak Lake, focusing on issues and challenges pertaining wetland degradation. The report emphasises the need of multidisciplinary approaches to counter the problems of siltation, flood, watershed degradation, weed infestations, etc. Presence ofphumdis (floating vegetative mats) is one of the natural features of Loktak Lake. In a series of studies conducted by the Loktak Development Authority (LDA, 1996); (LDA, 1999) in the lake, the urgent need for control and management of phumdis was highlighted. Singh and Moirangliema (2009a) had also studied on phumdi proliferation in Loktak Lake. Water quality status, water borne morbidities of the lake and its conservation measures were studied by other authors (Laishram and Dey, 2014); (Singh and Devi, 2006). Some other researchers also contributed their thought on watershed management and conservation of the Lake (Singh and Moirangleima, 2009b); (Shamungaou, 2007); (Singh and Moirangleima, 2009c); (Singh and Moirangleima, 2012). The results obtained in all these studies hinted that the ecosystem and environment in and around the Lake has been changing gradually due to anthropogenic activities.RESEARCH METHODS:Loktak Lake and the Study Sites:Loktak Lake (24o25' N to 24o42' N and 93o46' E to 93o55'E) is spread over five valley districts of Manipur. It is the second largest freshwater in India covering an area of about 286 km2 at the elevation of 768.5 m amsl. During the rainy season the Lake water swelled up to ~490 km2. The lake has direct catchment area of ~980 km2 and indirect catchment area of ~7,157 km2. About 34 streams, coming from the western hills and the Imphal River drains into the lake. Loktak in actuality comprises of 20 water bodies of different sizes. The landscape becomes quite distinct during the dry season but the water bodies merged and forms single water spread during the rainy months. The current study area comprises of three hillocks within the lake area viz., Thanga, Karang and Ithing (Fig. 1). The hillocks are situated around 50 km south (on road distance) from the capital city, Imphal. The villages in the hillocks truly represent lake settlement and are spread over 3.22 km2. Development of road network in the state has made inroads into some of the larger and populous hillocks like Thanga and Ithing half a century ago. The hillocks in Karang remain untouched by the expanding road network and still represent a typical island settlement. There are 2458, 299 and 297 households in Thanga, Ithing and Karang village (Census, 2011), inhabiting a total population of 14316, 1832 and 1859 individuals. …

The present work was carried out to assess a water quality index (WQI) of the Loktak Lake, an important wetland which has been under pressure due to the increasing anthropogenic activities. Physicochemical parameters like temperature (Tem), potential hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity (T), dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl), fluoride (F), sulphate ({text{SO}}_{4}^{2-}), magnesium (Mg), phosphate ({text{PO}}_{4}^{3-}), sodium (Na), potassium (K), nitrite (NO2), nitrate (NO3), total dissolved solids (TDS), total carbon (TC), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were analyzed using standard procedures. The values obtained were compared with the guidelines for drinking purpose suggested by the World Health Organization and Bureau of Indian Standard. The result shows the higher concentration of nitrite in all the location which is beyond the permissible limit. Eleven parameters were selected to derive the WQI for the estimation of water potential for five sampling sites. A relative weight was assigned to each parameter range from 1.46 to 4.09 based on its importance. The WQI values range from 64 to 77 indicating that the Loktak Lake water is not fit for drinking, including both human and animals, even though the people living inside the Lake are using it for drinking purposes. The implementation of WQI is necessary for proper management of the Loktak Lake and it will be a very helpful tool for the public and decision makers to evaluate the water quality of the Loktak Lake for sustainable management.

Ecological change, livelihood issues and migration- a study on fisherfolk in Ramsar Wetland, Loktak lake in India

Phragmites is the tallest energy crop found as an invasive species worldwide and considered as waste biomass. The present study evaluated the potential of the aquatic biomass Phragmites karka grown from two different lakes as feedstock for biofuel production. A comparative study of biomass was conducted from Chilika Lake and Loktak Lake, India. The methodology involves dilute acid, sono-assisted alkali pretreatment, and hydrolyzed biomass with commercial cellulase. SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis were performed for the biomass physicochemical studies and confirmed that alterations occurred in the biomass structure, assisting the hydrolysis process. The enzymatic hydrolysis result showed that the highest of reducing sugar yield of 79% was obtained from biomass loading of 10% and 1% w/v alkali with a sonication frequency of 20 kHz for 25 min. Acid pretreatment released maximal reducing sugar yield of 73% attained from biomass loading of 20% and 0.5% w/v acid. Composition analysis of biomass showed that cellulose content increased from 36% to 46%. Sono-assisted alkali pretreatment solubilized 40% of lignin content compared to untreated biomass. Final ethanol recovery from the biomass is 78% fermentation efficiency from glucose. The data indicate that exploiting tall reed grass as a bioenergy raw material can be a viable approach for sustainable utilization of invasive grass/waste biomass for biorefineries, which helps control invasive weeds and management of waste.

A biomonitoring study was carried out at Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, a proposed Ramsar site, Gujarat State, India, to ascertain the degree of trace element contamination. The study focused on assessment of trace element contamination in certain aquatic macrophytes to be used as biomonitors, in comparison with the sediments (abiotic monitor) for heavy metal pollution. Good information was provided by analyzing roots, stems and leaves of native aquatic plants (biomonitors) represented by eight species: Bergia odorata, Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica, Najas graminea, Nelumbo nucifera, Phragmites karka, Typha angustata and Vellisnaria spiralis, alongwith surface sediments and water, were analyzed for Cd, Co, Cu, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn contamination. The highest concentrations of the trace elements were measured in Ipomoea aquatica and the lowest in Bergia odorata. Based on the concentration and toxicity status observed in the lake's vegetation, the six metals are arranged in the following decreasing order: Zn > Cu > Ni > Co > Pb > Cd. Compared with the standard, normal and critical toxicity range in plants, the detected values of Cd and Pb falls within normal range, while that of Co, Ni and Cu were within the critical range. However, Zn showed the highest concentration and alarming toxicity levels, which is considered as one of the most hazardous pollutants in Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Certain aquatic macrophytes species are also proposed as biomonitors for the investigated heavy metal pollutants. Such result was significant in the plant species such as Ipomoea aquatica and Phragmites karka, which are the two most useful species in biomonitoring studies due to their ability to accumulate elements in high concentration in the roots and their availability throughout the year. The results showed the significant difference in accumulation rate of some metals like Zn, Cu and Ni in different plant organs, which showed more accumulation in root than that of stem and leaves. Also, there is a high positive correlation between combinations of different metal-pairs in either plant's root, stem or leaf system.