Mazaediothecium keibulense Nusrat & Pinokiyo is reported as new to science from Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur, India. It differs from its allied species, M. serendipiticum Aptroot and M. uniseptatum Aptroot by the presence of brown ascospore with prominent thick, dark septum and lichexanthone. An artificial worldwide key to the species of Mazaediothecium is provided.

A wetlandscape is a landscape characterized by the presence of numerous interconnected wetlands (Bertassello et al. 2018). Loktak located in the Manipur River basin in India is a unique wetlandscape that includes numerous floodplain wetlands and associated channels. It hosts the Loktak wetland, the largest freshwater body in the northeastern India, also designated as Ramsar site and the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world. Like any other wetlands in the world, Loktak wetlandscape is also under great threat due to the changes in the hydrometeorological conditions associated with climate change as well as the human interventions in the wetlandscape and its catchment. Loktak hydro-electric project, the major anthropogenic intervention in the wetlandscape has a huge impact on the hydrology and ecology of Loktak wetland complex and to Pumlen wetland complex to a less significant level (Trisal and Manihar 2002). This work investigates the multi- and cross-scale degradation of wetlands in the Loktak wetlandscape in a nested-framework by studying hydrogeomorphic dynamics at catchment scale, wetlandscape scale, and wetland complex scale. The catchment scale encompasses surrounding uplands and hillslopes. At the wetlandscape scale, which includes interconnected wetlands and associated channels, individual wetland boundaries are demarcated using historical Corona image and recent Sentinel-2 image. By comparing historic and recent boundaries, we found that six natural wetlands of area less than 1.5km2 have completely converted into other land use types and three small wetlands with area less than 1km2 get merged with bigger ones due to barrage-induced prolonged inundation. The wetland complex scale is a cluster of hydrologically interconnected wetlands of same or different types. Loktak wetland complex has not shown any prominent change in its extent, whereas Ikop and Pumlen wetland complexes have shrunken remarkably over time. The degradation of wetlandscape is evident from other factors such as proliferation and thinning of phumdis (floating biomass) and destruction of vegetation in the catchment. The cross-scale investigation suggests the influence of both natural and anthropogenic controls on the degradation of Loktak wetlandscape. The findings of this study and the protocols developed here will help to better understand the stressors of Loktak wetlandscape and elsewhere and could be instrumental in developing a conservation and management plan. Multi-scale management of wetlandscape include the catchment-scale measures such as afforestation, protection of hills and reducing the frequency of shifting (jhum) cultivation in hilly areas, wetlandscape scale measures such as control of waste dumping, control of channel modification for builtup and then wetland scale measures such as removal of invasive species from open water, and control of athaphum farming (method of farming using phumdis). Considering that a huge proportion of population in the valley depend on these wetlands for their livelihood, accounting their needs and making them a part of any effort for the management of this ecosystem has to be one of the primary goal.

The Sangai Deer, Rucervus eldii eldii (McClelland, 1842), of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), Manipur, was thought to be extinct by 1951. Still, during an IUCN survey in 1953, a small surviving population was discovered. Human activities such as building the Itahi Barrage extensively altered the park’s water systems and are considered the primary reason for the declining population. However, further investigation unfolded certain new threats, which were earlier disregarded. These new threats included habitat loss linked with the shrinkage of Phumdis, Hog deer competition, climate change, poaching, and increased biomass exploitation. From 1996 to 2013, the recovery of Sangai populations was rather considerable, probably due to conservation efforts and breeding schemes. This study aims to view historical contributory factors that led to the population meltdown, examine contemporary events, and identify the likelihood of a factor becoming a new terror for their continued survival.

An in-depth understanding of carbon dynamics and ecosystem productivity is essential for conservation and management of different ecosystems. Ecosystem dynamics and carbon budget are assessed by estimating net ecosystem production (NEP) across different global ecosystems. An ecological productivity assessment of forest and floating meadow ecosystems in Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), Manipur, North East India, was conducted using the multi-criteria decision-making process namely, gray relational analysis (GRA). The analysis was performed on 24 selected criterions classified either as "higher-the-better" or "lower-the-better" based on their degree of influence on the carbon budget. Floating meadows exhibited a higher production of aboveground and belowground biomass and a higher total mortality and decay. Furthermore, the study found that floating meadows exhibited a higher soil organic carbon (SOC) and net soil organic matter (SOM) than the forest ecosystem. The forest ecosystem showed higher total respiration (RT), heterotrophic respiration (RH), and autotrophic respiration (RA) than floating meadows. Floating meadows exhibited a higher net primary productivity (NPP) of 616.49 ± 33.87 gCm-2year-1 than the forest ecosystem, which has a NPP of 566.64 ± 65.26 gCm-2year-1. Similarly, floating meadows have higher NEP (495.25 ± 36.46 gCm-2year-1) than forest ecosystems (418.39 ± 65.76 gCm-2year-1). These characteristics have a significant influence on the carbon budget in floating meadows as compared to forest ecosystems, as shown by larger values of gray relational coefficient (GRC) in GRA. The floating meadows ecosystem (0.82) obtained 54.72% gain in gray relational grades (GRG) value with the forest ecosystem (0.53). This study might help in improving KLNP and other adjutant areas for conservation and management policies from the vital information given on the importance of wetlands in carbon dynamics and ecosystem productivity.

ABSTRACTThe assessment of nutrient and heavy metal accumulation in lake sediments is essential for understanding their role in the ecohydrological dynamics of lake ecosystems, as sediments can function both as a sink and source of nutrients, metals and various contaminants aquatic ecosystem. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals and their accumulation in the sediments across different sampling locations of Loktak Lake and to compare them against geochemical background values and sediment quality guidelines. The key findings of the study revealed substantial nutrient accumulation in sediments from the Keibul Lamjao National Park site, which can be attributed to the decomposition of organic matter from dense floating vegetative masses called ‘Phumdis’. Iron concentrations in sediments were significantly high, ranging from 909.83 to 1004 mg/kg and its enrichment is likely due to diffused surface runoff from the iron‐rich soils from the surrounding catchment entering the lake through feeder rivers and other anthropogenic influences. The average metal concentrations were in the order of Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu, and all values were below the average shale concentrations and the Interim freshwater Sediment Quality Guidelines (ISQG) set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). The evaluation of the heavy metal pollution status of the lake sediments based on various pollution indices such as the contamination factor, degree of contamination, modified degree of contamination, geoaccumulation index, pollution load index and potential ecological risk index, suggested an overall low level of metal pollution in the sediments of Loktak Lake. The findings of this study provide a crucial baseline for understanding on the sediment‐associated nutrient and metals dynamics in Loktak Lake which can aid in the formulation of long‐term lake management strategies for preserving the ecological integrity and health of this precious lake ecosystem of the region.

As a part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), surveys on ducks and geese were made at five (5) major waterbird congregation sites of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) during 2020-2024. A total of 18 species of ducks and two species of geese belonging to the family of Anatidae were recorded during the period. The duck species includes 14 migratory and 4 resident species and the two migratory geese species. Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica was the most abundant and dominant species in terms of population followed by Gadwall Anas strepera and Red - crested Pochard Netta rufina and minimum value was observed in Greylag Goose Anser anser. The Critically Endangered Baer’s Pochard Aythya fuligula was recorded in the year 2023 at Pabot Chingmang site (2 individuals). Another two globally Near threatened (NT) Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca and Falcated Duck Anas falcata have been recorded here.

Feasibility study of UAV based ecological monitoring and habitat assessment of cervids in the floating meadows of Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, India

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

As a part of the monitoring practice of the lone natural habitat of the endemic and endangered Rucervus eldii eldii McClelland or Sangai, the paper reports sediment and water characteristics of Keibul Lamjao National Park-the only floating national park of the world in Manipur, Indo Burma hotspot. The water analysis showed low pH (5.69 ± 0.16), high electrical conductivity (342 ± 13.01 μS m-1), high turbidity (33.2 ± 9.407 NTU), and high phosphate concentrations (0.92 ± 0.11mg L-1) during the study period. The water quality index values calculated indicate that the park water during post-monsoon season is unfit for drinking. Thus, the degrading water quality poses a serious risk to the health of the deer and other species in the park. At present, Sangai in its natural habitat is threatened by pollution, encroachment, phoomdi thickness reduction, and inbreeding depression. To address the problem of inbreeding, Pumlen pat is considered as a second suitable natural habitat for the deer reintroduction program. During the study, water characteristics of the wetland showed similar characteristics as KLNP, i.e., low pH (5.86 ± 0.30), high electrical conductivity (377.6 ± 5.55 μS m-1), high turbidity (32.36 ± 4.91 NTU), and high phosphate concentrations (0.79 ± 0.14mg L-1). Likewise, sediments showed high TP accumulation that ranged from 197.03 ± 0.75 to 332.88 ± 0.99mgkg-1 for KLNP and 245.18 ± 0.85 to 351.48 ± 0.71mgkg-1 for Pumlen pat, respectively. Both, the lone natural habitat and the proposed habitat showed deteriorating water quality. As such, continuous monitoring of KLNP and Pumlen pat water and sediment quality should be a priority during the management practices to protect the endangered deer and health of the habitats for long-term conservation.

Assessing seasonal variation of diffusive nitrous oxide emission from freshwater wetland in Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur Northeast India

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.

Ecological factors that control the species distribution patterns at various spatiotemporal scales will get affected by climate change. To combat the situation, in the past few decades geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing have been widely used by the researchers in the field of wildlife and habitat suitability modeling. The main objective of this study is to map and predict the current and future habitat suitability potential of Rucervus eldii eldii in Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) using MaxEnt. Presence location data of the species, topographic factors, and bio-climatic variables were used as input in the MaxEnt software to map current habitat suitability potential. To map the habitat suitability potential for future, two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 for the years 2050 and 2070 were used. The model returned an average AUC value of 0.944 which indicates the model to be sensitive and descriptive. Isothermality and precipitation in the wettest quarter were found to be two most significant variables. The suitable range of precipitation in the wettest quarter for Rucervus eldii eldii varies from 1365 to 1410mm with an optimal value of 1405mm and isothermality from 46.43 to 46.6% with an optimal value of 46.5%. Current habitat suitability results of the model show 0.45 km2 of the area under no potential, 29.25 km2 of the area under least potential, 8.29 km2 of the area under moderate potential, 9.21 km2 of the area under good potential, and 8.82 km2 of the area under high potential. Both RCPs for the years 2050 and 2070 show the decreasing trend in the area under high suitability potential and increasing trend under no suitability potential. The results of this study can provide aid in the management and protection of Rucervus eldii eldii.

The population of the globally endangered hog deer (Axis porcinus) has declined severely across its geographic range. Intensive monitoring of its demographic and genetic status is necessary. We examined the demographic and genetic structure of a small hog deer population in Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), located on the western fringe of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot for conservation planning. The distribution pattern of hog deer in the Park was derived based on the presence/absence of faecal pellets in 1 km × 1 km grids. We used double-observer distance sampling method to derive the hog deer abundance and population structure and compared with previous data to derive the population trend. We determined the genetic diversity of the population through microsatellite screening and bottleneck detection. The overall pellet density was 0.34 ± 0.02 pellets km-2 restricted to only 22.34 ± 0.20 km2 area of the park. The estimated density of the deer in the park was 1.82–4.32 individuals km-2. The population showed a declining trend from 2006–08 (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.916) with 8% annum-1 and an increasing trend from 2003–2018 (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.9304) with 10% annum-1. The adult male-to-female ratio and fawn-to-doe ratio were 36.2 ± 1.9 males per 100 females and 16.5 ± 0.4 fawns per 100 females, respectively. The molecular examination suggested that the mean number of alleles at 23 loci was 2.70 ± 0.18, the observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.26 to 0.63 (mean 0.42 ± 0.02), the expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.23 to 0.73 (χ = 0.51 ± 0.03), and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.2 to 0.67 (χ = 0.43 ± 0.03) indicating a moderate level of genetic diversity. Although no bottleneck in the population was observed, the loss of genetic diversity may affect the evolutionary potential of the species at the site by limiting the selection flexibility. Conservation planning coupled with scientific management regime will help in the long term persistence of the population in the region.

Effect of Simulated Harvesting on the Plant Composition in the Floating Grasslands of Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur - written by Thounaojam Sanggai Leima , Pebam Rocky , Ruchi Badola published on 2019/10/04 download full article with reference data and citations

Multiproxy studies on dung of endangered Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii) and Hog deer (Axis porcinus) from Manipur, India: Implications for paleoherbivory and paleoecology

Determination of resource based stocking density of wild ungulates living in the floating meadows of Keibul Lamjao National Park, India

The hog deer (Axis porcinus) is threatened by habitat alteration, fragmentation, and poaching, which have led to a drastic decline of its wild population. Two subspecies of A. porcinus have been described from its distribution range. A. p. porcinus is reported to occur from Pakistan along the Himalayan foothills through Nepal, India and Myanmar, and A. p. annamiticus is found in Thailand, Indo-China, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. However, the current distribution range of A. p. annamiticus is still unclear. We used the partial control region (CR) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and seven microsatellite loci to investigate the intra-species structure, differentiation, and demographic history of hog deer populations from three landscapes, the Terai Arc, Northeast, and Indo-Burma (Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), Manipur, India) landscapes. We also carried out divergence time estimation using the complete mitogenome. The level of variation was ~4%, and the time of divergence of the KLNP population and the other Indian populations was about 0.22 Mya, i.e., during the last glaciation periods of the Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene. The KLNP haplotypes of the control region were shared with the Southeast Asian subspecies, A. p. annamiticus. The results of the investigations of the microsatellite loci supported the mtDNA results unambiguously. Two genetically distinct lineages are found in India: one is found from the Terai Arc to Assam (A. p. porcinus) and the other in Manipur (A. p. annamiticus). The genetic diversity in KLNP was low and exhibited a higher degree of genetic differentiation compared with major Indian populations. The Bayesian skyline plots indicated that after a long phase of historic demographic stability, the populations of both the lineages of hog deer suffered pronounced declines during the period from ~800 years BP to 5000 years BP. In summary, our finding provided evidence that the KLNP population is probably a prime, isolated and sustaining stock of A. p. annamiticus and should be managed as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs).

Plant community structure of the floating meadows of a hypereutrophic wetland in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

Background and Objective: 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. Materials and Methods: Flowering calendar of 6 study sites viz., Keibul, Nongmaikhong, Kumbi, Khordak, Sargam and Toyaching were studied and monthly flowering calendars were taken for 2 years period (2010-2011). 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. Results: Maximum number of flowering plants was recorded in Sargam (44), Khordak (32), Kumbi (30) and Nongmaikhong (29) during the period September-November. Whereas, Toyaching reached 35, Keibul recorded lowest plant numbers 14 during the period June-August. Four plant species viz., Ageratum conyzoides, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Leersia hexandra and Hedychium coronarium were found throughout the year in all the 6 sites. Conclusion: 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

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