Significant Decline in Waterbird Population at Manipur's Loktak Lake

The recent waterbird census at Loktak Lake in Manipur has revealed a troubling decline in the bird population, dropping from 23,390 in 2025 to 16,365 this year. This significant decrease is attributed to various human and environmental pressures. Despite the overall decline, the number of species has increased, indicating a complex ecological situation. The report calls for urgent conservation measures to protect this vital habitat, which serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. The findings underscore the need for immediate action to address the threats facing Loktak Lake and its avian inhabitants.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 11:28 IST

Overview of Waterbird Census Findings

Waterbird

Imphal, Sept 16: The population of waterbirds in Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, has seen a drastic reduction this year due to increasing human activities, pollution, and various ecological challenges.

The Waterbird Census Report, titled Loktak Ramsar 2026, indicates that the lake hosted 16,365 waterbirds this year, a significant drop from the 23,390 recorded in 2025.

This report was officially unveiled in Imphal on Tuesday during the launch of the Loktak Development Authority's new website.

According to the census data, the situation is alarming. The bird count fell from a peak of 50,725 in 2015 to a mere 14,235 in 2024, marking the lowest figure in ten years. However, there was a slight recovery in 2025 with 23,390 birds across 53 species.

In 2022, Loktak recorded 47,472 waterbirds, but this number plummeted to 23,105 in 2023 and further decreased to 14,235 in 2024.

The inaugural official waterbird census at Loktak took place in 2011, recording 13,650 birds.

Despite the overall decline, the number of waterbird species increased from 53 in 2025 to 56 this year.

These species belong to 14 different families, with the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, geese, and swans, being the most represented, followed by Ardeidae, which encompasses herons, egrets, and bitterns.

Among the 56 species identified, 24 are resident, 29 are migratory, and three are local migratory.

The Lesser Whistling Duck emerged as the most populous species, with 5,373 individuals, followed by the Common Coot at 2,560 and the Common Moorhen at 1,173.

The report attributes the decline to various anthropogenic and environmental factors, including habitat encroachment, pollution, siltation, habitat changes, light pollution, overfishing, and poaching.

This decline has resulted in Loktak's waterbird population falling below the threshold set by Criterion 5 of the Ramsar Convention, which identifies wetlands that regularly support 20,000 or more waterbirds.

Loktak Lake serves as a crucial habitat for wintering, feeding, and breeding for numerous resident and migratory waterbird species.

Additionally, the lake is situated at the crossroads of two significant migratory routes: the Central Asian Flyway and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

The census report advocates for various conservation strategies, including regular waterbird censuses, sanctuary initiatives, enhanced community involvement, stricter policies and regulations, habitat restoration, and the regulation of phum settlements and homestays through a suitable legal framework.

It also emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring of waterbird populations, species diversity, and habitat conditions.

The report suggests identifying key bird congregation sites and designating some as conservation or community reserves in collaboration with local communities to bolster long-term conservation efforts.