Impact of climate change Native plants, animals disappear

Laishram Shamungou
IMPHAL, Aug 3 : Disappearance of several native species of plants and birds  from the State is closely linked to and abetted by the global climate change.
Even though Manipur is located within the Indo-Myanmar mega biodiversity hotspot, many species of plants and birds which were abundantly found in the State in the past are no longer seen these days, and this can be attributed to the global climate change, said environmentalist Dr Khangembam Shamungou.
Several native species of  plants/trees like Heikrong, Ngang, Nongleishang, Ureirom, Sha Tingkhang, Kakyel Khongjil, Sana Khongnang, Heirikothong, Heraingoi, Kwakchabi etc are fast disappearing from the State even though they were once found abundantly in different parts of the State.
Likewise, birds such as Langmeidong, Kwak, Khoining, Chonga, Pi Thadoi etc have either disappeared or are seen very rarely these days, Dr Shamungou said.
Asserting that a thorough research is required into the disappearance of several native species of plants and  birds, the environmentalist said that birds like Langmeidong, Khoining, Chonga, Lamkhunu eat fruits of trees and scatter seeds of these trees.
Lai Haraoba festival which is there in Manipur since the dawn of Meitei civilization is a priceless cultural heritage. Moreover, all the premises of these sylvan deities serve as rich depository of nature and ecology, he remarked.
Environment and Climate Change Deputy Director Dr T Brajakumar said that the global climate change which has shortened cold period and elongated summer season has had adverse impacts on the native or endemic birds species of Manipur.
With the spring season too becoming shorter, fertility of birds has been affected as no abundant food is available during the time of breeding.
Late arrival of migratory birds and their early departure from the State is an unmistakeable indication of the effects of global climate change, Dr Brajakumar said.
ICAR Lamphelpat scientist Dr Ningombam Arti said that some indigenous plants and animals which were found in the State since early ages have disappeared even before they are widely known because of the global climate change.
(This report is filed under the State Climate Change Media Fellowship sponsored by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change)