IT News
Imphal, April 8:
In a significant development for wildlife conservation in Manipur, the critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola) has been sighted at Loktak Lake, a Ramsar site and one of Northeast India’s most vital wetlands. The last confirmed sighting of this species in the region was in 2018.
The bird was observed at Keibul Kaina Bazar Sandra Road, Moirang, on January 12, 15, and 17, 2025, by Chitanpriya Akoijam, a student of Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab. The sighting was made under the mentorship of Dr. Harsh Gulati, Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, LPU. This rediscovery is considered a significant step in tracking the wintering habitats of this globally threatened species.
Once common across Europe and Asia, the Yellow-breasted Bunting has suffered a population decline of over 90% in recent decades. It is now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Mass hunting—particularly in East Asia where the bird was once consumed as a delicacy—along with habitat degradation, changing farming practices, and climate change have pushed the species to the brink of extinction.
While the bird has been recorded in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, sightings in Manipur have become increasingly rare. The reappearance at Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Northeast, underscores the ecological value of the wetland.
Experts attribute the bird’s presence to the lake’s rich vegetation—such as Luwang Tou, Tourel, and Khoimom—which offers ideal foraging and shelter. The region’s stable water conditions and relatively low hunting pressure may also play a role in attracting the species.
Dr. Gulati described the discovery as a landmark event for conservation in Manipur, stressing the urgent need to protect habitats like Loktak. The research team has called for regular bird monitoring, public awareness campaigns, stronger anti-poaching laws, and collaborative efforts with government and international conservation bodies.
According to the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), Manipur, previous sightings in the state include the Thinungei area (2013, 2016), Keibul (2017, 2018), and Ikop wetland (2019, 2021). The species was also featured among 76 bird species in the book “Birds of Manipur University Campus”, published by the Department of Zoology, Manipur University.
