Keibul Lamjao National Park UPSC
Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the state of Manipur in northeastern India. It is the only floating national park in the world and is renowned for being the last natural refuge of the endangered Sangai, also known as the Manipur brow-antlered deer or dancing deer.
The most distinctive feature of Keibul Lamjao National Park is the Phumdis. Phumdis are circular floating mats of vegetation that support the park's flora and fauna.
Keibul Lamjao National Park has been recognized as a Ramsar Site, highlighting its international significance as a wetland habitat.
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Keibul Lamjao National Park Location
Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur, India. It is situated in the southern part of Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and well known for the floating biomass called phumdis.
The Keibul Lamjao National Park is surrounded by the wetlands and marshes of the Loktak lake.
Nearest Airport:
- Imphal International Airport (Tulihal International Airport) (30 Kms)
Nearest Railway Station:
- Jiribam Railway Station (240 Kms).
By Road:
- NH-2, NH-37 and NH-29 (240 Kms from District Hq.)
Keibul Lamjao National Park History
Keibul Lamjao National Park has a unique history that revolves around the conservation of the Sangai deer and the preservation of its habitat. Here's a brief overview of the park's history:
1. Early Conservation Efforts: The conservation efforts for the Sangai deer and its habitat began in the 1950s. The Sangai deer, endemic to Manipur, faced severe threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbances. Realizing the need to protect this endangered species, the government of Manipur initiated measures to safeguard its habitat.
2. Establishment of Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary: In 1966, Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary was established to protect the Sangai deer and its habitat. Initially, it covered an area of 40 square kilometers (15 square miles) within the Loktak Lake region. The sanctuary aimed to provide a safe haven for the deer and conserve the unique floating vegetation and wetland ecosystem.
3. Recognition as a National Park: In 1977, Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park, becoming Keibul Lamjao National Park. This upgrade provided additional protection and conservation measures for the Sangai deer and its habitat. It also highlighted the international significance of the park as a wetland ecosystem.
4. Ramsar Site Designation: In 1990, Keibul Lamjao National Park was designated as a Ramsar Site, recognizing its international importance as a wetland habitat. This designation further emphasized the need for conservation and sustainable management of the park's wetland ecosystem.
5. Montreux Record: The park was also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993, "a record of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur"
Keibul Lamjao National Park Area
Keibul Lamjao National Park covers an area of approximately 40 square kilometers (15 square miles). The actual size of the park may slightly vary due to natural fluctuations in the floating vegetation and the dynamics of the wetland ecosystem.
Keibul Lamjao National Park is an integral part of Loktak Lake (140 km2). South western portion of Loktak Lake forms the Keibul Lamjao National Park which is a continuous mass of Phumdi occupying an area of 40 km2.
Keibul Lamjao National Park River
Manipur River passes through Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Keibul Lamjao National Park Lake
Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the southern part of Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. The park itself is an integral part of Loktak Lake and is situated on the floating vegetation mats called "Phumdi" within the lake.
Phumdis are the heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition.
Keibul Lamjao National Park, being a part of Loktak Lake, benefits from the lake's resources and serves as a crucial habitat for various aquatic and terrestrial species. Visitors to the park can explore the floating vegetation mats, observe the wildlife, and experience the scenic beauty of Loktak Lake.
Keibul Lamjao National Park Tribe
The area surrounding Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, India, is inhabited by various ethnic communities and tribes. One significant tribe associated with the region is the Meitei community, who are the major ethnic group in Manipur and have a significant presence in the vicinity of the park.
The Meitei community has a rich cultural heritage and plays a vital role in the socio-economic fabric of Manipur. They have their own language, traditions, customs, and festivals. The Meitei people have a close connection with the natural environment and are often engaged in activities like fishing, agriculture, and handicrafts.
Keibul Lamjao National Park Flora
Keibul Lamjao National Park is home to a diverse range of flora, including both terrestrial and aquatic plant species. The park's unique wetland ecosystem, characterized by the floating vegetation mats known as Phumdi, supports a variety of plant life. The park is a combination of wetland, terrestrial and aquatic.
Here are some of the notable flora found in the park:
(1) Phumdi Vegetation:
The Phumdi formations are the defining feature of the park. These floating mats are composed of decomposed vegetation, soil, and organic matter. They support a variety of plant species, including grasses, sedges, reeds, and other wetland plants.
(2) Aquatic Plants:
The wetland environment of Keibul Lamjao National Park supports a wide array of aquatic plants. These include various species of lotus, water lilies, water hyacinth, water ferns, and submerged plants like Vallisneria and Hydrilla.
(3) Marshland Flora:
The marshy areas surrounding the phumdis are characterized by vegetation that can withstand fluctuating water levels and waterlogged conditions. Species like bulrushes, cattails, marsh marigold, and various sedges are commonly found in these marshland areas.
(4) Riparian Vegetation:
Along the banks of water bodies within the park, you can find riparian vegetation consisting of trees and shrubs. These include species like willows, reed mace, bamboo, wild roses, and other shrubs that provide habitat and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
(5) Terrestrial Forests:
Along the periphery of the park and beyond the wetland areas, there are patches of terrestrial forests. These forests are characterized by species such as oak, bamboo, pine, and other deciduous and evergreen trees.
What is Phumdi?
Phumdi refers to the unique floating vegetation mats found in Keibul Lamjao National Park within Loktak Lake in Manipur, India. Phumdis are formed by the accumulation of decomposed plant material, soil, and organic matter over time. These floating mats can range in size from small patches to extensive masses that cover several hectares.
Phumdis are composed of a variety of plant species, including grasses, sedges, reeds, and aquatic herbs. The vegetation on the phumdis plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of the lake, providing habitat, food, and shelter for a diverse range of wildlife, including the endangered Sangai deer.
The phumdis are not fixed to the lakebed but float on the water's surface, anchored in place by the complex interplay of their root systems and the lake's hydrological dynamics. They are constantly in motion, influenced by changes in water levels, wind, and other environmental factors.
Phumdis are characterized by having approximately 1/5 of their mass above the water's surface, while the remaining 4/5 lies submerged beneath the water. This unique composition allows the phumdis to float and move with the water's fluctuations.
These floating vegetation mats create a unique habitat that supports a rich biodiversity. They serve as nesting grounds for various bird species, including migratory birds, and provide a safe refuge for many aquatic animals, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
The phumdis of Keibul Lamjao National Park are not only a distinct ecological feature but also an important cultural and economic resource for the surrounding communities. They are utilized for fishing, agriculture, and traditional handicrafts by the local people.
The conservation of the phumdis and their associated biodiversity is a critical aspect of the management of Keibul Lamjao National Park and Loktak Lake, as they are vital for the survival and sustenance of many species and contribute to the overall ecological balance of the area.
Keibul Lamjao National Park Fauna (Keibul Lamjao National Park Animals)
Keibul Lamjao National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including both terrestrial and aquatic species. The park's unique wetland ecosystem and the presence of the floating vegetation mats known as phumdis provide habitat for various wildlife.
Here are some notable fauna found in Keibul Lamjao National Park:
Mammals:
- Brow-antlered deer (Sangai Deer) (Dancing Deer)
- Hog Deer
- Wild Boar
- Large Indian Civet
- Common Otter
- Jungle Cat
- Asian Golden Cat
- Bay Bamboo Rat
- Musk Shrew
- Common Shrew
- Flying Fox
- Sambar
Birds:
- East Himalayan Pied Kingfisher
- Black Kite
- Lesser Sky-lark
- Northern Hill Myna
- Indian Pied Myna
- North Indian Black Drongos
- Lesser Eastern Jungle Crow
- Yellow Headed Wagtail
- Spotbill Duck
- Blue-winged Teal
- Ruddy Shell Duck
- Threatened Hooded Crane
- Burmese Sarus
- Sarus Crane
- Indian White-breasted Waterhen
- Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpecker
Reptiles:
- Keel Back Tortoise
- Krait
- Cobra
- Water Cobra
- Banded Krait
- Asian Rat Snake (Beauty Rat Snake)
- Python
- Russel's Viper
- Checkered Garter Snake
- Common Lizard
Fishes:
- Channa striata
- Channa punctatus
- Common carp
- Wallago attu
- Pool barb
Sangai Deer or Brow Antlered Deer or Dancing Deer
The Sangai deer, also known as the Brow-antlered deer or Dancing deer, is a critically endangered species and one of the main highlights of Keibul Lamjao National Park. The Sangai deer is endemic to Manipur, India, and is recognized as the state animal.
The Sangai deer is characterized by its distinctive antlers with multiple tines that resemble the branches of a tree. It has a light brown coat that blends well with its habitat. The deer is known for its graceful movements, often described as "dancing," which gives it the name "Dancing Deer."
The Sangai Deer coat is a dark reddish brown during winter months and it becomes a much lighter shade in summer.
Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating national park in the world, and it serves as the last natural habitat for the Sangai deer. The park's unique phumdi ecosystem provides a suitable environment for the deer, with a combination of grasslands, marshes, and shallow water areas.
Common Name: Sangai, Brow antlered deer, Dancing Deer
Scientific Name: Rucervus eldii
IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
WPA 1972: Schedule-I
Keibul Lamjao National Park UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Keibul Lamjao National Park?/Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in which state?/In which Indian state is the only floating national park of the world Keibul Lamjao situated?/In which state would you find the Keibul Lamjao National Park the only floating park in the world?
A. Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the Manipur state of India.
Q. Keibul Lamjao National Park is located on which lake?
A. Keibul Lamjao National Park is located on Loktak Lake.
Q. Why does Keibul Lamjao National Park is famous in the world?/Why is Keibul Lamjao National Park famous?
A. Keibul Lamjao National Park is famous in the world for its the only floating national park in the world and for being the last natural refuge of the endangered Sangai.
Q. Keibul Lamjao National Park is located on which river?/Which river is Keibul Lamjao National Park located?
A. Keibul Lamjao National Park is located on Manipur river.
Q. Which unique feature makes the Keibul Lamjao National Park of Manipur the only one of this kind?/ What is unique about Keibul Lamjao National Park?
A. The unique feature that sets Keibul Lamjao National Park apart is the presence of the floating vegetation mats known as phumdis. These phumdis are composed of a thick layer of humus, dead plant material, and soil, held together by the complex root systems of various aquatic plants. The phumdis float on the surface of Loktak Lake, creating a dynamic habitat for numerous plant and animal species.
Q. Keibul Lamjao National Park is famous for which animal?
A. Keibul Lamjao National Park is famous for Sangai Deer (Brow Antlered Deer).
Q. Which is the first floating national park in India?
A. Keibul Lamjao National Park is the first floating national park in India
Q. What are the 5 Flora found in Keibul Lamjao National Park?
A. 5 Flora found in Keibul Lamjao National Park are:
- Phumdi Vegetation
- Water Lily
- Lotus
- Bulrushes
- Marsh Marigold
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