SESSION-15: Geographical Information System (GIS), and Remote Sensing
PAPER-6: Habitat Analysis of Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi) in Loktak Wetland
Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques
Chanam Bidan Singh

Abstract:

Aquatic vegetation is an integral component of wetland ecosystems. It plays a major role in the ecological processes and functions of wetland system. Loktak wetland is one of the Ramsar site declared in 1990 and also a notified wetland identified by Govt. of India. Two major concerns in management of Loktak Wetland system are the proliferation of aquatic weeds locally called "phumdi", and deterioration of thick phumdis in floating park, Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) area which is the only habitat of the endangered species, Brow Antlered Deer 'Sangai" (Cervus eldi eldi). The proliferation phumdis at a fast rate has seriously affected Loktak wetland directly or indirectly in different forms and degrees. On the other hand deterioration of thick phumdis in the floating park affects the habitat of Brow Antlered Deer' Sangai". In this paper relationship of phumdi with vegetation, water depth, water quality, hydrological processes were discussed for identification of habitat area and siting of new home for "Sangai" in Loktak wetland.