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Application of GIS & Remote Sensing in Formulating a Management Plan in Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

Arun Kumar and R.K. Chingkhei
Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University

Bala Prasad
Department of Forest, Govt. of Manipur


Background:
The various problems faced by the people that affect the management of the park and zone of influence are briefly highlighted. The lack of sustainable livelihood is the most important problem being faced by the people. Due to high level of water, their agriculture has suffered. They face constant hiccups in fishing and fish farming due to declining catch from outside the park. Further, they need support in production as well as marketing. Due to the regulation of Wildlife Protection Act their usual collection of fuelwood, fodder, vegetables, NWFPs and building material is being stopped. They are losing their benefits. There is also lack of confidence between persons managing the park and local people due to historical reasons. The management of the existing phumdi, habitat of the Sangai, has become very strategic and requires an attention of not only the scientific approach but also people’s participation in the programme.

Objectives:
For achieving the objectives in prevailing situation, it is essential to evolve a set of multi-pronged integrated strategies and the management plan must revolve around the strategies. The proposed strategies may be outlined as follows:
  • To provide effective protection to the park
  • To improve the habitat of the park
  • To encourage Tourism and impart nature education
  • To carry out eco-development works
  • To undertake aid, promote and coordinate research works by
  • To promote the capacity building
Material & Method
In order to undertake the proposed objectives, the GIS & Remote Sensing techniques have been used. The multidate satellite data (1991, 93, 95 & 98) along with SOI toposheets have been employed for preparation of various thematic maps of the park. All the maps are further digitised in GIS format for preparing a GIS database as well as for GIS analysis. The locations of habitat of sangai in the park is quite random, therefore, the GIS has been proved to be the most successful tool for demarcating the boundaries for protection, conservation and management plan. The location of each machan has been delineated using GPS and further, superposed on a base map. The various ecologically sensitive zones for the protection of sangai as well as its habitat have been worked out by using buffer and overlay analysis in GIS environment. The weighted distribution of the Sangai in the ratio 4:2:1 (male:female:fawn) is the basis for most sensitive zone (core zone) which is further followed by extension zone, tourism zone and eco-development zone.

The ancillary field data are used to plan the management practices in a long term basis.

Result:
The approach of the plan envisages two tier strategy; appropriate habitat management is the most crucial aspect for the long term conversation of Sangai and secondly the management of the phumdi. The delineation and demarcation of KLNP is required to work out a phase wise management plan. The various thematic maps are generated from 1991, 1993, 1995 and 1998 (fig.5-8) to assess the temporal changes in the extent of phumdi (fig.9). The physiographic aspects are studied by satellite data and SOI toposheets (fig.1). The location of all the existing machans are the nucleus along which the various boundaries are based in the park (fig.3). The GIS analysis deciphers the various eco sensitive zones for the protection of the habitat (fig.11&12). The traditional landuse practices adopted by the villagers have also been considered in the analysis (fig.13). Finally, a zonation map along with various boundaries is generated by considering the various socio-economic aspects (Appendices) for a long term management of the park.


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Fig 9.

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Fig 11.

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Fig 13.

Fig 14.

Boundary
Though Phumdi area was 26.94, 31.60, 28.47 and 29.04 Sq. Km. in 1991, 93, 95 and 1998 assessment respectively, a close spatial analysis of vegetation cover of the park over a period of time from 1991-98 with the help of vegetation cover maps of 1991, 1993, 1995, 1998 respectively and overlaid map of vegetation cover of 1991 and 1998; clearly points out that Phumdi condition in Northern and Eastern sides is a matter of concern.

To provide greater degree of protection, avoid movement of fragmented Phumdi from the park from Northern side and desist encroachers, it is proposed that a ring bund may be constructed around the park. Wherever, depth is more a well designed bamboo fencing may be erected.

There is no demarcation of block and compartment till date, it is proposed that thirteen blocks may be demarcated as shown in map. This plan is based on existing distribution of Sangai, vegetation cover 1998 and expected improvement with the implementation of the plan.

For demarcation of block the functionality of buffering on the basis of weighted index of availability of Sangai in the ratio of 4:2:1 for male, female and fawn respectively, has been used in GIS platform.

The blocks shall be used for taking management decision, supervision and day to day administration. Due to unique nature of the park and habitat it may not be desirable to demarcate further smaller unit compartments. Internal boundaries may be demarcated in narrow fire line and wooden flag post.

Zonation
  1. Core Zone - Block No. 2,3,5,6,8 and 9
  2. Core Extension Zone – Block 4 and 13
  3. Tourism Zone - Block 1 and7
  4. Restoration zone – Block 10,11and 12
  5. Eco-development zone – Peripheral village and area
1.Core Zone
A compact area consisting of blocks nos. 2,3,5,6,8 and 9 shall constitute the core zone of the park.

All interference except the prescribed ones shall be banned. Entries of visitors shall be prohibited in the area. In addition to highest level of protection following activities shall be carried out.
  • Controlled burning
  • Construction of earthen raised platforms
  • Food & shelter plantations
  • Providing bridges over water bodies so that animals may use to cross over
  • Providing rock salt
2.Core extension Zone
An area consisting of blocks 4 and 13 shall constitute core extension zone. The area shall act as buffer as well as suitable area for faster growth of population of Sangai.

It is evident from the distribution of the population that though this zone is large but hosts less population probably due to more disturbances from human settlement and fragmentation of phumdi.

It is expected that due to aggressive eco-development people who have settled shall leave the area and fencing/ring bunding in north shall stop fragmentation.

Following activities shall be carried out in this zone:
  • Providing raised earthen platform
  • Taking plantation of food and shelter plant
  • Fireline cutting
  • Providing salt lick
  • Providing raised platforms
  • Providing connectivity of block 4 with block 5 through wooden bridge
3.Tourism Zone:
A border area consisting of block nos.1 & 7 shall be treated as Tourism zone. Tourism shall also be used to create employment opportunities for local youth.

Increment In Area:
The area of the park should be increased at critical points. Sincere attempt shall be made to make road near Keibul village as boundary. The increment in the area near Keibul village shall help in catering to the Tourism requirements whereas the same in block 2 and 3 shall give much needed place to Sangai to play and run around. As shown in the map, wherever buffered area is crossing boundary, attempt shall be made to increase the boundary.

As this park is the only place in the world, where rare and endangered species like Sangai is found, the local people and revenue authorities may be persuaded for the acquisition of the area.

Improvement of Habitat:
The vegetation of the park needs to be monitored. The unwanted weeds may be eradicated and plant species desired for food and shelter for Sangai shall be planted. As mentioned above, controlled burning should be carried out and raised earthen platform may be provided in core and extension of the core area. Further, at Chingmei the pine plantation facing the park area should be removed and watchtower and visitors’ place should be moved upwards and area down below facing park shall be planted with food and shelter tree species so that the place may be used by Sangai. Special care should be taken in traditional use zone to minimise the damage caused to the park by local people by taking plantation of food and shelter species.

Habitat Protection:
Local villagers have been going to park for collection of fodder, vegetable, Tou (for fire wood & house construction) and NWFPs. Their movement has been causing disturbance to Sangai and ecological process of the park. Wire fencing in addition to ring bund and may be provided at places where villages are very near to the park.

4.Restoration Zone:
Blocks nos. 10,11and 12 has been marked as the restoration zone.

5.Eco-development Zone:
This zone consists of the peripheral area of the park. The various activities to be carried out in this zone reflect the following objectives.
  • Reduction of dependency of villagers over Keibul Lamjao National Park
  • Development of ecologically sustainable and economically viable package of alternatives, which are acceptable to people and such packages should be self sustaining and in harmony with Keibul Lamjao National Park
  • Improvement in the current practices of collection of firewood, vegetable, NWFPs, etc.
  • Relocation of villagers settled in the park
Conclusion:
The preparation of long term management plan of KLNP, based on GIS and remote sensing techniques supported by ancillary data, envisage the zonation of the park into five zones considering the protection of habitat as well as tourist attraction and eco development strategies for the livelihood of the people. The management plan will further be strengthened to integrate various socio-economic consideration of the surrounding of the park. There is a further scope to delineate more zones for a improved management plan integrating with various other data bases.

Acknowledgement:
The financial assistance provided by department of science and technology, govt. of India is thankfully acknowledged. Thanks are due to staff of forest department for providing the ancillary data.


Appendix - I

Yearwise Census of Sangai in KLNP (1975-2000)

Sl. No. Year Type of censusNo. of animals Total
Stags Hinds Fawn
1 1975 Aerial - - - 14
2 1977 -do- 6 8 4 18
3 1978 -do- 9 10 4 23
4 1979 -do- 9 13 8 30
5 1984 Ground 20 25 6 57
6 1985 -d0- 22 33 5 60
7 1986 -do- 44 45 6 95
8 1987 Aerial 11 17 7 35
9 1988 -do- 20 25 7 52
10 1989 -do- 25 29 12 64
11 1990 -do- 29 35 12 76
12 1991 Ground 37 51 16 104
13 1992 Aerial 21 32 9 62
14 1993 -do- 38 48 12 98
15 1994 Ground 36 65 16 137
16 1995 -do- 58 69 25 152
17 1996 -do- 57 65 21 143
18 1997 -do- 58 72 17 147
19 1998 -do- 56 62 28 146
20 1999 -do- 63 61 25 149
21 2000 -do- 54 76 32 162
Source: Forest Department , 2000


Appendix-II

Census of Sangai (17-03-2000)

  MACHANS No.of Sangai Male Female Fawn
1Khomeilou 8 2 3 2
2Laphurit Houbi 6 2 3 1
3Nimalpat Sangomkher Awang 7 2 3 2
4Mayai Dak 6 1 3 2
5Sangdongleiram Makha 7 2 4 1
6Sandong Leiram Awang 4 0 2 2
7Phumbei Asangbi 9 2 6 1
8Amukhomba Loukha 5 2 3 0
9Ipak Awang 3 1 2 0
10Ipak Nakal 4 1 2 1
11Birbongom 4 1 2 1
12Khodangkhong 6 1 4 1
13Sangomkher Khong7 1 3 3
14Kambong Leirampangba 4 1 2 1
15Kachin Achouba4 2 1 1
16Toya 2413 9 2
17Khordak Pangba7 2 3 2
18Yangkokchambi14 3 6 5
19Khordak Ichin4 1 2 1
20Chingmei Natal 8 5 3 0
21Pabot Ching7 4 3 0
22Chingjao4 0 3 1
23Hambruhoubi6 1 3 2
24Keibul Chingmang43 1 0
 Total162547632
Source: Forest Department , 2000


Appendix-III

Utility value for preferred species from Keibul Lamjao National park:

 Sl. No. Name of the species  Food Fodder  Fuel  Medicine
 1. Ageratum conyzoides        1.2
 2. Alpinia allughas  3.35 0.35   0.507
 3. Alternanthera sessiles(L) Br.ex Roem and Schult.    3.1    
 4. Centella asiatica L 0.8     0.64
 5. Clematis gouriana Roxb   1    
 6. Erianthus procera(Roxb.)   1.42    
 7. Gynura carymbisa Cass        3.1
 8. Hedychium coranarium Koen 4.35 0.57    
 9. Ipomoea aquatica Forssk  0.78      
 10. Kyllinga triceps Rottb.   1.2    
 11. Naranga porphylocoma (Hance)Bor.    0.21 0.9  
 12. Oenanthe javanica (B.L)DC 2.07 0.142    
 13. Oryza rupipogon  0.8    
 14. Oxalis corniculata Linn  0.5      
 15. Phragmites karka Trin   0.35 4.07  
 16. Polygonum barbatum Linn  0.8 0.42    
 17. Polygonum orientale Linn   0.142    
 18. Rumex vesicarius L     4.5  
 19. Saccharum spontanlum Linn   3.5 1.2  
 20. Sacciolepsis myosuroides A.Camus       0.8
 21. Toona ciliata       1.8
 22. Zizania latifolia ( Griseb) Turez 1.2 2.71    
 23. Asteraceae I   0.71    
 24. Asteraceae II   0.071 1 1.5
 25. Asteraceae III        1.07
 26. Cyperaceae I       1
 27 Poaceae I       1.1
Source: Angom and Gupta, 1999


Appendix-1V
Enumeration of Wild Animals in Keibul Lamjao National Park


 SL.No.  Location of Machan  Name of Sighted Animal  Time-Slots
 6:00 - 6:30 AM  6:30-7:00 AM  7:00 -7:30 AM  7:30 -8:00 AM  8:00 -8:30 AM  8:30 -9:00 AM  9:00 -9:30 AM  9:30 -10:00 AM
 1.  Yangkokchambi  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  14  5  5  9  7  5  5  8
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  7  6  5      8    6
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)      3        4 
 Others               
 2.  Hambruhoubi  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  4  5  6  4  3  4  2  4
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  3  3           
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)    2           
 Others               
 3.  Kachin Achouba  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  2  4  2  2  1  2  1  2
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  7  6  2  3  2    3  1
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
 Others               
 4.  Kambong Leiram Pangba  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  4  1  2  1       
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  4  8  4  4  15  20  10  6
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
 Others               
 5.  Sandong Leiram Awang  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  4             
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  1  2    3  2     
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
   Others-Shadung              1 
 6.  Ipak Nakal  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  4  3  2  3  4  3  4  4
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)    3  2  3  1  5   
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
 Others               
 7.  KeibulChingmang  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)      4  2       
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)      4  7    1   
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
 Others               
 8.  Pabot  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  6  1  7  1  4    1 
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  14  12  5  3  1  2   
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)          1    1 
 Others               
 9.  Mayai Dak  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  2  2  3  1  1  6  4  6
 Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  7  6  1  3  2     
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  3             
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)              1 
 Others               
 10.  Laphurit Haubi  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)    2  2  4  4  5  5  6
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)        2  3     
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
 Others               
 11.  Nimaipat Sangom Kher Awang  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  7  4           
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  5  2            1
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)  5              2
 Others               
 12.  Khodangkhong   Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)    4  3  3  5  6  3  3
  Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)    6      1  2   
  Wild boar(Sus scrufa)  1  2    1      3  1
 Others               
 13.  Birbongom  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)    4  2  2  4  1  1 
 Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)    11  8  11  5  4  5  3
 Wild boar(Sus scrufa)    1    1       
 Others               
14.  Sangomkher Khong  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)    1      5  7  5  5
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)    1  2    1     
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)  1             
Others               
15.  Khordak Pangba  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)    3  2  7  3    2 
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)      4      3   
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
Others               
16.  Amukhomba Loukha  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)    2      5      5
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)    1      2     
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)    1      1     
Others               
17.  Sangdongleiram Makha  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  3  1  4  4  7  3  4  4
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  7  5  4  7  6    3  1
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
Others               
18.  Phumbei Asangbi  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  9  7  2  6  5    4 
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  1        3  2   
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)    1      1     
Others               
19.  Khordak Ichin Mapa   Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)    2  3  2  2  3  4  4
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)      1         
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)      1         
Others               
20.  Chingmei Natal  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)      2  3        8
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)        2    2   
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)            1   
Others               
21.  Ipak Awang  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  3  1  2  1      1 
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  4  2  2  2  1      2
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
Others               
22.  Khomeilou (Mayaidak)  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  4  8  1  2  3    2  1
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  3  5  1  5    1  4  1
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)               
Others               
23.  Toya  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)  17  7  21  24  24  16  6  5
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)  11  6  4  8  15  14  1 
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)  1    2  2  2     
Others               
24.  Chinglukok  Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi)        4  4     
Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)    4    3  1  1  2 
Wild boar(Sus scrufa)  1             
Others               
Note : M = Male. F = Female. Fn = Fawn.
Source : Forest Department, 2000 (a)
The enumeration may be used for proposing area specific activities. Further, it may also help in identifying core area of the park.


Appendix-V
Favorite Food Plants of the Sangai


SL.No.  Name of plants  Local Name  Eaten parts of the plants.
1  Zizania latifoha*  Ishing Kambong  Young shoots and leaves.
2.  Saccharum munja*  Khoimom  Young shoots.
3.  S. bengalensis*   
4.  Erianthus pucerus*  Singnang 
5.  E. ravennae*.  Singnut  Young shoots and leaves
6.  Phragmiies karka*  Tou 
7.  Echinochloa stagnina*  Urisa 
8.  Ishachine himalaica*  Hup laba 
9.  Panicum paludosum*    Shoots and flower
10 .Palytoca digitata*    Young shoot
11. Saccolepis mysuroides    Shoots and leaves
12. Polygonum barbamm  Yellang 
13. P. flaccidium    Young shoots and leaves
14. P. perfolcatum    Shoots and leaves
15. Eupatoirum avapan   
16. Lersia hexandra*  Hup  Leave and flowers
17. Oryza parennis  Wainu-chara  New shoots, leaves, flower
18. Carex spp*  Hundung  Flowers and leaves
19. Capillipedium spp.  Wana-manbi 
20. Eclipta prostata  Uchi-sumban  Shoots and flowers
21. Dioscorea bulbifera  Ha  Young leaves
22. Euphorbia harta  Phakhangleiton  Young leaves.
23. Corz aquatica    Young shoots and leaves.
24. Cvnodon dactvlon  Tingthou  Young shoots.
25. Ranunculus scleratus    Shoots and leaves
26. Oncothera javanica  Komprex 
27. Alpinia allunghas  Pullei  Young shoots and leaves
28. Alpinia spp  Loklei 
29. Panicum spp    Shoots and flowers
30. Alternanthera philoxirodes  Kabo napi 
31. Capillipedium spp*.  Wana manbi  Flowers and leavs
32. Coix lacrymajobi  Yawa chaning  Young shoots
33. Jussia repens  Ishing kondo  Leaves
34. Eragrostis sp.  Kang mapal  Flowers and leaves.

* Favourite food plants and grasses of Sangai. Source : Singh, H. Tombi, 1992b


Appendix-VI

Mammalian Fauna of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur


Sl.No.  Scientific Name  Common Name  Local Name  Family
1.  Cervus eldi eldi  Brow-antlered Deer  Sangai  Cervidae
2.  Axis porcinus  Hog Deer  Kharsa 
3.  Sus scrufa  Wild boar  Lam-ok.  Smdae.
4.  Cuon alpinust patlasi  Indian wild dog  Huithou lamlen  Ctenomyidae.
5.  Vulpes sp.  Fox  Lamhui  Camdae.
6.  Felis chaus Gulden Staedt  Jungle cat.  Lamhoudong Fehdae.  Fehdae
7.  F tommincki  Golden cat  Tokpa 
8.  Viverra zibetha  Large civet cat  Lam houdong  Viverndae
9.  Viverricula indica  Small Indian civet cat  Moirang Sathibi 
10. Paguma larvata     
11. Mustela erminea  Ermine  Sadung  Mustelidae
12. Lutra lutra  Otter  Sanamba 
13. Funambulus pennanti  Squirrel  Kheiroi  Sciundae
14. Rattus rattus  Common House rat  Ushi  Mundae
15. R. booduga  Indian field mouse   
16. Spalax microphtalmus  Mole rat   
17. Golunda ellioti  Rat   
18. Connomys badius  Bay bamboo rat  Sabi  Spalacidae
19. Suncus caeruleus  Musk shrew  Utin  Talpidae
20. Sarex araneus  Common shrew   
21. Pteropus sp.  Flying fox  Sekpi 
22. Rhinolosus sp.  Bat   
Source : Singh, H. Tombi, 1992


Appendix-VII
Village Wise Population in Zone of Influence

Sl.No. Name of the village Population
Male Female Total
1  Keibul 994  983  1977
2  Wapokpi 335  410  745
3  Khordak 449  532  981
4  Nongmaikhong  472  576  1048
5  Moirangthem 200  236  436
6  Thanga Samukon 256  297  553
7  Thanga Khungjem 327  386  713
8  Thanga Tongbram 500  460  960
9  Thanga Ngaram 335  390  725
10 Chandpur  1497  1284  2781
11 Keierenphabi  1001  862  1863
12 Ithai 2038  1954  3992
13 Thanga Lawai  875  752  1627
14 Chingmei  686  589  1275
15 Arong 636  741  1377
16 Komlakhong 614  563  1177
17 Phoubakchao 1099  944  2043
18 Laphupat Terra 1231  1272  2503
19 Moirangkhunou 260  290  550
20 Kumbi 430  470  900



Appendix-VIII
Year-Wise Statistical Data of KNLP
(Area IN Sq.Km)


  1991  1993  1995  1998
DRY LAND  0.3140  0.2461  0.2621  0.2299
DEEP WATER  7.985  2.584  6.527  6.1193
MARSHY AREA  3.656  1.915  Nil  0.4959
PHUMDIS  26.94  31.60  28.47  29.09
SHALLOW WATER  Nil  2.558  3.644  2.968
HILLS (only inside KLNP)  0.59767  0.59767  0.59767  0.59767
OTHER (Streams etc.)  0.4883
TOTAL  39.98097
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