Indawgyi Lake











































































































































Unique Biodiversity of Indawgyi Lake ( Part-I )







Can
you all guess what might be the largest lake of South East Asia? It is
the “Indawgyi Lake” in the Northern part of the Union of Myanmar. Shall
we first study the satellite picture of this Inland water mass. The
lake stretches for about (14) miles from North to South and (7) miles
from East to West, with its deepest part about (60) feet.













It
lies between (25˚: 6") to (25˚: 10") North latitude, and (96˚: 6") to
(96˚: 15") East longitude, covering about (98) square miles. The
watershed (or) the crown of complex chain of mountain system is
continuous with the Eastern Himalaya and Tibetan plateau.




























The
physical features of its surroundings are characterized by high
mountains, ravines, water courses, basins, and intricate network of
deep valleys ---- etc. Because of this varied topography and climatic
condition, various ecosystems with rich and unique biodiversity exist
in this region.



This area can the reached in about ½ day’s drive by car from Myitkyina,
the capital of Kachin State. On the way, you will pass through a
reserved teak forest yielding foreign exchange for the country.




























In
view of the importance of the Myanmar Forestry Sector in enhancing
national socio-economic development, and ensuring ecological balance
and environmental stability, the Myanmar Forest Policy has been
formulated in a holistic and balanced manner, within the overall
context of the environment and sustainable development taking full
cognizance of the forestry principles, adopted at the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. This policy
defines:--- Protection; Sustainability; Basic Needs; Efficiency;
Participation; and Public Awareness as Imperatives.



This is the first view of the Indawgyi Lake, from an elevation of
(1610) feet above sea-level. According to the investigation conducted
in 1929, the lake is considered to be formed by tectonic action, and
was once on extension of the Bay of Bengal during the Early Tertiaries
(or) over (40 to 60) million years ago, and included in the central
basin of Myanmar’s Geological setting.













The
Indawgyi Lake is located in Mohnyin Township, in the south west part of
Kachin State. It is not only the largest lake in South East Asia, but
also the one and only TECTONIC Lake in Myanmar. According to the global
scale wet-land type, Indawgyi belongs to “Fen-lake” type, with heavy
peat accumulation containing moss and micro- fossils.













Let
us now observe the lake fauna :--- for instance, this specie of fish
known as “Doryichthys dunckeri” is actually on oceanic fauna, closely
related to the sea-horse family. However, as the lake had been
separated from the Bay of Bengal for millions of years, this and
species like ---“ Indostomus paradoxes” and ȁulostomidae” of the
oceanic fauna have been transformed by evolution, and physiologically
adapted to fresh water.



Now a little information on the peculiar flora found in the Indawgyi
lake. This thorny lotus also called “ Euaryales ferox” (or) Fox nut
Gorgon is indigenous only to the Kachin State. It’s a wonder how a near
endemic specie from Kashmir has found its way to Indawgyi in Myanmar.



Coming to the wing species of the lake, a large variety of migratory
birds can be found from October to April forming the most important
dimension of Biodiversity. As you see this big flock is made up of -


- “ Greylag Goose” from Mongolia.


- “2” little Cormorants from East Asia with the local Egret, and


- “Common Pochards” from Mongolia and West past of Central Asia. More information on this interesting lake to follow in Part-II.


















































































































































































Unique Biodiversity of Indawgyi Lake ( Part-II )






















Indawgyi,
the biggest lake in South East Asia, is regarded somewhat Holy (or)
Sacred by the local inhabitants of Kachin State. To add to the serenity
of the lake, a pagoda named: “Shwe Myintzu” had been built by Venerable
Reverend “U Thaw Bitha”.








The
first stake of the foundation was driven in February (1869) and the
gradual build-up followed. Facing out wards at the ‘4’ cardinal points-
North, South, East, West are ‘4’ Buddhas who attained enlightenment
before Lord Gauttama.


Besides
richness in flora and fauna, Indawgyi has age-old cultural ethnic
groups that provide another kind of richness that is, “Cultural
Diversity”.


These
ethnic minorities (or) ecosystem people have developed cultural
traditions and expressions, indigenous knowledge, and values that
support sustainable lake resource management, which are distilled from
centuries of interaction with the lake.























They
also developed skills, how to manage such resources to maintain
Biodiversity. For-instance, like fishing being prohibited within ‘1’
square mile around the pagoda.
While tracing back the emergence of
the pagoda, the unique relationship between the devoted Shan ethnic
groups (or) “stake holders” of Kachin State who have been living there
for centuries, and the existence of the lake and pagoda can be
envisaged.






Richness of Indawgyi’s Biodiversity and unique lake ecosystem, make a great contribution to Humanity.













Another
reciprocal feature is that Indawgyi lake can provide enough quality
food, water and economic security to the people of the region, together
with conservation of traditional agro ecosystem and livestock, wealth,
sustainability of the production system and environmental conservation.























In
many ways, these ecosystem people behave as an integral part of the
lake eco- system. Understanding the indigenous knowledge of mountain
people in relation to lake Biodiversity, resource management is one of
the key issues in the development of Indawgyi region, and the serve as
“ Synbiotic Relationship”.













Another
special event which takes place during the time of the yearly Pagoda
festival in March, the low water season, is – the emergence of ‘2’ lime
bars forming paths betweens the Pagoda and the shore-line. It may be
mentioned that although this strange phenomena lies in the for North of
Myanmar, yet it seems to attract tourists from far – off places
(interview)

















About
‘3’ miles north of “Shwe Myintzu”, there are still two more pagodas
worth- while visiting namely “ Ngwe Myintzu” and “Moat Soe Ma” zaydees.
They were begun in the year 1949, and can be seen on the west side of
the lake on a hillock.


Proceeding north, our yearly visitors like:- “Little Cormorants” or “Din Gyi”


- in Myanmar, coming from Southern areas between Indonesia and Australia;


- “Lesser-Whistling Ducks”or “Sit salee” from Central Asia can be seen.


- “Cotton Pygmy goose” or “Kalarcut Bear” also from Central Asia.


- “Northern Pintail” or “Bear Yit” from North Asia and


- this white mantel of “Local Egrets” or “Byaing” will also capture your attention.


More information on the winged species will follow in Part-3 ,4,5 and 6.































































































































































































Unique Biodiversity of Indawgyi Lake ( Part-III )

















Myanmar’s
Indawgyi, the largest lake in South East Asia, is eutropic in that, it
is a fresh water ecosystem densely vegetated with aquatic flora such as
:- Vallisnaria; Elodae; Spirogyar; Sargassum; Caulerpa; and many other
algae.













We
also learn that other the substratum of the lake is covered with
odorous soft back rich clay and plant remains, and the depth of
inundation varies from ‘3’ feet to ‘60’ feet.
The watershed
mountain ecosystem of Indawgyi is composed of “Kumon” Range, “Wa Baw”
Range, and a series of middle yoma mountain ranges, which run from the
range of “Hindu Kush Himalaya” and also continuous with Tibetan plateau
in the North. The altitude of these water shed mountains also varies
greatly from ( 500 ) to ( 3500 ) feet.























Indawgyi
is also home to a tremendous diversity of fish; amphibians; aquatic
plants; hydroplanktons; and you’ll be surprised to know that these
aquarium fish are endemic to Myanmar’s Indawgyi lake only. The water
shed mountain ranges and the lake provide important resource for
biological diversity including varied rich and complex lives of sub
tropical mountain forest, and some endemism of fish germ plasam. If you
look closely you’ll see that this type of fish shows a peculiars
luminosity length wise on its body.




























Another
feature that is common along the western shore of Indawgyi is a clump
of luxuriant growing- “Barrantonia” plants or “Kyee Nee” in Myanmar.
This semi-aquatic vegetation growing in abundance, forms rich shore
line ecosystem, with thick algae and “Sylvenia” fern ground cover.

They also play an important role in preventing shore erosion and
encroachment and also this predominant habitat of “Kyee Ni” trees is
being used as wintering, nesting and roosting sites by many kinds of
birds.

The climate here is under control by the north west monsoon and can be
divided into “3” seasons:- The rainy reason from middle of May to
October, and dry season from early March to May.


















Indawgyi
lake also harbours more than ( 200 ) species of migratory birds. These
winter visitors come in around October, and stay on till about April.
Here are “Tufted ducks” from North Asia known as “Mauk Twere Bear Myo”
in Myanmar, and a mixture of other migratory birds like Pochards and
ducks.


The big
lake is fed by about ( 30 ) large and small streams entering from
various directions. The largest feeder streams are Namp Yin Kha” and
Namp Tein” streams. The only outlet is the “Indaw Chaung” (or)
“Chaung-Wa” stream at the North eastern part of the lake.


















To
reach “Chaung Wa” which is “32” miles from “Lonton”, you will have to
take a boat to negotiate this meandering stream flowing through the
Range Land and Reedbed.With the hope of finding more birds and unique
features of this area, our MRTV team made it a point to visit this
village “Chaung-Wa” meaning mouth of the stream.



It
was quite clear who we left “Nyaung-Bin” village, but visibility become
poor due to foggy conditions. However, in spite of the poor visibility,
we were lucky to see the Internationally endangered- “Ferruginous
Pochards”, coming from western part of central Asia;


“Western Marsh Harrier” or “Daung-Zoon Oat-Su” from West Asia,


“Purple Swamphens” (or) “Mare Nyo” and


cute little “Black Winged Stilts” (or) ��ung-Lan Chey Dauk Nghet”.


Altogether
it was a memorable back-drop with “Cattle Egrets” (or) “Kywe Kyaung
Byaing” mixed with other “3” types of Egrets, clearing insects from the
back of buffaloes.


And finally, after about ‘2’ hours we arrived at “Chaung-Wa” village which would be the beginning of our next study tour.

























































































































































































Unique Biodiversity of Indawgyi Lake ( Part-IV )

















Continuing
Part 4, our team reached “Chaung-Wa”, about 2-hours from Indawgyi lake.
We noticed that the water was muddy, compared to Indawgyi water. We
also learned that the primary activities of the indigenous people
around Indawgyi Lake are:- wet and dry rice cultivation and fishing.








The
surrounding watershed is home to ‘3’ Shan ethnic groups namely: “Taing
Lain”, “Taing Lyan”, and “Taing Kham Ti”. “Taing Lyan” is predominant
in population, and they have established literature and culture.













These
ecosystem people have a long history of preserving Biodiversity. They
also have a reputation as skilled elephant mahouts and are experts in
wild elephant sizing and domesticating. Please notice that the saddle
is made out of a fibrous bark from a tree, belonging to the mango
family “Anacardiacea”. It is known as “Na bear bin” in Myanmar. These
saddles bring comfort to the elephants and its indigenous technology to
make them had been handed down through generations.























Each
of the agricultural village situated around the lake forms part of an
ecosystem in this “Gene-Rich” region. Here, rice cultivation is
important not only for their food security, but also as a primary
activity in their way of life. Thus, 80% of the inhabitants are local
farmers.


The
favourable ecological environment in this region, also encourages the
high productivity of ‘5’ pitted cashews, Botanically termed as
“Dracontomelon megefera” (or) “Ngar bauk thee” in Myanmar.



This indigenous plant also belongs to the mango family- “Anarcadiacea”.
Since the seeds (or) kernels of this near endemic plant yields a good
amount of edible oil, it forms a good source for their consumption.








However,
another oil yielding crop like mustard (or) “See Mon Nyin” is also
being grown widely in Kachin state, which has achieved self sufficiency
in rice, and is exporting surplus to other divisions.








From
“Chaung-Wa” village, we moved further north the same day, along the
meandering stream, bordered by luscious plantations on both sides. But
just when we were all enjoying the wonderful scenery and zig-zag run,
the stream became too narrow and shallow forcing us to back-trek to
“Chaung-Wa”. It was disappointing not to have reached “Kamaing” further
upstream as it was no longer accessible.
Before we left “Chaung Wa”
we could got a closer look at the “Large Cormorant”, known as “Din Gyi”
in Myanmar, coming from eastern and southern part of Asia. Its beak is
naturally curved and sharp, to enable it to catch fish easily.



And, what we saw on our return are:- “Pied Harrier” (or) “Suun”;

-Vented Myna” (or) “Taw Zayet”;

Swamphens” (or) Mare Nyo” a migratory specie;

flock of “Egrets” (or) “Byaing”;

Marsh Harrier” (or) “Daung Suun” from West Asia and

Winged Jacana” (or) “Kyar-Bet-Nin Nghet” also a migratory bird gliding gracefully.



More of the flying specimen will be seen in Part-5.






























































































































































































Unique Biodiversity of Indawgyi Lake ( Part-V )



























In
this part, you will find us returning from “Chaung-Wa” village back to
Indawgyi lake. We were lucky to see more migratory and resident birds
unexpectedly. This is “Brahminy Kite” a resident bird known as
“Suun-gaung-phyu” in Myanmar. Their other habitats are- Tanintharyi
division and delta region in southern part of the country.


Next we saw:-


-“Asian Open Bill” or Kha yu tote nghet” from South Asian;







-together with “Purple Heron” or ; “Nga hit nghet” from South East Asia,

-and more “Purple “Swamphens” and “Egrets”. Regarding climatic
conditions, the annual rainfall here varies from (120-140) inches and
the average temperature is about (23.5) degrees centigrade, while the
relative humidity level is around 85 to 92%.







-Here are “Ruddy Shelducks” or “Hinthar” forum Central Asia, usually always found in couples, and







-“Common Pochards” from Mongolia and west part of Central Asia.

-Surprisingly a large group comprising- “Spot-Billed Pelicans” or
“Nghet Kyi Wun Bo” and “Bar Headed Goose” or “Bear Ngan Gaung Gyar”
were also there. Now, let us listen to the natural sounds they make in
their various movements and this is how the “Spot-Billed Pelican” looks
like at close range and the way they take off !







-We also saw “Common Moorhen” or “Yay Kyet Don” from Central Mongolia,







-“Common Coot” also a migratory bird,







-“Common Pochards” from Mongolia and west part of Central Asia,.







-cute little “Black Winged Stilts or “Daung-Lan-Chyay-Dauk-Nghet”, also a migratory specie with their sweet sounds,


-and
“Little Cormorant”or “Din-Gyi” from southern areas between Indonesia
and Australia. Now, let us look at the vegetation which attracts birds
and fish. This area is rich in plant diversity. Although it covers only
2% of Kachin State, you will find about (500) species of vascular
plants.






































-Here are more “Common Moorhen” or Yay Kyet done” from Central Mongolia;

-“Oriental Darter” or “U Pan”, resident bird of South East Asia; “
Purple Heron” or “ Nga Hit Nghet” also from South East Asia were also
found.

Here, I may mention that “Migration”requires many special ingredients.
For instance, a common phenomenon among migratory water birds, is the
tendency for the same kind of bird to stop at the same place, and use
the same wet land as a non-breading site each year. This is thought to
be related to the better chances of survival associated with knowing a
habitat well :-




























“Where
the good food is; where the safe roots are; and the type of predators
present, and ways of avoiding them”. Hence, Ministry of Forestry
designated Indawgyi lake as “Indawgyi Wet Land Bird Sanctuary” in 1999.
Its total area is almost (300) square miles, and currently, “13 ”
species have keen declared as seasonally protected by the Ministry of
Forestry, Government of the Union of Myanmar.


The conclusion part regarding “Unique Biodiversity of Indawgyi” will follow in


Part-6.





















































































































































































Unique Biodiversity of Indawgyi Lake ( Part-VI )



























This
is the concluding part of the series on Indawgyi lake. On our way back
from “ Chaung-Wa” village, we learned the importance of the existing
“Aquatic plants”, and “Reed beds” along the stream. “Aquatic plants”
composed of “Reed bed Ecosystem”, are the main food resource for many
species of migratory birds. For instance, you can see that the
surrounding environment is ideal with good feeding, resting and nesting
sites, and rich diversity of microhabitants like:- mud-dwelling small
invertebrates are also available for migratory birds.
Most of the
fish-eating migratory birds do moulting, and even rare species do
breeding on Reed bed vegetation. At “Chaung-Wa” area, “Reed bed
Ecosystem” is transitionally changed into “Rangeland Ecotype”, and they
are still in ecologically sound condition.


















Reed
bed and Rangeland Ecosystem constitute an important habitat as
wintering place for fish and birds’ lives. They prevent shore erosion
and also enhance water purification function. According to the
International Convention on “Migratory Birds Conservation”, “Migration
is an expensive way of life which requires very energetic feeding”.
Thus, Reed bed Ecosystem is required for protecting this excellent
landscape and habitat for fish and birds.
It is the community of
emerged and submerged hygrophytic and hydrophytic flora. Reeds are
dominant species and can be found along the shoreline of the lower part
of Indawgyi lake. It was late in the afternoon when we arrived back at
the big lake. According to the “Bio Unit Zoning” of protected area
system of Myanmar, “Indawgyi Wetland Bird Sanctuary”, is located in
Myanmar dry zone, and serves as a comparison and contrast between the
‘3’ distant phytogeographical region wise namely:- “Indo- Malaysian
flora and fauna; Sino Himalayan flora and fauna; and Assam flora and
fauna.

Precipitation is also high in this area, and distributed through out
the year. Rainfall average is between ( 100-130 ) inches per year, and
enjoys sub-tropical monsoon and sub-tropical mountain climate. Hence,
the warm humid summer and cold winter encourages the very luxuriant
species composition. Moreover, the lake serves as the largest water
resource in “Mokaung” and “Mohnyin” townships. After spending the night
in “Lonton”, we visited another village named “Hepu” on the east side
of the lake.












The
area west of lake Indawgyi can generally be mentioned as the
tectonically emplaced bodies of mafic and altered ultramafic rocks and
their metamorphic equivalents, and well deformed miocene classic
sedimentary rock in the east.

Majority
of the villages located in Indawgyi are main source of wild rice
species. This rudimentary type of wild rice and their ancestors such
as:- “Oriza officinales; Oriza rufipogan; and Oriza granulator” thrives
well. The trace of these progenitor varieties indicated that Indawgyi
and its surrounding areas which include:- “Namp Yin Kha” valley;
Mokaung plane; and Myitkyina plane, are thought to be the origin of
wild rice domestication.
Needless to say, this lake plays a major
role in “Socio Economical development; Ecological balance, and
Environmental stability of Kachin State”. To refresh your memory,
Indawgyi lake is located in Mohnyin township, south west part of Kachin
State. It is not only the largest lake in South East Asia, but also the
one and only Tectonic lake of Myanmar.

Furthermore, it is being recognized as one of the oldest lake in the
world comparable with “Lake Baikal” of Russia, and “Lake Biwa” of
Japan. The long history of isolation from other water bodies, is
suggested by the lake which is rather rich for are Inland lake,
containing about ( 200 ) species of fish diversity, including some
paleo endemic species of marine and mountain habitats.

As such, fishing with explosives (or) new introduction of exotic fish,
which begets the long term impacts on local fish production are
prohibited with the view to maintain a sustainable resource management
in this “Gene-Rich Geographical Antiquary”.

It is “A Unique Bio-Cultural Region”, which is a “Mosaic”, in terms of
flora and fauna ecosystem and cultural diversity, and also where
oceanic fauna can still be found in this “Paradise for Ithyologists”.