Loitongbam Bidyarani Devi, Jenita Thokchom and Potsangbam Kumar Singh
Abstract
The wetlands (Pats) of the valley districts of Manipur (Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur), located within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, represent vital socioeconomic and ecological life-support systems for the dominant indigenous Meitei community. This study documents the comprehensive ethnobiological knowledge associated with these fragile ecosystems, focusing on wild edible and medicinal wetland plants, macro-invertebrates, and local ichthyofauna. Using semi-structured interviews and participatory field walks with 150 local informants, we have recorded 31 floral species and 51aquatic faunal bioresources utilized for dietary, therapeutic, and economic purposes. Prominent Zizania latifolia, Euryale ferox and Nelumbo nucifera alongside local fish species used in traditional dishes among these are Osteobrama belangeri, Puntius sophore, etc. However, anthropogenic pressures, rapid urbanization, and invasive species pose severe threats to these wetland habitats. This paper emphasizes the urgent need to integrate traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with formal conservation strategies to prevent the irreversible erosion of both biological and cultural heritage.