IMPHAL, Oct 27 ? Wildlife lovers would be happy to note that the number of rare species Brow Antlered Deer, locally called Sangai and found only in Manipur is on the increase at its natural habitat Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), a part of Loktak, the largest fresh water lake in eastern India.
Sangai is the state animal in Manipur. State Forest and Environment Minister, Ngamthang Haokip while terming the Sangai as a part of the state?s identity has said that the number of this rare species is increased from 162 to 182 in the head counting survey conducted in March, last year.
The number has been increased since 1951. The Sangai was on the verge of extinction in the early part of the 20th century with the large-scale hunting expedition at its natural habitat.
Then this rare species was believed to be almost extinct in 1950. However, in 1953 six heads of Sangais were found hovering at its natural habitat. Since then, the State Government has taken serious and positive measures for protection of this rare and endangered species.
In 1977, the State Government has declared Keibul Lamjao as the national park. Since then, the population of the Sangai is increasing. To preserve this endangered species, the forest and wildlife department of the Manipur Government had been conducting head count and field survey annually in March. Due to financial crisis survey could not be conducted in 2000.
Though the Sangais have no natural enemies inside the park, they are living a precarious life because of the large-scale hunting expedition carried out by the bounty hunters who had tresspassed inside the park masquerading as fishermen and carried out their illegal actions at will. Over a dozen of professional hunters were overpowered by the locals of the Keibul and later handed them over to the police.
On the other hand, the insurgent outfits have taken up measures to preserve this rare species. One youth who had tresspassed inside the park and hunted the Sangai with muzzle rifles was shot at and injured by activists of the banned PLA.
The youth was caught red-handed while selling venison at Thanga near the park last year. More interestingly, the Sangai is precarious in the manner that this rare animal is not prolific and specific deer. An integrated approach is needed to protect this rare species at its natural habitat at Keibul Lamjao National Park. Even with its limited resources, the State Government in coordination with other departments, a plan will be formulated to protect Sangai.
The Environmental Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum, a voluntary organisation, has also been making efforts for protection of this rare species. HM Meghachandra, secretary general of the forum said that a total amount of Rs. 47,71,000 was earmarked for protection of KLNP in 2003-2004 by the Centre. The secretary general also stated that an amount of Rs. 33,00,000 was released in the first phase. The remaining amount was not released after the state forest department failed to submit a utilization certificate.