The critically endangered species of brow-antlered deer ‘Sangai’, which is found only on a floating biomass on Manipur’s Loktak lake, will soon be provided a second home to save it from extinction.
The Manipur Forest Department plans to translocate a section of the rare species of the endemic deer to Pumlen Pat, which is close to its existing habitat in Loktak. Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), situated inside the lake, is the only remaining natural habitat of ‘Sangai’ which was once found across the Manipur valley.
Due to conservation efforts, the population of the rare deer has increased over the years — from less than 100 in 2008 to 204 in 2013.
Spread across an area of around 40 sq.km., KNLP is known around the world for its unique composition as it is made up of biomass vegetation which floats on the surface of the lake.
“Our objective is to have another set of population of the deer. We have identified Pumlen for the translocation as it is also a ‘phumdi’ (floating biomass) and also has small hillocks for shelter,” Arun R.S., State Deputy Conservator of Forest (Park and Sanctuary), said.
He said that their proposal would be ready this year and within the next two to three years, they would start the process of translocating their state animal. The big task before them is to acquire land for the project as the wetland is encroached upon by fisherfolk and local villagers.
Forest Department officials say they will need an area of around 60 sq.km. to make the project viable.
