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Brow antlered deer (Sangai). Source: Wikipedia[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Imphal, March 25 (EMN): A fresh census has been started to find the latest number of the endangered brow antlered deer popularly known as Sangai in its natural habitat.
The census is being conducted by Manipur forest department in association with wildlife experts researchers, scholars, and local volunteers.
Rucervus eldii or Sangai, found only in the state of Manipur, lives on floating land masses in Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) – the world’s only floating reserve covering an area of 40 square km. The reserve is a part of the 246 sq km Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district, located about 55 km away from Imphal.
According to the officials from Manipur forest department the enumeration (of the Sangai and hog deer in the park) across 31 ‘counting points’ began on March 22 and it will continue for another three days. The final figure of the deer’s population will be available next month after completion of ‘an analysis process’, it was informed.
The objective of this exercise is to find out the population trends ungulates (hoofed mammals) in said forest areas. Regular population monitoring is required for better management activity of the KLNP, according to the officials.
On March 26 and 27th the census will be conducted at Laiphum Phumlak and on March 28 at Yawa Lamjao – both the areas are located in the periphery of KLNP.
The last census carried out in March 2016 put the Sangai population at 260 against 204 in March 2013 census. There were just 14 Sangai at KLNP during the first census conducted in 1977. Interestingly the ‘carrying capacity’ of KNLP is said to be about 297 Sangai, according to experts.
This year’s team, besides the wildlife staff, include 74 research scholars, students, members from non-governmental organisations, and wildlife enthusiasts from various institutes/organisations.
A wildlife official said that the team could spot a good number of Sangai around Toya hillock (inside the KLNP) unlike the previous census.
He added that they are expecting a growth in the population considering the raise in awareness among the people to protect the deer and to cooperate with the wildlife officials.