Critically endangered Sangai deer found in Manipur to be translocated

Manipur State Forest Department has decided to translocate a section of critically endangered species of Brow Antlered (Sangai) deer with an aim to save it from extinction.
The deer is endemic to Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) will be translocated to Pumlen Pat which is close existing habitat to Loktak.
Pumlen Pat was chosen for translocation as it is also a floating biomass (phumdi) and comprises of small hillocks which will provide natural habitat for this deer species.

About Sangai deer

Sangai Deer (Rucervus eldii) also called the Dancing Deer is the state animal of Manipur. Once it was found across the Manipur Valley in abundant now only its remaining natural habitat is found in Keibul Lamjao National Park.
It is listed as an critically endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts have helped in reviving the population of the deer to 204 in 2013 from less than 100 in 2008.

About Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP)

KLNP is a floating biomass in Manipur’s Loktak Lake. It is only floating national park in the world. It is known around the world for its unique composition which is made up of biomass vegetation (locally called phumdis) that floats on the surface of the lake. The park which was initially declared as a Sanctuary in 1966 and later in 1977 it was declared as National Park through a gazette notification.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2015