Which one of the following is an endangered species of Manipur?a)Blue ...
The sangai is an endemic and endangered subspecies of brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur, India. It is also the state animal of Manipur. Its common English name is Manipur brow-antlered deer or Eld's deer and the scientific name is Rucervus eldii eldii. Its original natural habitat is the floating marshy grasslands of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in the southern parts of the Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in eastern India.
Which one of the following is an endangered species of Manipur?a)Blue ...
The endangered species of Manipur is the Sangai, also known as the brow-antlered deer. This unique species is found only in the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur.
The Sangai is a medium-sized deer species with distinctive antlers that resemble the shape of a human brow. It is known for its graceful and elegant appearance. The Sangai has a reddish-brown coat, which helps it blend in with its marshy habitat.
Now, let's delve into the reasons why the Sangai is classified as an endangered species:
1. Habitat Loss:
- The Sangai's habitat, the Keibul Lamjao National Park, is the only floating national park in the world.
- The park consists of marshes, swamps, and phumdis (floating islands) that provide a unique ecosystem for the Sangai.
- However, human encroachment, expansion of agricultural land, and infrastructure development have led to the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat.
2. Hunting and Poaching:
- The Sangai has been hunted for its meat, antlers, and hide.
- Despite being legally protected, poaching remains a significant threat to the species.
- The demand for Sangai products in the illegal wildlife trade further exacerbates the problem.
3. Invasive Species:
- The introduction of invasive plant species, such as the water hyacinth, has negatively impacted the Sangai's habitat.
- These invasive plants grow rapidly and cover the water bodies, reducing the availability of food and shelter for the deer.
4. Natural Disasters:
- The Keibul Lamjao National Park is prone to natural disasters like floods and fires.
- These events can destroy the Sangai's habitat and disrupt its population.
Efforts to Conserve the Sangai:
1. Protected Area:
- The Keibul Lamjao National Park has been designated as a protected area to safeguard the Sangai and its habitat.
- This provides legal protection against hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction.
2. Conservation Programs:
- The government of Manipur, along with various conservation organizations, has initiated several conservation programs to protect the Sangai.
- These programs focus on habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and community participation in conservation activities.
3. Awareness and Education:
- Awareness campaigns and educational programs are conducted to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the Sangai and its fragile habitat.
- Local communities are actively involved in these initiatives to promote sustainable practices and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
In conclusion, the Sangai or brow-antlered deer is an endangered species found in Manipur, India. Habitat loss, hunting, invasive species, and natural disasters pose significant threats to its survival. However, dedicated conservation efforts, including protected areas, conservation programs, and awareness campaigns, are being undertaken to ensure the survival of this unique and beautiful species.