Sangai Deer

Why in News?

• Sangai festival, an annual cultural festival organised by Manipur Tourism Department has been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Sangai deer

• Sangai (the brow-antlered deer) is an endemic and endangered subspecies of brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur (Keibul Lamjao National Park)
• It is largely seen over the floating biomass, locally called “phumdi” in the South Eastern part of Loktak Lake inside the park.
• They have uniquely distinctive antlers, measuring 100–110 cm. in length with extremely long brow tine.
• It is also the state animal of Manipur.
• Culturally, the Sangai finds itself imbedded deep into the legends and folklore of the Manipuris.
  • Sangai is interpreted as the binding soul between humans and the nature.

Conservation Issues

• Sangai deer is classified as Endangered on IUCN Red List.
• Degenerating habitat of phumdi as a result of
  • Continuous inundation and flooding caused due to artificial reservoir.
  • Water quality of the reservoir is degrading due to pollution and stoppage of nutrient supply.
  • There is also invasion of non-native plants like Paragrass.
• Sangai also faces threats of diseases from the livestock, inbreeding depression and poaching.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements:
1.Keibul Lamjao National Park is the smallest national park in India, by area.
2.Chiru, a type of antelope is seen extensively in Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only 
(b)2 only 
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

 Answer to prelims question