Rare species of deer rescued
Source: The Sangai Express
Kakching, February 15 2018:
A rare species of deer called Goral, scientific name 'Naemorhedus goral' locally known as Sabeng was rescued from Khoubuk Village near Tangjeng Khunjao at Sugnu while cleaning Khoubok Ima Panthoibi Laibung for the coming Lai haraoba.
The animal rescued by the villagers was picked up by the staffs of Kakching Range Office with the assistance of M Open Singh and W Ramchandra Singh both Honorary Wildlife Warden, Thoubal under the supervision of DFO/Thoubal.
The animal has been handed over to the Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroisemba, said our correspondent.
According to N Munal Meitei, Range Forest Officer, Kakching, the Goral or Sabeng is a very rare species found in Manipur and Himalayan regions.
The animal listed in the Red List of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is an endangered species.
It is an Appendix I species under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna), said N Munal.
Traditionally in Manipur, Sabeng bones are believed to have great power for healing of the broken bones and thus the demand for the animal is high, he said.
Beside the beliefs the animal accompanied, it is also killed randomly for its meat, said the Range Forest Officer saying that the animal is facing near extinction.
Lost of wildlife habitats due to human encroachment and other natural disaster also contributes to the possible extinction of the animal, he added.
The Range Officer lauded the villagers of Khoubok for their generosity and kindness for handing over the animal to the Forest Department.
As soon as dry season starts, due to wild fires, there are chances of wild animals coming out of the forest near human settlements, he said.
The Range Officer appealed all concerned villagers and people to not kill the animals.
He appealed people to cooperate with the Forest Departments in the State.
As per the Wildlife Protection Acts, 1972, those persons who traps, seized, sell and kill wild animals may be punished with imprisonment upto three years or a fine of Rs 25000 or both.
Help save wildlives, they are the biggest gifts of God, the Forest Officer said.