Sangais make healthy recovery
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08 2012:
The endangered Sangai which was once on the brink of total extinction has made a healthy recovery at Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Unlike in the past where one had to wait for days to get a glimpse of Sangai, the same animal can now be sighted inside the Park early morning or late afternoon, that too a short distance away from the spot where one is standing.
Much to the delight of animal lovers, herds of Sangais or Kharshas can be seen grazing or playing together.
If one can venture up to Toya, Pabot hills etc by boat with due permission of the park authority, Sangais can be seen from very close range.
Population of the Sangai which was once on the brink of extinction, and already declared the State animal, is steadily increasing but still they have not been fully spared from the nets and bullets of poachers.
Earlier, when the Wildlife Institute of India studied the natural habitat of Sangai together with undertaking a headcount twice in 2006 and 2007-08, the institute declared that the total number of Sangai in Keibul Lamjao National Park would not exceed 100 .
As per a report of the institute, it was even suggested that the Sangais of Keibul Lamjao National Park be shifted to some other place citing difficulties in the breeding process.
Even though Sangais can be easily sighted now, no headcount has been conducted by Forest and Environment Department since the last one conducted by Wildlife Institute of India.
On the other hand, illegal or secretive fishing is still going on inside the park.