From poachers now...Sangais face chemical threat at Keibul Lamjao
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15, 2013: Contrary to all out efforts for preservation of the rare brow-antlered deer locally known as Sangai, locals in the periphery of the endangered deer species' natural habitat relying on chemicals to clear unwanted water plants is said to be the latest threat posed to the survival of the State animal.

According to Chief Wildlife Warden Th Ibobi, who is also Loktak Development Authority's Project Director, the local population, particularly the fishing community, have started to use chemical substances to clear the floating bio-masses (phumdis) to develop/maintain fishing zones in Kumbi pat (lake), which lie adjacent to Keibul Lamjao National Park - the only natural habitat of the Sangais.

Talking to The Sangai Express, the Wildlife warden said that use of chemicals to clear phumdis from Kumbi pat started this year.

highlighting that the locals using chemical substance poses great threat to animals living on the national park, due to side effects of the toxic contents, Ibobi cautioned that not only would usage of such substance endanger the animal species but the safety and health of the human population depending on the 236.21 square kilometre Loktak lake cannot be guaranteed.

Sangai : The endemic, rare and endangered Manipur Brow-antlered deer

Explaining that water, aquatic plants, fishes and insects are integral and essential components of the Loktak Lake's bio-diversity, he remarked that any disturbance caused to the fragile environment is bound to have serious impact on all species that depend on the Lake for survival.

Expressing that as Kumbi Pat and Keibul Lamjao National Park, situated on the floating biomass of Loktak Lake, are interlinked the impact of using chemical substance is certain to have adverse impact on the endangered Sangais and all other living beings both in the Lake as well as the Park, the Wildlife expert fervently appealed to the locals to refrain from using chemicals which are harmful to the environment.

It is said that Sangai and other animals Kharsha (Hog Deer) also dwell on the floating biomass of Kumbi Pat.

on being queried what measures LDA is planning to undertake to check use of toxic substances that compromises safety of Sangai and other animals in the National park, Ibobi said that LDA would launch a mass public awareness programme.

He also recounted that a similar awareness campaign initiated last year by the LDA consequent to discovery of some fishermen using Hildon (chemical) yielded encouraging response.