TODAY -
Paragrass threatens to cut off food supply chain to Sangai
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 05 2011:
Unhindered growth of para grass around Keibul Lamjao national park, which is the home to the brow antlered deer locally known as Sangai, has come to pose a threat to the very existence of the rare animal.
Pointing out that the typical grass has overgrown and killed some indigenous plants that the Sangai feeds on in the only floating national park in the world, experts fear that the rare animal might be on the verge of extinction within five years if the paragrass's unrelenting spread is not checked timely.
According to the 2003 animal census, 180 Sangais are living in their 'last' natural home, Keibul Lamjao that links Loktak lake in Bishnupur district.
Para grass was brought in to the State as it is an excellent fodder for animals.
"During a recent research carried in and around Keibul Lamjao, we found paragrass growing all over the national park.
In fact so widespread is the growth of this exotic grass species, that it has killed many indigenous plant species grown on the floating park including Koubru Yai (local name)," said P Kumar, Associate Professor, Life Science, Manipur University.
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Speaking as resource person at a session on climate change and the release of a short documentary film christened 'The Untold Story' on the occasion of World Environment Day on Sunday at Imphal, Kumar said paragrass was brought from outside by a Government department and planted in Loktak lake for development of fodder.
"If the massive expansion of this alien grass is not checked in time, the threat to the existence of the Sangai looms large as many of its natural food are on the verge of extinction as the exotic plant species has killed many of them," Kumar, who spoke on the topic "Climate change and food security," said.
Besides the paragrass's silent attack on the indigenous plant species at Keibul Lamjao that covers around forty square kilometers, other aspects threatening the existence of Sangai are poaching, wild fire etc.
During Sunday's session, noted environmentalist and director of college development council, Manipur University RK Ranjan spoke on "Climate change and food security" .
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