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

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