Sangai population pegged at 206
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 27 2013: At least 206 Sangais were spotted during the wildlife census conducted in March this year at Keibul Lamjao National Park.

According to the census report, frequent counter insurgency operations conducted by police and para-military forces was one major factor for the dwindling Sangai population as recorded a few years back.

Forest Department, Wildlife Wing together with NGOs conducted a wildlife census for Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii), Kharsha (Hog deer) and wild boar found in KLNP on March 13 this year by erecting 30 watch towers and using point transect method.

After it was learnt that there were 14 Sangais in KLNP in 1975, headcount of Sangai was conducted by the Forest Department from time to time until 2003 using aerial and ground methods.

Between 2006 and 2008, the Wildlife Institute of India conducted Sangai census at the park, Forest Department spotted 180 Sangais during its 2003 census.

After a gap of 10 years, the department spotted 206 Sangais during its latest census of March 2013 .

In addition to Sangai, 212 Kharshas and 269 wild boards were spotted.

Of the 206 Sangais spotted, 90 were males, 89 females and 27 fawns.

67 male Kharshas, 115 female Kharshas and 27 Kharsha fawns were also spotted.

According to a source, the overall population trend indicates that the populations of Sangai and Hog deer have stabilised and are a little above the previous census, particularly the estimates made in 2006, 2007 and 2008 by the Wildlife Institute of India.

The sharp decline in the population of Sangai and Hog deer during 2006, 2007 and 2008 as reported by WII, Dehradun could be due to heavy biotic disturbance because of presence of unwanted elements at various parts of the park and frequent operations by police and paramilitary forces to flush out UG cadres.

Meanwhile, the population of wild boar in the 40 sq Kms big park has witnessed a sharp increase.

According to the latest census, population density of Sangai in KLNP is 10.24 per sq Km as against 13.45 per sq Km for wild board.

Sangai was reported to be extinct in 1953 before a few numbers of the rare species was spotted in the 1970's .

Later Keibul Lamjao, the only natural habitat of Sangai, was declared a national park in 1977 .

Census report of the Wildlife Wing, Department of Forest was submitted to the State Government a few days back, conveyed the source further.

Comment