Number of endangered Sangai deer increases: census

Imphal: The number of endangered deer 'Sangai' found in Manipur has increased from 204 in 2013 to 260, according to the latest census. Manipur Forest Minister Hemochandra told newsmen here yesterday that the wildlife census to calculate the number of the "brow-antlered deer", also referred to as dancing deer, was carried out jointly by Wildfire Wing, Forest department, state government, Manipur University and Wildfire Institute of India.

The census to determine the number was done at "Keibul Lamjao National Park" on March 29, March 31 and April 2 this year, said the minister. A report released by Directorate of Information and Publicity Affairs stated that another 24 Hog deer were also spotted at the marshy wetlands of Laipham Phumlak and Yawa
Lamjao while conducting the census. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest P N Prasad said that there is a scheme under which Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 is provided to women self help groups living around the national park.

He said the department was taking up efforts to develop eco-tourism in the buffer zone of the National Park and that the department has sought assistance for infrastructure development from DoNER and Tourism Ministry. The census was conducted using point transect method.