IMPHAL, May 12 : The population of Sangai, the State animal of Manipur has reached 260, Forest and Environment Minister I Hemochandra said while urging all concerned to extend maximum cooperation to the Govt in protecting the Sangai.
I Hemochandra was speaking to reporters while presenting the report of the Sangai and other animal census at his Secretariat office today. The census was jointly conducted by Wildlife Wing, Forest Department, Government of Manipur, Wildlife Institute of India, MU and local organisations in March and April this year.
Wildlife census was conducted at Keibul Lamjao National Park on March 29, March 31 and April 2 this year. Another census was conducted at Laiphum Phumlak and Yawa Lamjao on April 3 and 7.
The census was conducted using point transect method. As per the report of the census conducted this year, the number of Sangai is 260. In the previous census the number was pegged at 204.
Likewise, the number of Hog deer at KLNP is 276 against 212 in the previous census. 24 hog deers have also been spotted at Laiphum Phumlak and Yawa Lamjao, according to the report.
Out of the 260 Sangai, 75 are said to be male, 127 female and 58 fawn. There are 68 male hog deer, 144 female ad 58 fawn.
The report also mentioned the sighting of boar in the KLNP and two deers similar to Sangai were also spotted at Laiphum Phumlak and Yawa Lamjao during the census.
I Hemochandra said the cooperation of the public is required to protect the Sangai.
Speaking at the occasion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, PN Prasad said there is a scheme for providing Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 to women self help groups around the KLNP.
The Department is planning to develop eco-tourism in the buffer zone of the National Park. The Dept has already asked assistance for infrastructure development from DoNER and Tourism Ministry, Prasad said.
The press meet was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Sambhu Singh and Chief Wildlife Warden K Angami.
