IMPHAL, Oct 7: The 55th Wildlife Week observation organized by Forest Department, Government of Manipur, concluded today at Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroishemba, Imphal.
The concluding function was graced by Dr. S Singsit, principal Chief Conservator of Forests, A Kharshi-ing, addl. principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Anilkumar, addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Conservation & Development), as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Addressing the gathering at the concluding function, Dr. Singsit stated that the state forest department has been able to rear the state bird of Manipur, Nongin, including one female and three male fowls in the only zoological garden of the state located at Iroishemba through painstaking efforts of one DFO of Ukhrul district.
He further stated that the state animal Sangai and state bird Nongin have been reared successfully at Iroishemba Zoological Garden and so the forest department will take over the responsibility of preserving these rare species of bird and animal in the state.
The state animal Sangai is known worldwide and the responsibility for preserving this rare species should not be bestowed only to the forest department but also individual persons, social organizations and NGOs should render a helping hand to preserve this rare symbolic animal of the state.
Singsit also appealed to the general public to stop slaughtering wildlife animals and birds in view of maintaining the ecological balance of the environment.
A book ” Endangered Manipur Brow Antlered Deer (Sangai)- An Environmental Assessment” published by Forest Department and authored by Dr. Kh. Samungou was also released in today`s function.
Prizes for the painting, essay and photo competitions were also distributed to the winners by the dignataries of the function.