Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi)
The Sangai deer (Cervus eldi eldi) is one of the three
sub-species found in Southeast Asia – the other two being Cervus eldi Thamin
and Cervus eldi Siamensis. The Thamin is mainly found in Myanmar and parts of
Thailand whereas the Siamensis in Thailand, Vietnam and parts of Cambodia and
Laos.
Unlike the other two, the Sangai is on the brink of
extinction. Its only habitat on the entire globe is the Keibul Lamjao National
Park (KLNP), 50 km. south of Imphal. Situated on the periphery of Loktak Lake,
the Park covers an area of 40 sq. km.
In the month of January 1979 angry villagers, for want of
agricultural land, set fire to the check-posts, buildings and dry grass of the
Park. The helpless Sangai was caught and devoured. The state government’s fine
of rupees fifty thousand each on two neighbouring villages did not help much.
Prior to 1891 the Sangai was protected by a royal decree and
anyone found killing it was punished in most deterrent way. Their hands were reportedly
chopped off even. Captain Harvey, the president of Manipur state durbar,
introduced games rules in 1931 and by 1934 hunting at Keibul Lamjao was
completely banned. In 1951 E.P. Gee, the great conservationist, was informed
that the Sangai deer was almost extinct. International union for conservation
of nature and natural resources was alerted.
On May 15, 1973 the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 was
enacted in the state and under section 64 of the Act, the Wildlife (Protection)
Rules 1974 were introduced. An aerial census with a helicopter was conducted in
March 1975 and found 14 Sangai once believed to be extinct alive.
Inside the KLNP lie three hillocks namely Chingjao,
Pabotching and Toyaching. Thangbrel Yangbi, Bogra Yangbi, Hangamhoubi Yangbi
are elevated grasslands. The Khordak River cuts across the Park.
The semi-floating habitat of the animal made of tangled and
decayed reeds and grass mixed with humus called phumdi is unique and somewhat similar to schwingmoor of Europe. In
the rainy season it floats whereas in the winter it gets nutrients from the
bottom of the Lake. This cycle has been rudely interrupted by Loktak project.
The delicate ecosystem faces a threat.
Konjengbam Kameshore
(Courtesy: North East Sun, New Delhi, April 24-30, 1993)
