Stressing that the people of Manipur must not forget their collective responsibility to protect the Sangai, the iconic state animal closely linked with the state’s history and identity, the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) on Friday called for urgent and united action to prevent its extinction. The appeal was made by Khangembam Tanzania, Environment and Ecology Affairs Secretary of MSF, in a press release issued today.
The federation warned that the extinction of the Sangai from Manipur would mean its disappearance from the world, as the rare brow-antlered deer is found nowhere else except in the floating wetlands (phumdis) of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) in Loktak Lake. The Sangai is known for its unique movement on the floating phumdis, a phenomenon unmatched anywhere else globally.
Keibul Lamjao National Park, declared on March 18, 1977, covers an area of about 40 square kilometres, of which around 26 square kilometres comprise floating phumdi wetlands. The park was established primarily to conserve the Sangai, whose natural habitat, feeding grounds, and movement areas are confined to this ecosystem. However, MSF expressed concern that drastic ecological changes have severely affected the deer’s feeding grounds, making its survival increasingly fragile.
Highlighting Manipur as a sacred land often associated with divine and cultural symbolism, MSF said the Sangai plays a central role in this identity. The federation urged citizens to contribute wisdom, resources, and collective courage to protect the species, warning that global warming, climate change, and human-induced disasters pose serious risks to its survival.
The statement further pointed out that the construction of the Ithai Barrage under the Loktak Hydroelectric Project has disrupted the natural water-land relationship of Loktak Lake. This, along with habitat degradation, has led to a decline in vegetation and grasses essential for the Sangai’s survival, significantly contributing to its dwindling population.
Due to the sharp decline in numbers, the Sangai has been declared a “Critically Endangered Species” and is listed in the IUCN Red List. It is also protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and included in Appendix I of CITES. The Sangai (scientific name: Rucervus eldii eldii) is recognised internationally as one of the rarest deer species in the world.
MSF alleged that the lack of consistent attention from concerned government departments has further worsened the situation. The federation called upon students, youth, civil society organisations, political leaders, government officials, clubs, and Meira Paibis to collectively safeguard the Sangai and preserve the ecological sanctity of Loktak Lake and its phumdis.
The Sangai was officially declared the State Animal of Manipur on March 21, 1989, through a Gazette notification. Once found in abundance across the state, it is now restricted solely to Keibul Lamjao National Park. MSF appealed to the Manipur government to intensify conservation efforts and explore additional suitable habitats to ensure the long-term survival of this globally unique species.
