Keibul Lamjao National Park

• 23 Jun 2022

Why in News?

Manipur's Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) residents oppose the site's relocation.

• People argues that the proposed site has no connection with efforts to save the endangered deer. On the other hand, the people in surrounding villages have been doing everything possible to protect the deer.

What are the Important Facts about Keibul Lamjao National Park?

• It is the only floating National Park in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park located on the Loktak Lake is the last natural habitat of the 'Sangai' (Rucervus eldii eldii), the dancing deer of Manipur.
• This is the last natural habitat of the brow-antlered deer (Sangai) the dancing deer of Manipur.
  • In the 1950s, it was believed that the brow-antlered deer(Rucervus eldii eldii) had become extinct in the country. However, it was subsequently re-discovered in Manipur.
• Hog Deer, Otter, a host of water fowls and migratory birds are found here.

What are the Key Points of Loktak Lake?

• Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for the phumdis floating over it. 
  • Phumdis are the heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition.
• This ancient lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It serves as a source of water for irrigation, drinking water supply and hydropower generation.
• Considering the ecological status and its biodiversity values, Loktak lake was initially designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.
  • Later it was also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993.
• Human activity has led to severe pressure on the lake ecosystem.

What is Brow Antlered Deer?

• Common Name: Sangai, Brow antlered deer, Dancing Deer
• Scientific Name: Rucervus eldii
• About:
  • The brow-antlered deer, or sangai, is the state animal of Manipur.
  • The animal’s coat is a dark reddish brown during winter months and it becomes a much lighter shade in summer.
  • Native to Cambodia, China, India, Laos and Myanmar, these animals were earlier spread widely across habitats in south and south-east Asia.
• Habitat:
  • The deer’s habitat has varied from shrubland and grassland to dry forests and marshland, depending on the country they’re found in.
  • In India, these animals are found only in Manipur’s famed Loktak lake.
  • The brow-antlered deer usually consumes grass.
• Threat:
  • While globally habitat loss has been a grave concern in the conservation of this deer, hunting is an additional threat in Manipur.
  • While the habitats have been encroached for grazing, cultivation, and fish farming, the animals are highly threatened by a hydro-electric project in the lake.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • WPA 1972: Schedule-I

Source: TH