Sangai

About Sangai:

• It is subspecies of Eld's deer that is endemic to Manipur.
• It also has immense cultural relevance to Manipur.
• Distribution: It is found only in Keibul Lamjao National Park; the largest single mass of phumdi is in Loktak Lake – in Manipur’s Bishnupur district.
• Appearance
  • It is a medium-sized deer with uniquely distinctive antlers and extremely long brow tines, which form the main beam.
  • The forward protruding beam appears to come out from the eyebrow, hence called the brow-antlered deer.
  • It has a dark reddish-brown winter coat, which turns paler in summer.
  • The deer walks on the hind surface of its pasterns with mincing hops over floating foliage and is hence also called the Dancing Deer.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Critically Endangered
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-1

Key facts about Loktak Lake

• It is a freshwater lake in the state of Manipur.
• It is famous for unique floating islands called Phumdis with multiple plant species.
• The Keibul Lamjao National Park, located on the Loktak Lake is the last natural habitat of the “Sangai” the dancing deer of Manipur.
• It is regarded as among the most beautiful and ecologically diverse lakes in the Northeast.
• The lake is designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.