Sangai Brow-Antlered Deer Keibul Lamjao Manipur

The Sangai (Cervus eldii eldii), the brow-antlered deer and state animal of Manipur, survives exclusively on the floating phumdi biomass islands of Keibul Lamjao National Park in the Loktak Lake basin, the only floating national park in the world. Phumdi are compacted masses of heterogeneous soil, humus, and decomposing plant matter ranging from a few centimeters to two meters thick that float on Loktak Lake water, supporting grassland vegetation of saccharum grass and Zizania reeds on which the Sangai grazes. The Sangai population fell to 14 individuals in 1975 before a conservation program established Keibul Lamjao National Park in 1977, covering 40 square kilometers of the southern Loktak Lake. The population has recovered to approximately 260 individuals as of the 2021 census. Sangai are endemic to this specific habitat type as they evolved to walk on floating phumdi using their broad, splayed hooves, and cannot survive on firm ground for extended periods. The Loktak Lake ecosystem is designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and faces pressure from the Ithai Barrage constructed in 1983 which raised water levels, killing low-lying phumdi and degrading habitat. Manipur state and the Wildlife Institute of India conduct annual Sangai census operations in October and November. The Sangai Festival of Manipur held each November is a week-long cultural and tourism festival celebrating the state animal and Loktak Lake ecology, drawing artisans, weavers, and eco-tourism operators from across Manipur.