Sangai Deer UPSC (Brow Antlered Deer UPSC)
The Sangai, also known as the brow-antlered deer or dancing deer, is a rare and endangered deer species native to the Keibul Lamjao National Park in the Indian state of Manipur. It is considered the state animal of Manipur.
The Sangai is listed as "Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Its population has faced threats from habitat loss, poaching, and the construction of roads and infrastructure in its natural habitat.
The Sangai holds cultural significance in Manipur and is considered a symbol of the state. It is often featured in local folklore, myths, and traditional art.
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Sangai (Brow Antlered Deer) Characteristics
The Sangai, or brow-antlered deer, possesses several distinct characteristics that contribute to its unique identity:
1. Classification:
The Sangai (brow-antlered deer) belongs to the following taxonomic classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Cervidae
- Subfamily: Cervinae
- Genus: Rucervus
- Species: Rucervus eldii
- Subspecies: Rucervus eldii eldii
2. Scientific Name:
The scientific name of the Sangai, or brow-antlered deer, is Rucervus eldii eldii.
3. Habitat:
The Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii) is primarily found in the Keibul Lamjao National Park in the Indian state of Manipur. This national park is located on the southern part of Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. The Sangai is particularly adapted to the marshy and floating meadows within this habitat.
The Keibul Lamjao National Park is characterized by phumdis, which are floating vegetation mats. These phumdis provide a unique and crucial habitat for the Sangai. The deer is well adapted to the wetland environment and is known for its ability to swim.
4. Physical Appearance:
The Sangai, or brow-antlered deer, is known for its distinctive and elegant physical appearance. Here are some key features:
(i) Coat Color:
The Sangai's coat is dark reddish-brown during the winter months and becomes a much lighter shade in the summer.
(ii) Size and Weight:
- Adult males have a height of 115-130 cm, while females are slightly smaller at 90-100 cm.
- The weight of adult males ranges from 90 to 125 kg, while females weigh between 60 and 80 kg.
(iii) Body Length and Tail:
(iv) Antlers:
The Sangai is known for its uniquely distinctive antlers, measuring 100–110 cm in length. The antlers have a forward curve, and the brow tines spread out like a crown. The forward protruding beam appears to come out from the eyebrow, giving it the name "brow-antlered deer." Adult males usually have larger and more elaborate antlers than females.
(v) Dimorphism:
There is moderate sexual dimorphism in body size and weight, with males being larger and heavier than females.
5. Diet:
The Sangai (brow-antlered deer) is primarily a herbivorous animal, and its diet consists mainly of grasses, sedges, and other vegetation found in its marshy and wetland habitat. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, where the Sangai is predominantly found, offers a variety of wetland vegetation that serves as a food source for these deer. Some of the favored food plants include Zizania latifolia, Tripidium bengalense, Erianthus procerus, and Erianthus ravennae.
The feeding behavior of Sangai exhibits a bimodal activity pattern. Grazing sessions typically occur early in the morning. After feeding, Sangai takes rest. During the day, it seeks shelter under thick and tall reeds and grasses. Some individuals may also rest on hillocks during the night.
During the dry season, when water levels may recede and some areas of the wetland habitat become more accessible, Sangai may also feed on terrestrial plants. However, their adaptation to the wetland environment is significant, and they are known to be proficient swimmers, allowing them to access food resources in areas surrounded by water.
6. Behavior:
The behavior of the Sangai, or brow-antlered deer, is influenced by its natural habitat and ecological adaptations. Here are some aspects of the Sangai's behavior:
(i) Social Structure:
The social structure of the Sangai includes both males and females. During certain times, such as the breeding season, males may engage in displays and interactions with each other and with females.
(ii) Dancing Behavior:
The Sangai is often referred to as the "dancing deer" due to its graceful and distinctive way of moving through its natural habitat. When navigating the marshy grasslands and floating meadows of the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, the Sangai exhibits a unique behavior that appears to be a dance. This behavior involves lifting its slender legs high while walking through the shallow waters and swaying its body gracefully. The movement gives the impression of a dance, and locals and observers have described it as such.
(iii) Swimming Ability:
The Sangai is known for its excellent swimming abilities. This adaptation allows it to navigate and access food resources in the marshy and wetland habitat, where water bodies are prevalent.
7. Reproduction:
The reproduction of the Sangai, or brow-antlered deer, involves specific behaviors and patterns. Here are some key aspects of their reproductive biology:
(i) Fawning:
Females of the Sangai fawn all year round, indicating that the birth of calves can occur at any time throughout the year.
(ii) Rutting Season:
Rutting, the period of increased reproductive activity and competition among males, takes place in the early spring months, specifically between February and May.
(iii) Mating Behavior:
During rutting, males compete with each other to establish control over a harem of females, with the intention of mating.
(iv) Gestation Period:
The gestation period for Sangai is 220 to 240 days, culminating in the birth of a single calf.
(v) Calf Characteristics:
Calves are born with spots, and these spots fade as the animal grows.
(vi) Weaning:
The young Sangai are weaned at 7 months of age, indicating the period during which they transition from maternal milk to solid food.
(vii) Sexual Maturity:
Sangai become sexually mature from 18 months of age onwards, marking the point at which they can actively participate in the reproductive process.
8. Lifespan:
The Sangai deer has a maximum lifespan in the wild of around 10 years.
Sangai (Brow Antlered Deer) in India
The Sangai, also known as the brow-antlered deer, is a unique and endangered deer species found in the Indian state of Manipur. Here are some key points about the Sangai in India:
1. Endemism:
The Sangai is an endemic subspecies of the brow-antlered deer found exclusively in Manipur.
2. Habitat:
The Sangai's habitat is concentrated in the Keibul Lamjao National Park, situated on the southern part of Loktak Lake. The park is known for its floating biomass called "phumdi," providing a distinct wetland habitat for the Sangai.
3. Cultural Significance:
The Sangai is the state animal of Manipur and holds significant cultural importance. It is deeply embedded in the legends and folklore of the Manipuri people, symbolizing a connection between humans and nature.
4. Cultural Naming:
The name "Sangai" is believed to be derived from its peculiar posture and behavior while running. It is interpreted to mean "animal in awaiting," reflecting the deer's habit of occasionally stopping and looking back while running.
5. Population Estimates:
The population of Sangai is estimated to be around 200 individuals, making it a critically endangered species.
6. Conservation Efforts:
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Sangai and its habitat. Initiatives include the establishment of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, community involvement, and measures to address various threats to the species.
Sangai (Brow Antlered Deer) Protection Status
The Sangai, or Brow-antlered deer, has specific protection status designations from various conservation authorities:
1. IUCN Status:
The Sangai is classified as "Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This designation indicates that the species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
2. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora):
The Sangai is listed under Appendix I of CITES. Species listed under Appendix I are those considered to be threatened with extinction, and international trade in specimens of these species is generally prohibited except in certain circumstances.
3. Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972:
In India, the Sangai is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972. This classification provides the highest level of protection under Indian law, and it includes stringent measures to safeguard the species and its habitat.
Sangai (Brow Antlered Deer) Conservation
Conserving the Sangai, or Brow-antlered deer, is critical due to its endangered status and restricted habitat in Manipur, India. Conservation efforts involve a combination of measures to protect the species, its habitat, and involve local communities. Here are some key aspects of Sangai conservation:
1. Habitat Protection:
Preserving the unique wetland habitat of Sangai is crucial. This includes efforts to protect the Keibul Lamjao National Park and its floating biomass, locally known as "phumdi," on Loktak Lake. Measures to prevent habitat destruction and encroachment are essential.
2. Anti-Poaching Measures:
Implementing strict anti-poaching measures is vital for safeguarding Sangai populations. This includes increased surveillance, patrolling, and the use of technology for monitoring and deterring poaching activities.
3. Community Involvement:
Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is essential. This may include raising awareness about the importance of Sangai, providing alternative livelihoods, and involving communities in monitoring and protection activities.
4. Research and Monitoring:
Regular research and monitoring programs help in understanding the population dynamics, behavior, and health of Sangai. This information is crucial for informed conservation strategies.
5. Translocation and Population Management:
In some cases, translocation of individuals may be considered to establish additional populations or reinforce existing ones. Population management strategies, including genetic diversity considerations, can be important for the long-term health of the species.
6. Policy and Legal Framework:
Strengthening and enforcing wildlife protection laws and policies is essential. This includes maintaining the Sangai's status as a protected species under national and international regulations.
7. International Collaboration:
Collaboration with international organizations and conservation bodies can provide additional support and resources for Sangai conservation. Sharing best practices and expertise contributes to effective conservation strategies.
8. Education and Outreach:
Educating the public, especially local communities, about the importance of Sangai in the ecosystem and the cultural significance of the species can foster a sense of pride and responsibility, encouraging conservation efforts.
Threats
The Sangai, or Brow-antlered deer, faces several threats to its survival in Manipur, India:
1. Habitat Loss:
Habitat loss is a significant threat to the Sangai. The wetland habitat of Keibul Lamjao National Park is being encroached upon for activities such as grazing, cultivation, and fish farming. This loss of habitat affects the availability of suitable areas for the deer to thrive.
2. Hydro-electric Project:
The Sangai is highly threatened by a hydro-electric project in Loktak Lake. The continuous inundation and flooding caused by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Loktak reservoir disrupt the natural life cycle of the vegetation, particularly the floating biomass called "phumdi," on which Sangai depends for food and shelter.
3. Poaching:
Poaching poses a serious threat to Sangai populations. Despite conservation efforts, the deer remains vulnerable to poachers who seek to trap and kill them for various reasons.
4. Degeneration of Habitat:
The continuous high water level maintained throughout the year due to the hydro-electric project has led to the degeneration of the Sangai's habitat. This disrupts the natural life cycle of the vegetation, impacting the Sangai's food source and shelter.
5. Impact on Phumdi:
The life cycle of the phumdi, which involves floating during high water and securing nutrients from the lake bed during the lean season, is disrupted by the continuous high water level. This affects the weight and thickness of the phumdi, further threatening the Sangai's habitat.
6. Human Activities:
Human activities, such as cutting the phumdi into pieces for sale to fish culture owners, contribute to the rapid degeneration of the Sangai's habitat. This indicates a human-induced threat to the ecosystem that sustains the Sangai.
Sangai (Brow Antlered Deer) UPSC Question
Q. In which country Sangai deer is found?
A. The Sangai deer, also known as the Brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), is found exclusively in the Indian state of Manipur. It is an endemic subspecies of the brow-antlered deer and is primarily located in the Keibul Lamjao National Park, situated on the southern part of Loktak Lake in Manipur.
Q. Which national park is the last natural habitat of the Sangai deer?
A. The last natural habitat of the Sangai deer (Brow-antlered deer) is Keibul Lamjao National Park. This national park is located in the Indian state of Manipur and is situated on the southern part of Loktak Lake. Keibul Lamjao National Park is known for its unique floating biomass called "phumdi," and it provides a crucial and restricted habitat for the endangered Sangai deer.
Q. Why Sangai is called dancing deer?
A. The Sangai, or Brow-antlered deer, is often referred to as the "dancing deer" due to its unique and distinctive behavior. The term "dancing" is used to describe the deer's graceful and agile movements, especially when it traverses through its natural habitat in the marshy wetlands.
The Sangai, especially the males, are known for their distinctive way of moving, which includes occasional stops and turns while running. This behavior gives the impression that the deer is dancing or pausing as if in anticipation.
Q. What is the IUCN status of Sangai deer?
A. The Sangai deer (Rucervus eldii eldii) is listed as "Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The "Endangered" status indicates that the species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Q. What is interesting about Sangai deer?
A. The Sangai deer, also known as the Brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), is a fascinating and unique species with several interesting characteristics:
1. Endemism:
The Sangai is endemic to the Indian state of Manipur, making it found exclusively in this region. Its restricted distribution adds to its uniqueness and importance for conservation.
2. Distinctive Antlers:
The Sangai is known for its distinctive antlers, with an extremely long brow tine that forms the main beam. The forward protruding beam appears to come out from the eyebrow, contributing to its name, "brow-antlered deer."
3. Behavioral Traits:
The Sangai is often referred to as the "dancing deer" due to its unique behavior while running. The males, in particular, exhibit distinctive movements, including occasional stops and turns, giving the impression of dancing or pausing.
4. Cultural Significance:
The Sangai holds immense cultural significance in Manipur. It is the state animal and is deeply embedded in the legends and folklore of the Manipuri people. The deer is considered a binding soul between humans and nature.
5. Habitat Adaptation:
The Sangai is adapted to a wetland habitat and is known for its swimming abilities. It thrives in the marshy wetlands of Keibul Lamjao National Park, utilizing floating biomass called "phumdi."
6. Cultural Naming:
The name "Sangai" is believed to be derived from the Meitei language, where "sa" means animal, and "ngai" means in awaiting. The name reflects the deer's behavior of occasionally stopping and looking back while running.
7. Symbol of Pride:
The Sangai is considered a symbol of pride for the state of Manipur. It is a source of cultural identity and represents a prized possession of the region.
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