Number of Sangai under captive breeding increase from 14 to 18 in one year Setting a target of 25, TSE owner hands over Rs 3.42 lakh

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 31 : In a positive turn around, the number of State animal Sangai, at the captive breeding centre at Langol and Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroishemba has increased from 14 to 18 in a span of one year. With this, owner of The  Sangai Express, Nishikant Singh Sapam’s endeavour and the hard work of the authorities in conserving the brow antlered deer from extinction have started to pay off.
Nishikant Singh Sapam, who is also a member of the State Board for Wildlife had borne the expenses of breeding the Sangais for a period of one year. And today, he again donated a cheque of Rs 3.42 lakh to Dr AK Joshi, Chief Wildlife Warden for the programme to cover the expenses of breeding for another year. He handed over the amount to the Chief Wildlife Warden at a solemn function held at the Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroishemba.
At the function, Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr AK Joshi thanked Nishikant for his enthusiasm and interest in conserving the endangered Sangai and expressed that the breeding programme has been successful.
“The breeding programme started with 14 Sangais and has completed one year. The programme Setting a target of 25, TSE owner hands over Rs 3.42 lakh is a success as the number of the Sangais has now increased by four,” Dr Joshi
said.
“It was and is a first in Manipur for a private firm (The Sangai Express) to volunteer and assist in breeding the Sangai. This is a noble gesture which will help conserve the endangered species. I hope other firms also join and lend their assistance in conserving Sangai and other endangered species,” Dr Joshi said adding there are around 250 Sangais in the wild.
Dr Joshi further stated that the Manipur Zoological Garden is successfully breeding the State bird, Nongin (Mrs Hume's Pheasant).
Nishikant also expressed satisfaction on the successful breeding of the Sangais and gave all credits to the authorities concerned and staff who are taking care of the animals.
“The breeding programme is indeed successful as the number of Sangai has now reached 18 from 14. This is a result of the hardwork of the staff and the authorities who are taking care of the Sangais and the breeding programme. All credits belong to them. Further, we all should work together to increase the number to 25 next year,” said Nishikant.
Deputy Conservator of Forest Kh Sanajaoba, Manipur Zoological Garden Director L Birmangal and staff attended the function.
It may be mentioned that The Sangai Express owner Nishikant Singh Sapam, as part of his endeavour to conserve Sangais, is also providing monthly honoraria to two guides at the Keibul Lamjao National Park.