The 2026 census shows hog deer now outnumber the endangered Sangai in Manipur's Keibul Lamjao National Park, raising concerns over habitat competition and conservation.
IMPHAL — The estimated population of hog deer has surpassed that of the endangered Sangai deer in Manipur's Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), the world's only floating wildlife reserve, according to the latest census conducted by the state Forest department.
The census report, released during the 77th Van Mahotsav celebrations in Imphal on Saturday, estimated the Sangai population at 172 and the hog deer population at 375 in the 40 sq km national park. KLNP forms part of the 236 sq km Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district, about 55 km from Imphal.
The Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii), Manipur's state animal, is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Sangai Census Report 2026 highlighted growing ecological concerns over competition between the endangered Sangai and the more adaptable hog deer in the park.
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"The competition between the endangered Sangai deer and the more adaptable hog deer in Keibul Lamjao National Park has emerged as a growing ecological concern," the report stated.
To reduce ecological pressure on the Sangai, the report recommended relocating a portion of the hog deer population to other suitable protected areas.
"The relocation of the hog deer from KLNP to other suitable protected areas can be an important management intervention to reduce ecological pressure on the endangered Sangai deer," it said, adding that such a measure would help reduce competition for food and habitat.
The report also warned that the Sangai exists as a single isolated wild population confined to KLNP, making it highly vulnerable to inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, demographic fluctuations and environmental changes.
It stressed that establishing a second home for the Sangai and strengthening conservation breeding programmes should be priority areas for long-term survival of the species.
While noting that the male-to-female ratio of the Sangai population remains healthy, the report expressed concern over the low number of juveniles and fawns, warning that poor recruitment could lead to an ageing population in the future.
The report further suggested exploring an exchange programme involving sister subspecies of the Sangai with neighbouring countries in South and Southeast Asia, in consultation with the Wildlife Institute of India and other competent authorities, to enhance the species' genetic diversity.