Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Three endangered barking deer, including a fawn, were rescued from residential areas across Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
The species is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits hunting. Wildlife officials said habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching continue to threaten the animal’s population in the state.
The first rescue was carried out on Tuesday morning after an adult barking deer strayed into the residence of Thoudam Boinao at Uchiwa Mamang Leikai village near Loktak Lake in Imphal West district.
Local residents Thoudam Ibomcha and Shagolsem Dinesh safely secured the animal before handing it over to forest officials.
Later, another adult deer entered the Uchiwa Santhel area near Loktak Lake, prompting local residents and volunteers of the Unique Wildlife Protection Committee, Manipur, to launch a rescue operation.
Md Muphijuddin, president of Pole Star Club, Santhel Mamang Leikai, along with other local volunteers, helped rescue the animal without injury.
In a separate incident on April 27, a team from Yaingangpokpi Police Station rescued a fawn from the Sanasabi area in Imphal East district after receiving information from local residents. Officials said the rescue was carried out to prevent the animal from falling prey to poachers.
Teams from the Mayang Imphal Forest Beat Office, Kakching Range Forest, Hiyanglam Police Station and Keibul Lamjao National Park Range-II later reached the rescue sites.
After administering first aid and examining the animals, forest officials released all three deer into Keibul Lamjao National Park.