State Animal

Sangai (Brow Antlered Deer), a rare species, found only in Manipur (North East India). It's natural habitat is in Keibul Lamjao area of the Loktak Lake, Bishnupur District, Manipur. The area is also a rare one - in that it's a floating bio-mass comprising of peat, reeds, grasses and other flora - which literally kept the animal surviving till date since ancient times. The mature male is a must-see sight with it's multiple-pronged antlers - and has been carved as a figure-head for the king's grand canoe called Hiyang Hiren.

The Government has announced the area as a national park under strict conservation for the survival of the species which incidentally is also the State animal. This year's census (made every 10 years) shows a rise in its population. A good sign.

A young male with it's new growth of antlers.