Forest officials detained a man who was in possession of 11 kg of venison, believed to be that of the brow-antlered deer (Sangai), an endangered species, near here on Thursday.
The population of the deer is less than 300 in its natural habitat, the Keibul Lamjao National Park, 60 km away from Imphal.
Officials of the Forest department (wildlife wing) and some wildlife enthusiasts intercepted the suspected meat seller at the main bridge at Sekmaijin, as he was coming towards Imphal. During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly gave incoherent replies. Since the officials believe that the seized venison is that of Sangai, he was handed over to the Central Forest Division, Mantri Pukhri, in Imphal.
The department is sending samples to the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, to determine if it is Sangai meat.
Meat of this deer is sold clandestinely at exorbitant price. Poachers have been entering the national park in the guise of fishermen who are allowed to enter the Loktak lake in the park for fishing. Using traps and firearms, the deer is killed and venison smuggled out for illegal sale. Some years back, the government had deployed Manipur Rifles personnel to assist the forest officials in the national park. However, after some time, the personnel were withdrawn for unknown reasons. The forest officials are unable to chase poachers who are well armed. The staff also do not have a speed boat.
