Specialists recommend proper conservation of endangered Sangai 

Renowned environmentalist, Dr. Khangembam Shamungou Singh, expressed grave concerns regarding the mistaken scientific name given to Manipur’s state animal, the Critically endangered Sangai (Brow-antlered deer), during the Manipur Science Congress 2025, which concluded at Manipur University.
Dr. Shamungou, speaking at the plenary session on the issue of Biodiversity, pointed out that the Sangai has been mistakenly classified as ‘Thamin’ under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 of India, where ‘Thamin’ is a species found in Myanmar. According to Dr. Shamungou, the error in naming might jeopardize the protection of the ‘Sangai’ or ‘Rucervus eldii eldii’, found only in the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur.
Dr. Shamungou set a record straight concerning the taxonomic hierarchy of the four brow-antlered species of deer: Sangai/Manipur Brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), Thamin/Myanmar Brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii thamin), Lamang/Siam Brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii siamensis), and Hainan Brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii hainanus). “Are they protecting ‘Thamin’ species in South and Southeast Asia, or our Sangai?” he asked, requesting an immediate corrective measure to ensure a proper conservation of endangered species in their state.
The Science Congress with the theme “Science, Innovation and Climate Change,” also had talks by Prof. N Rajmohan, Former Vice-Chancellor, DM University, on the impact of science and technology in the 21st century and Brajakumar T, Director DoECC, Manipur, on climate change and adaptation and mitigation in the context of Manipur.
Nearly 300 delegates belonging to different institutions, both inside and outside the state, took part in the three-day meet which was kicked off with a ceremony in which Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla presided. The highlight of the inaugural ceremony saw the felicitation of award sponsors, the awarding of three major awards, and the launch of a 375-page souvenir volume, with Vice-Chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh.
Dr. Shamungou urged all the scientists and others present at the congress to make every effort to conserve the Sanghai and preserve its unique identity within the provisions of the Indian Wildlife Protection Acts.