Imphal, May 6 -- Three endangered barking deer, including a fawn, were rescued from residential areas in separate operations across Imphal East and Imphal West districts of Manipur.

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 de...