Guwahati, May 15 -- Reported by Bit Irom

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh marked National Endangered Species Day 2026 by declaring biodiversity conservation a top priority in the state and made a strong appeal for the protection of critically endangered wildlife.

Extending greetings to the public, the Chief Minister stressed the urgent need to conserve the state animal, the Sangai deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), and the state bird, the Nongin (Hume's Pheasant or Mrs. Hume's Barred-backed Pheasant).

Both species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and face serious threats due to habitat loss and climate change.

The Sangai deer is found only in the floating phumdis of Keibul Lamjao Natio...