Manipur Village Bans Hunting of Endangered Hog Deer, Imposes Rs 5 Lakh Penalty
Imphal, July 5: In a significant community-led conservation initiative, residents of Ishok village near Loktak Lake in Manipur’s Bishnupur district have imposed a complete ban on the hunting of the endangered hog deer, with violators facing fines of up to Rs 5 lakh in addition to legal action under wildlife protection laws.
The decision was adopted during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Chingphu Ningthou Shembi Leima Haraobung, attended by local residents, civil society organisations, and officials of the Bishnupur Forest Division.
Apart from prohibiting the hunting of hog deer, participants also resolved to strengthen protection for other wildlife species and implement a series of conservation measures aimed at preserving the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Under the resolutions, any individual found hunting or killing a hog deer or any other protected wild animal will be fined up to Rs 5 lakh and handed over to the Forest Department for legal proceedings in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
The village also issued guidelines for pet owners, directing residents to ensure that their dogs do not stray into sensitive wildlife habitats, including Mutum Yangbi and Ngakratubi. If a domestic dog attacks or kills a hog deer, its owner will also be liable to pay a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh.
As part of the conservation initiative, the village resolved to restrict the entry of outsiders involved in illegal hunting and wildlife-related offences. It also constituted the Ishok Apunba Wildlife Protection Committee, which will conduct regular patrols and monitor wildlife habitats to prevent poaching and other illegal activities.
The hog deer (Axis porcinus/Hyelaphus porcinus), locally known as Kharsa, is a protected species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. In Manipur, it is primarily found in the unique floating wetland ecosystem of Keibul Lamjao National Park on Loktak Lake, where it faces increasing threats from habitat degradation and illegal hunting.
The meeting was attended by Divisional Forest Officer Waikhom Romabai, village chief Warepam Deben, and representatives of the Indian Red Cross Society, Bishnupur Branch, who expressed support for the community’s efforts to conserve the endangered species and its natural habitat.
