Keibul Lamjao National Park

About Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park, nestled in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, is a truly unique national park, famous for being the world's only floating national park. This extraordinary phenomenon is due to its composition of 'phumdis' – heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition, floating on Loktak Lake. These phumdis support a rich and diverse ecosystem, providing a critical habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna. The park's most iconic resident is the endangered Sangai, the Manipuri brow-antlered deer, also known as the 'dancing deer' due to its delicate gait on the floating biomass. Exploring Keibul Lamjao offers an unparalleled experience of a dynamic and fragile wetland ecosystem, teeming with life and offering breathtaking natural beauty. It's a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and a testament to nature's incredible adaptability.

History

The history of Keibul Lamjao National Park is closely intertwined with the fate of the Sangai deer. In the early 20th century, the Sangai population dwindled drastically due to habitat destruction and hunting, reaching near extinction levels by the mid-20th century. Recognizing the critical need for conservation, the area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1959. However, the conservation efforts faced challenges, and the habitat continued to degrade. It wasn't until 1977 that Keibul Lamjao was officially designated as a national park, specifically to protect the dwindling Sangai population and its unique floating habitat. The park's establishment marked a significant turning point in the conservation of this rare deer, leading to a gradual recovery of its numbers. The declaration of the park also brought international attention to the unique ecological phenomenon of the phumdis in Loktak Lake, highlighting its importance as a biodiversity hotspot.