Manipur: Rare Serow Fawn rescued in Tamenglong, handed over for conservation

Imphal: A Serow fawn (Manipuri: Sabeng), a rare and endangered wildlife species that was safely rescued in Impa Village, Tousem Sub-Division, Tamenglong District, was handed over to the Manipur Zoological Garden for preservation and conservation.

The fawn was rescued by Keijuilung Pame, a resident of Impa village, who handed it over to A. Promeshwor Singh, Range Forest Officer, Tousem.

Subsequently, the Tamenglong Forest Division, led by Kharibam Hitler Singh, District Forest Officer, Tamenglong, with the support of staff from the Tousem Range, transported and officially handed over the fawn to Dr L. Saratchandra Singh, Veterinary Officer, Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroishemba, Imphal, at around 9:30 AM on November 28, 2025.

The serow, a very rare species found in Manipur and the Himalayan regions, is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It is an Appendix I species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Traditionally in Manipur, Serow (Sabeng) bones are believed to have great power for the healing of broken bones, and thus the demand for the animal is high.

Besides these beliefs, the animal is hunted and killed randomly for its meat, leading to its near extinction. Loss of wildlife habitats due to human encroachment and other natural disasters also contributes to the possible extinction of the animal.

Kharibam Hitler Singh, District Forest Officer, appealed to all concerned villagers and people not to kill the animals.

As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, persons who trap, seize, sell, or kill wild animals may be punished with imprisonment up to three years or a fine of Rs 25,000 or both.

He appreciated the responsible act of the citizen and the commitment of the forest officials in safeguarding wildlife and promoting conservation.