Manipuri pony on the verge of extinction

Manipuri pony on the verge of extinction
By Phanjoubam Chingkheinganba

Everincreasing encroachment and human habitation on natural habitat of ponies, inthe state of Manipur, which gave polo to the world currently faces "criticalendangerment" with its number dwindling at an alarming rate.

Reportsfrom State Veterinary department put the number of ponies 1893 in 2003 to 1218in 2007 to little over 1000 in 2012 to an approximate 750 this year.

However,a random and voluntary survey conducted by the Manipur Polo Society supportedby Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association and multiple other polo clubs in2014 revealed there was less than 300 ponies surviving at that time.

SecretaryN Ibungochoubi of Manipur Pony Society, interacting with Pratidin Time, saiddespiye the matter being "extremely serious" the satus of Manipur ponies have not yet been declared as"critically endangered" despite existing norms requires that animals with apopulation less than 2000 are to be considered as "critically endangered" whilethose below 10,000 are to be considered as endangered.

ManipurPonies, believed to descendants of Asian wild horse, is one of the five horsebreed in the country that are recognized by the GoI but still remains neglectedwith just one farm measuring around 9 acres at Lamphelpat, at the foothills ofImphal West district, being allotted for preservation.

Internationalpolo players of the state, members of Polo Association unanimously agrees thatthe main reason of dwindling reason is the rapid encroachment of wetlands whichare natural habitats of ponies, thereby forcing the ponies to come outside ofits habitat. This leads to "road accidents, food poisoning and consumption ofindigestible and garbage wastes including plastics from dumping grounds" saidIbungochoubi adding such consumption leads to "Colik" a fatal disease whichaffect the horses.

"Theratio of death rate and birth rate is highly unbalanced with death rate beingfar higher than its birth rate as horses gives birth once a year only" said thepolo enthusiast.

Ibungochoubireminded that Imphal valley is a lacustrine valley which provides a naturalbio-diversity which is favourable for breeding ponies. Unfortunately, unplannedconstruction and illegal encroachment have severely destroyed this natural giftleading to the diminishing of the ponies.

Internationalpolo player Kake Meitei said if instant measures are not taken up, thepossibility of total extinction within a decade is for certain and that "it isvery hurtful to see the dwindling population of ponies but helpless to preserveit due to lack of government support and indifference of people who privatelyowns horses."

"Weare the only people in the world who worship ponies from mythical times andhighly revered the horses in the bygone eras as it protected the small kingdomof Manipur in their consistent battles with the gigantic Myanmar" ex-Presidentof Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association N Tombi Raj said.

Giventhe grim situation faced by the ponies, the government in November, 2016, haveformulated the "Policy on Conservation of Manipuri Pony" but actual works areyet to begin despite almost three years of its introduction.

Related Stories

No stories found.

No stories found.
latest-assam-news-breaking-news-assam>>latest-assam-news-breaking-news-assam/manipuri-pony-on-the-verge-of-extinction
logo
Pratidin Time
www.pratidintime.com