Albino Sangai is not a good sign, says PFA; urges Govt to set up second home

IMPHAL, Oct 12
The report of an albino (white) Sangai born at Keibul Lamjao is a matter of grave concern. It is not a good sign and authorities concerned should take up all measures to ascertain the health condition of the albino Sangai and entire Sangai population to save the species from all related diseases, said People For Animals today.
Albino/albinism is lack of skin colour pigment known as melanin.
It is an inherited condition resulting from the combination of recessive alleles passed from both parents of an individual/animal. It is not a good sign as it is associated with or may cause number of diseases, said People For Animals in a statement.
The reason for the Sangai being born an albino must be a direct result of closed housing or concentration of the population in one confined habitat. Mating among close blood related parents usually gives rise to such offsprings (albino), said PFA pointing out the danger associated with such practices. The entire Sangai population may go extinct if they are kept concentrated at a small or confined habitat, added PFA.
PFA also shed light that the albino Sangai may have eye defects and even cancer. Due to lack of skin pigment, the albino Sangai will have little to no protection against sunlight /Ultra Violet (UV) radiation which increases the chance of the deer contracting cancer, said PFA.
Government, Forest Department and all related authorities should take up prompt actions and precautions to ensure safety and health of all Sangai population. Arrangement or setting up of a second home of the species is one important solution to the problem, said PFA.
Sangai is an endangered rare species of brow antlered deer found only on the floating National Park Keibul Lamjao, Loktak Lake. It is also the State animal.