wildlife of manipur

Wildlife - a rich natural heritage of Manipur:

Even though Manipur is a tiny state in the North Eastern Fringes of
India, she is exceedingly rich in natural resources with a vast and
varied fauna heritage. This region is included in the same Zoological
province as the forest region of the Himalayas with the same gradation
from tropical to temperate vegetation. The distribution and character of
animal life is also similar, but in addition distinctly Malayan type
fauna is traceable all through the province with an intermingling of
peculiar forms. This results in the diversity and peculiarity of the
Wildlife found in Manipur.


Problems and Prospects:

It is quite unfortunate that a large number of birds and animals have
become extinct in Manipur that too, in the recent past. The Javan
Rhinoceros was seen roaming along the Khuga river valley in
Churachandpur district as late as the beginning of 20th century, but now
it is extinct from Manipur and hence from India. The wild Ox of Myanmar
(Bantering) know as 'Santhou' in Manipuri was last seen thirty years
ago. In all probability these animals have vanished from the Manipur
soil forever. The Hoolock Gibbon, Stump Tailed macaques, Slow Loris,
Clouded Leopard, Golden Cat, Marbled Cat, Banturong, Spotted Linsang,
Malayan Sun Bear, Smooth Indian Otter, Hog Badger, Malayan Gaint
Squirrel, the Serow (Sabeng) and most other denizens of forest are
making a precarious existence in the forests of Manipur, and all of them
are on the verge of extinction.

Among the birds, the White Wood Duck, Pink Headed Duck, Grey-Leg Goose,
Mallard, Brahminy Duck, Clucking-teal, Plover, Hooded Crane, Brown
Headed gull, Avocat White ibis, Glossy Ibis, Indian Shag, Open Bill
stork, Black Necked Stork, and a host of others have become extremely
rare, and many of them are probably extinct from the State.

The reasons for the dwindling wildlife are not far to seek. An explosion
of human population with diverse and intense human activities have had
far reaching effects on Wildlife. Rapid deforestation resulting in
habitat destruction coupled with indiscriminate hunting of birds and
animals have threatened many species with extinction. In the hills,
where people pride themselves as traditional hunters, it would be a pity
soon enough if they are left with no animal to hunt at all. It needs to
be admitted that messages of conservation are yet to reach the interior
hills of Manipur, and even so, only the economic development of the
people would enable them to overcome the compulsion of over exploiting
the living natural resources of the State.

In order to prevent the destruction of Wildlife in the State, as early
as 1931, Captain CLW harvey, the then President of Manipur State Darbar
promulgated the Game Rules of Manipur. The Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972 was introduced in Manipur State from the 15th May, 1973, thereby
offering legal protection to all forms of wildlife in the state. In
accordance with the advice of the Wildlife Advisory Board, the Manipur
Zoological Garden, Iroishenba, at the Western hill side of Imphal, was
established on 2 October 1976 where captive breeding of rare and endemic
species are being under taken. The Manipur Zoological Garden, as of
today, is the jewel box of rare animals some of which are found only in
this part of the country.

Information of the Wildlife of Manipur is incomplete without a specific
reference to the nominate species of the Elds' deer, locally known as
Sangai (Cervus Eldi Eldi, Mc. Clelland, 1842). Once believed to extinct,
this raremost cervid was rediscovered in the year 1953. The unique
habitat of this most threatened cervid in the world constitute mostly of
floating mats of vegetation (known locally as phum/phumdi) on Loktak
Lake. The habitat of this deer comprising of 40 sq.km. was declared as a
National Park in the year 1977. Though not a spectacular increase, the
population from about 14 heads in 1974, has grown to 147 individuals in
1997. In this fragile eco-system, this endemic deer still faces the
danger of extinction. All our efforts are being made by the Wildlife
Wing of the Forest Department with the active co-operation of local
people to save this race of deer.

The most deciduous forests of the Indo-Myanmar border areas sustain rare
flora and fauna. Of late, in one year, six species of plants new to
India and two species new to science were described from these forests
and there are still many more plants and animals yet to be identified
and named. An area of 184 sq. kms. of these for are given legal
protection of Wildlife Sanctuary and with proper management, there is
hope that these rich forests with their denizens could be preserved for
posterity. This could therefore be possible only with the active
co-operation of the local people.

The Shiroy Kasom hill range, the habitat of the endemic ground lily,
Siroy lilly (Lilium macklinease) and also the habitat of Mrs. Hume's
barredback pheasant and Blyth's tragopan are now proposed to be declared
as a National Park. The Keilam hill ranges that host extremely rare
species of animals particularly Horn Bills has been declared as a
Sanctuary. Similarly Zeliad lake also has been initially notified as a
Wildlife Sanctuary. It is hoped that they will be finally declared very
soon.

The Dzuko valley is yet another region presenting a rich multitude of
flora and fauna in Manipur. Some areas of this valley still remain
undisturbed by human activities and it is worth while to turn this vast
valley in a Biosphere Reserve so that its splendid genetic diversity
could be preserved for posterity.

Every year a 'Wild Life Week' is observed to highlight the importance
Wildlife Conservation and emphasize on the need to take immense steps
for the preservation of our natural resources. As a part of the
observation of the Week, essay writing competitions, painting, and
pencil sketch competitions are held for the students in the State. Film
shows on Wildlife would be screened at different places in all the seven
days of the week. Broadcasts on related topics from knowledgeable
persons are expected to bring about the problem and prospect of Wildlife
conservation in Manipur. The schools and colleges can generate a great
deal of interest in Wildlife topics by arranging meetings, debating
competitions, quiz programs, etc. Similarly, if all the non government
agencies which are active in the field of socio-economic development of
the state were to take up the cause of wildlife much could be achieved.
The Forest Department would once again appeal to one and all to
contribute whole-heartedly in the noble task of conservation of
Wildlife. ?Grow Trees for Prosperity, Preserve Forest and Wildlife'.


Wildlife Sanctuaries:

A. Protected Area network in Manipur:

1. Keibul Lamjao National Park 40 sq. km.
2. Yangoupokpi Lakchao Wildlife Sanctuary 184.8 sq. km.
3. Orchid Preservation Plot 0.5 sq. km.
4. Second home of Sangai (Iroisenba) 0.6 sq. km.

B. Protected Areas initially declared as Wildlife Sanctuary:

1. Keilam Wildlife Sanctuary 187.5 sq. km.
2. Zeliad Wildlife Sanctuary 21.0 sq. km.

Pung cholom

Pung or Manipuri Mridanga is the soul of Manipuri Sankritana music and Classical Manipuri Dance. It assumes an important ritual character, an indispensable part of all social and devotional ceremonies in Manipur, - the instrument itself becoming an object of veneration. Pung Cholom is performed as an invocatory number preceding the Sankirtana and Ras Lila. It is a highly refined classical dance number characterised by the modulation of sound from a soft whisper to a thunderous climax. There is the interplay of intricate rhythms and cross rhythms with varying markings of time from the slow to the quick with graceful and vigorous body movements leading to ecstatic heights.

RAS- LEELA OF MANIPUR

Manipuri is one of the most beautiful dance styles of India. Nurtured in the mountainous region of the northeast, it takes its name from the name of the area, Manipur, which is now a state. Manipur literally means a jewel of a land, and the state is set like a gem in the verdant hills. The legend goes that the gods drained a lake in the beautiful countryside in order to find a place to dance. No wonder then, that dance is an inherent part of the rituals of daily life, such as weddings and homage to ancestors.






Among the important constituents of the Manipuri repertoire are the Sankirtana and the Raas Leela, based on the devotional theme of Krishna and Radha. The Raas Leela depicts the cosmic dance of Krishna and the cowherd maidens. The beautiful embroidered skirts of the dancers, long and flared from the waist, and the transluscent veils, along with Krishna's costume with the tall peacock feather crown, add to the radiant appearance of this dance, as the performers sway and twirl to an ascending tempo.

The Ras Lila, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance is inter-woven through the celestial and eternal love of Radha and Krishna as has been described in the Hindu scriptures and reveals the sublime and transcendental love of Krishna and Radha and the Gopies' devotion to the Lord. It is generally performed in an enclosure in front of the temple throughout the night and watched with a deep sense of devotion. Ras performances are seasonal and varied and performed at the temple of Shree Shree Govindajee in Imphal on the nights of Basanta Purnima, Sarada Purnima and Kartik Purnima and at local temples later. As to the composition, the performance is a combination of solo, duet and group dances. This highly stylised form of dance has sublimity, subtlety and grace. The richness of the costumes gives lustre to the beauty of the art.

information about Manipur

Manipur has a population of 23.88 lakhs (2001 Census provisional figure). Of the total population, 58.9% live in the valley and the remaining 41.1% are in the hill areas. The hills are inhabited mainly by the tribals and the valley by the Meiteis (including Meitei Muslims). The distribution of area, population and density, literacy rate, etc. as per the 2001 Census provisional figures are as below:

Total Population (Nos.): 23,88,634
Male Population ( " ) : 12,07,338
Female Population ( " ): 11,81,296
Rural Population ( " ) : 18,18,224
Urban Population ( " ) : 5,70,410
Sex Ratio (Female per '000 Male) : 978
Density of Population ( Per Sq. Km.): 107
Literate Population (Nos.): 14,29,656 (68.87%)

want to become an animator??

pop quiz: Which was the first ever full-length animated feature film?

Before we get into which one it was, consider this statement by Walt Disney: 'I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I've ever known.'

There has to be a certain amount of truth in that statement. That little mouse -- who first appeared in October 1928 -- has inspired generations of children and adults, made millions giggle like teenagers, and earned some people a whole lot of money.

Let's face it. There will always be those who find Pinocchio a lot more interesting than Preity Zinta.

For this select bunch, animation is fast becoming a hugely interesting way to make a living.

And, considering the interest now shown by biggies like Walt Disney and Warner Bros in Indian companies, the money they are being paid doesn't hurt either.

"It's fun," says Allwyn Rodrigues, a programmer who might just make the move to animation. "Thanks to Business Process Outsourcing, animators who were earning small sums a few years ago are now being paid big bucks on account of the work coming in from the US."

So, how do you become an animator?

What are the courses you can take to help you make it?

Are there certain skills you must possess if you want to become an animator?

Where do you go from there?

Animation isn't for everyone!

First of all, animation isn't for everyone. You have to love the art form.

More important, those who are artistic, creative and innovative stand a better chance of shining in the field.

After all, it isn't just about making mice run across a screen. Today, an animator in India can find himself or herself doing anything from cartoon films and video games to promos for television serials.

Ask Vanitha Rangaraju-Ramanan. This woman went from Trichy in Tamil Nadu to the team that won an Oscar for 2002's animated film Shrek.

Vanitha works as a Lighting Technical Director, and was part of the team responsible for bringing the components of a shot together in Shrek.

So, is there a market?

You bet. All we had a few months ago was Cartoon Network. Now, almost all channels devote at least a couple of hours to animated content alone.

Consider this as well: Going by the amount of outsourcing currently coming our way, India needs over 20,000 animators. We have less than 4,000!


Absolute newbies in animation will find themselves facing options like 3D and 2D. Then there is computer-generated animation, animation for films, animation for television and multimedia animation.

2D relies on an animator's artistic abilities with ink and paint. It is the kind of work thought of and delivered on paper or cells (like the frames you see in a cartoon strip). Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, for instance.

3D is a whole other ball of wax. This is a creation delivered with the help of models and sets. Remember the film Chicken Run? Or Toy Story? It also depends on an animator's artistic abilities in modelling.

While 2D involves the placing of each cell before an animation camera and then filming it, 3D animation calls for models to be placed on a set, with body postures manipulated shot by shot. The result is a sequence of movements that is realistic.

Before you join an institute

While joining an institute that offers courses in animation would be an obvious beginning, here are some things you should consider:

1. Do your homework. Do not, for even a minute, assume all courses offered are of the same calibre.

2. You might want to contact these institutes, sit down with faculty and understand their individual strengths before signing off an amount of money to them.

3. Ask questions. Meet people in the industry.

4. Consider the going employment rate after the completion of a particular programme.

5. See if the institute has tie-ups with professionals outside.

6. Check if practical experience is being offered.

7. Find out if they can help you find a job once you have finished the course.

"When I decided to dabble in animation, I did ask a number of institutes about the kind of courses they were offering," says Jasbir Bolar, who relies on animation to support his ventures into advertising online.

"I was surprised by the number of institutes in Mumbai alone, which made picking a course difficult. I opted for software like 'Director' and 'Premier' for my work on 2D animation, moving on to '3D Max' for everything on 3D. Eventually, I picked a course by matching the content offered with my personal requirements. That, I think, is the best way to do it."


What skills do you need to become an animator?

Artistic ability is obviously the most important.

There are other skills that always help though, such as self-motivation, a tremendous amount of patience -- ever tried moving a character centimetre by centimetre to build a sequence that lasts for a minute? -- as well as an ability to communicate easily and work as a team.

Also, mastering the basics of script writing, stop-motion photography and editing would be a definite plus.

Remember, animators often work completely in isolation. They do everything from writing a script and creating a storyboard, to directing, producing and editing their work.

The right age?

There is simply no right age to begin.

You could start now, if you liked, with something simple like a flick book -- pieces of paper with characters moving page by page, creating the illusion of movement when the pages are flipped.

You could also think of possible storylines or try your hand at creating characters with clay modelling.

One more thing

The skills you develop as an animator don't belong to cartoon films alone.

They can be used in a whole lot of other ways. When it comes to making an animated film, an animator is just a cog in the wheel.

There are assistant animators, background and layout artists, visual development artists, animators working on effects alone, storyboard artists, graphic designers -- the list can be pretty exhausting.


While the courses you have access to have a lot to do with where you live, checking what's online can help in some way.

1. There are eight-month courses at institutes like Escotoonz in New Delhi. Their animation services include everything from pre-production and layout posing, to backgrounds, key animation, digital compositing, post-production, flash and 3D animation. You can join the minute you clear your higher secondary examination.

2. Companies like Mumbai-based Crest Communications, and institutes like Arena Multimedia or Pentamedia, also offer courses that are useful.

3. Residents of Delhi also have the option of studying for papers on animation offered by:

Chandigarh College Of Arts
Sector 10C
Chandigarh 160 010

OR

College of Art
Tilak Marg
New Delhi 110 001

The next step

1. You might want to consider creating a showreel of animated sequences you have worked on, because that is what potential employers may ask for.

2. You could also create a portfolio of character designs and storyboards.

How to start a restaurant
Make your job work for you
The moolah

Depending on your level of expertise, a newbie could walk away with a minimum of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. That figure can go up astronomically as your experience increases.

Here's another reason why you should consider the line. It is not going to disappear in a hurry. Hollywood is increasingly turning to animators, not just for full-fledged films, but also for special sequences.

The recent hit, Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow, is an excellent example of animation and sheer computer power taken to the limit. All that changes is, well, the software.

PS: Those who yelled Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs to answer the question at the beginning of this article ought to start making a few calls at once!

Illustration: Dominic Xavier