- Kashmir’s Hangul, a shy and endangered species of deer, has had a successful breeding season, indicating a bright future for its population in Dachigam National Park.
- This spring, the Hangul population could top 300 for the first time in more than 30 years.
About Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
| Details | |
| Scientific Name | Cervus hanglu |
| Habitat | Jammu and Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh have dense riverine forests in their high valleys and mountains. |
| Geographic Range | Endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas |
| Distribution | Located primarily in Dachigam National Park, with a small population in Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| Conservation Status | IUCN: Critically Endangered.Appendix I of CITES, and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provide the greatest level of protection. |
Threats To Hanguls
- Predator Concerns: Hangul is under threat from predators like as leopards and Asiatic Black Bears, demanding additional research and surveillance.
- Environmental Concerns: Drying drainages and snowless glacier areas in Dachigam pose questions about habitat viability, highlighting the influence of climate change.
About Dachigam National Park
- Dachigam National Park has diverse flora and wildlife, including deep valleys, rocky outcrops, wooded slopes, and alpine pastures.
- The park is separated into upper and lower parts, with heights ranging from 1600 m to 4200 m above sea level. Each zone has its own environment.
- The park is home to a wide variety of plant species, including wild cherry, pear, plum, walnut, oak, pine, and elm, sustaining a biodiverse habitat.
- Apart from hangul, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including musk deer, brown bears, leopards, Himalayan black bears, jungle cats, and wild goat species such as markhor and ibex.
Source: https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/hangul-population-witnesses-marginal-rise-in-kashmir/