Kashmir stag : Increase In Number
The unique Kashmir stag (Hangul) the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir, has again shown a marginal increase in its population.
- Kashmir stag is also called Hangul which is a subspecies of Central Asian red deer endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas.
- It is found in dense riverine forests in the high valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.
- In Kashmir, it is found primarily in the Dachigam National Park where it receives protection.
- A small population has also been witnessed in Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary in south Kashmir.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- CITES : Appendix I
Dachigam National Park:
- The actual beauty of the park lies in the deep valleys, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures.
- Being located in a mountainous area, Dachigam National Park faces a huge variation in altitude that ranges from 1600 m to 4200 m above sea level.
- This variation in altitude categorises Dachigam National Park into two regions- the upper region and the lower region.
- Flora: It is extremely rich in Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak and Willow etc.
- Fauna: Hangul (Kashmir Stag), Musk deer, Brown Bear, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Himalayan black bear, and a few species of wild goats like the markhor and ibex.
