In the news
- Kashmir’s Hangul, a shy and endangered species of deer, has exhibited a robust breeding season, suggesting a hopeful future for its population in the Dachigam National Park.
- The Hanguls population could surpass 300 this spring, marking the first time in over 30 years.
About Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
|
Details |
| Scientific Name |
Cervus hanglu |
| Habitat |
Dense riverine forests in high valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, northern Himachal Pradesh |
| Geographic Range |
Endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas |
| Distribution |
- Primarily found in Dachigam National Park;
- Small population in Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
|
| Conservation Status |
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection)
|
Threats to Hanguls
- Predator Concerns: Hangul faces threats from predators like leopards and Asiatic Black Bears, necessitating further research and monitoring.
- Environmental Challenges: Drying drainages and snowless glacial areas in Dachigam raise concerns about habitat sustainability, highlighting the impact of climate change.
About Dachigam National Park
- DNP boasts diverse flora and fauna, encompassing deep valleys, rocky outcrops, wooded slopes, and alpine pastures.
- Spanning altitudes from 1600 m to 4200 m above sea level, the park is divided into upper and lower regions, each harboring unique ecosystems.
- The park is home to a plethora of plant species, including wild cherry, pear, plum, walnut, oak, pine, and elm, fostering a biodiverse ecosystem.
- Apart from hangul, the park supports a variety of wildlife, including musk deer, brown bears, leopards, Himalayan black bears, jungle cats, and species of wild goats like markhor and ibex.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2012:
Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
Post your responses here.
