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eIEN South Asia

Western Himalaya Kashmir

   

WildAID KASHMIR

 

allowing threatened species to recover safe levels in Kashmir

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WildAID are now in Kashmir to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well being of both animal and people. Small, but effective, seeking to prevent further destruction of Kashmir's Wildlife and its habitat and level the playing field by infusing resources and broad-based support into campaigns to protect wildlife, captive-held animals, and biodiversity wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. WildAID Kashmir esro Kashmir Chapter sharing a vision of a world where wildlife and wild places are truly protected.  

 

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SPECIES SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PROG.

HANGUL

Cross Road of Extinction

 

Threatened by turmoil, poachers and growing human encroachment on its habitat, world famous Kashmiri stag, one of the world's most endangered species, is fighting its worst battle for its survival in its last bastion, Dachigam national park in Kashmir valley. However, there is also good news that the members of the majestic stag, popularly known as Hangul, is increasing in its natural habitat Dachigam located in outskirts of Srinagar.

The deer population in Dachigam has gone upto over 250 in 2004-05 as against 107 in 1996 and 196 in 2003 as per survey. The breakup shows 47 males, 122 females and 81 yearlings with females outnumbering males, the census shows. The growth in this majestic red deer population is due to tough measures taken by wildlife department in controlling poaching, illicit grazing and invasion of Gujjars, particularly in lower Dachigam belt during last one and half decades .

"Hangul is fighting an unending battle for its survival". However, last three years' figures show increase in its growth. In September-October 1988, a year before the onset of turmoil in J-K, the census conducted by department in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of Dehradun and Centre for Wildlife and Ornithology, Aligarh had put the population of Hangul in the area as high as 918 animals with 48:52 as male-female ratio.

 

 

Thereafter, there was an alarming decline of Hangul especially during the period of militancy in the valley from 918 in 1988 it touched its lowest-ever population 107-140 in 1996. Dachigam turned into a sanctuary for poachers, who killed over 250 Hanguls during the period of few years as wildlife officials turned a deaf ear due to fear of gun.

The Hangul has been the worst sufferer, with excessive encroachments, poaching and disturbances in breeding grounds, which not only caused a fall in their number but also an unfavourable sex ratio of 34:76 between males and females.

Herds of Hangul or Kashmir stags can be seen along the higher slopes of the Dachigam National park in Srinagar. Hangul, along with Dal lake, Wular lake, Chinar tree, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Jehlum is a symbol of Kashmir and it would be sheer misfortune for Kashmir if Hangul were to join Dodo, extinct bird.


Hangul have unfavourable sex ratio of 34:76 between males and females. The breakup shows 47 males, 122 females and 81 yearlings with females outnumbering males.The census records death of half a dozen Hangul in a week between February 28 to March 6, 2003. Five decades ago Kashmir could boast of having around 2000 animals. The decline in their number, 240 in 2006 , reflects the indifference of the people and the authorities towards this beautiful animal.


seeking human survival through wildlife protection...

  Snow Leopard
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About Hangul

 

The Hangul is an endangered species of Red Deer found in the State. The Hangul or Kashmir Stag is characterized by the spreading antlers of the adult male and its rich brownish red coat. The Hangul lives in grassy and forested hill slopes of J& K. These wild deer can also be seen in large herds in the Wardwan Valley, In the Gurez, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Talail regions. The Hangul is a large deer and the male deer have impressive antlers. The female Hangul do not have horns. The color of the Hangul's coat is a brownish red, which is why it is also called Red Deer, however this color can vary with the season and age of the Hangul. In an older Hangul the coat is a dark brown. Male Hangul stags have long hair along their necks, while female stags do not.  Hangul are usually seen in family groups. The male deer battle with their antlers to control a herd that consists of female deer and their young. The herd is lead by the dominant stag. Hangul are active during the day.

 
 
 

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