After a span of two years, the Kashmir stag, also known as Hangul, the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir, has exhibited a slight rise in its population. This subspecies of Central Asian red deer, endemic to the Kashmir region, thrives in dense riverine forests of Jammu and Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.
Concentrated mainly in Dachigam National Park, with a smaller presence in Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, the Hangul faces critical endangerment. Classified as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN and under CITES Appendix I, it symbolizes the region’s ecological significance. Dachigam National Park boasts diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the survival of species like Hangul, musk deer, and Himalayan black bear.
What to study for prelims?
- Dachigam National Park: Dachigam National Park is situated in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Its diverse landscape includes deep valleys, alpine pastures, and varied altitudes (1600 m to 4200 m). The park is vital for conserving Hangul and other species.
- Flora: The park’s flora includes a rich variety of trees such as Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Apple, Walnut, Oak, and Willow. These contribute to the diverse habitat that supports various animal species.
- Fauna: Dachigam National Park is home to an array of wildlife including the Hangul (Kashmir Stag), Musk deer, Leopards, Brown Bear, Jungle Cats, Himalayan black bear, and species of wild goats like markhor and ibex.
- IUCN: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies species based on their extinction risk. The “Critically Endangered” status indicates a high risk of extinction in the wild.
- CITES Appendix I: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) categorizes species into different appendices based on their conservation status. Appendix I includes species threatened with the highest risk of extinction, and their trade is heavily regulated.
