SRINAGAR: The Department of Wildlife Protection, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has reported significant progress in the conservation of native species, particularly the Hangul, Kashmir’s indigenous red deer. Sustained efforts in habitat protection, scientific management, and recovery interventions have contributed to a notable rise in the Hangul population.
According to the 2025 census, the Hangul population in Dachigam National Park and surrounding areas has increased to 323 individuals, up from 127 recorded during the 2008 census. Officials attribute this growth to focused recovery measures, including habitat improvement, regulation of anthropogenic pressures, and protection of critical wildlife corridors. The department’s efforts are guided by approved Wildlife Management Plans and species-specific recovery strategies.
In South Kashmir, conservation interventions include the operational Conservation Breeding Centre for Hangul at Shikargah within Tral Wildlife Sanctuary. Proposals to expand this facility are under consideration. Parallel initiatives for the Markhor, another indigenous species, include habitat protection in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary and a proposed Markhor Conservation Breeding Centre submitted to the Central Zoo Authority.
The department has also strengthened wildlife education and tourism infrastructure in a controlled manner. The Mini Zoo at Pahalgam is functional and contributes to awareness and regulated visitor engagement, while proposals for site-specific wildlife interpretation and conservation education facilities are under review. Officials emphasize that tourism infrastructure is developed only in harmony with conservation objectives to minimize ecological disturbance.
Dachigam National Park has been ranked first in India in the 2025 Management Effectiveness Evaluation Report released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reflecting excellence in protected area management. Additionally, the Asian Waterbird Census–2025 recorded a record count of approximately 13.5 lakh waterbirds across Kashmir’s wetlands, indicating improved wetland health.
The department has also submitted a proposal for a Nature Interpretation Centre at Hokersar to further strengthen conservation education and public awareness. Authorities reaffirm that scientific management, habitat protection, and long-term sustainability of Kashmir’s wildlife remain the cornerstone of all conservation and ecotourism initiatives.
