Hangul population in J&K sees uptick, wildlife dept elated

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Last Updated22/08/2023

After two years, the unique Kashmir stag (Hangul), the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir, has again shown a marginal increase in its population.

Also called Hangul, it 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

Being located in a mountainous area, Dachigam National Park faces a huge variation in altitude.
This variation in altitude categorises Dachigam National Park into two regions viz. 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.