The Dachigam National Park, nestled in the Kashmir Valley amid the Zabarwan mountains, faces imminent peril due to escalating urbanization in its vicinity, according to a study published in the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment journal in September 2023. Over the past 55 years, built-up areas surrounding the park expanded by a staggering 325 percent, resulting in habitat degradation and loss. The research, utilizing remote sensing and GIS technology, forecasts a 10 percent increase in future urban development, further threatening forests, shrublands, and pastures. The park, a vital conservation reserve, hosts endangered species like the hangul (Kashmir stag) and supports Dal Lake, a crucial water source for Srinagar city. The study highlights a 7 percent reduction in forest cover within the park and a 39 percent decline in natural habitat, indicating habitat fragmentation. The findings underscore the urgent need for sewage treatment plants and efficient mechanisms to safeguard th
SRINAGAR: The elusive Kashmir stag, known locally as Hangul, has been frequently sighted in Gurez Valley of North Kashmir's Bandipora district. Renowned for its 11 to 16-point antlers, the Hangul, once considered a subspecies of the European red deer, is now recognised as an independent species by w.
Hokersar -The Heaven of Migratory Birds. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
After Hokersar wetland, the wildlife authorities had a humanitarian show at Dachigam national park, where they made arrangements of food for Hangul, the Kashmir stag. As it snowed heavily this year, the officials witnessed that the deer came down to the park in search of food and they said that its movement increased this year so extra care was taken to ensure that they get enough food. The Hangul is the only surviving Red Deer sub-species in the Indian subcontinent. The magnificent mammal has been declared as a ‘critically endangered species’ by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Known for its giant antlers bearing 11 to 16 points, the Hangul has been hunted for centuries which lead to its population plunging to 150 (as of 2017). Once found in high altitude regions of Northern India, the Kashmir Stag is now confined to only Dachigam National Park in Kashmir and its population has remai
Dachigam National Park arranges food for Hangul pakistantelegraph.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pakistantelegraph.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.