A recent 19-year study monitoring the Hangul, or Kashmir stag, within Dachigam National Park reveals alarming findings despite protective measures. The Hangul, a critically endangered subspecies of red deer unique to the Indian subcontinent, faces the imminent threat of extinction. The population viability analysis suggests a likelihood of further decline, citing concerns such as skewed sex ratios, increased calf mortality, and habitat-related challenges like fragmentation, poaching, and ecological threats. Despite the Hangul's high conservation priority status and protection under Indian wildlife laws, the study underscores the need for immediate global attention and intervention. While the annual survey notes a marginal increase in Hangul numbers, the overall population stability masks underlying issues like habitat degradation and low genetic variability. The study recommends multifaceted conservation strategies, including monitoring calf survival, reducing livestock presence,
The third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting begins in Kashmir’s Srinagar Monday amid a tight security blanket. There have been reports of a plot to carry out a 26/11-type attack and terror threat to schools. The itinerary of foreign delegates has been altered with a visit to Gulmarg cancelled
KATHUA The Punjab and Haryana High Court, which is the trial court for the sensational Kathua rape of an 8-year old nomad girl, has suspended the remaining sentence of Anand Dutta, a Police officer who was convicted for destruction of evidence.