nearly extinct Kashmir antelope ‘Hangul’

• 3june2011
• Hope has kindled for the survival of the nearly extinct Kashmir antelope ‘Hangul’.  The preliminary findings of the census of Hangul conducted in Kashmir in March 2011 have shown an increase in their numbers.  
•  the conservation of Hangul in Srinagar recently revealed that census report of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has put the number of Hanguls at 218 in Dachigam and adjoining areas. 
• Critically endangered Hangul, a sub-species of red deer, is found only in Kashmir. Kashmir stag is distinct with its male species bestowed with magnificent antlers with 11 to 16 points and long hair on their necks while their female counterparts have none of these features. Nevertheless, both change their brownish fur with seasons and also with age. In the beginning of the 20th century the red deer existed in thousands. They lived in groups of 2 to 18 in dense riverine forests, high valleys, and mountains of Kashmir valley.   Unfortunately, their habitats were destroyed, their pastures over-grazed by domestic livestock, and  became victims of poaching.
• Hangul is confined today to Dachigam National Park at elevations of 3,035 meters on the outskirts of state’s summer capital Srinagar. 
• It is also proposed under the project to upgrade the natural domain of Hangul through reforestation and also initiate measures to conserve soil and improve water management and develop pastures.