Kashmir’s Hangul Population hits 289 in 2023, projected to reach 300 by 2025

Srinagar, Jan 06: After decades of decline, Kashmir’s Hangul population is finally on the rise, with numbers projected to exceed 300 by 2025—marking a milestone not seen in over 30 years. The Hangul, the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir, has faced a sharp drop in population since 1947. In that year, an estimated 2,000 Hanguls roamed the region, but by 1968, their numbers had dwindled to just 384. The decline worsened over the years, particularly during the 1990s. By 1988, the population was around 1,000, but by 1992, it had plummeted to just 140-160 individuals, largely due to habitat disruptions caused by the surge in terrorism.
In an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir, Parvez Ahmad Wani, Wildlife Warden for Central Division Srinagar, shared that 289 Hanguls were recorded in 2023. He expressed optimism that by the next census in 2025, the population will surpass 300.
Dachigam National Park, located near Srinagar, remains the last known sanctuary for the Hangul, which holds significant cultural importance in Kashmiri heritage. Experts and wildlife authorities are committed to the animal’s conservation and recovery.
Wani explained that Dachigam, once a royal hunting ground, became a national park in the 1990s. “While Hangul is the flagship species of the park, it also hosts 16 species of mammals, 66 species of butterflies, 166 species of birds, and 36 species of trees,” he noted. “Hangul is prioritized due to its status as an endemic and endangered species.”
According to the most recent 2023 census, the Hangul population increased from 261 in 2021 to 289 in 2023—a positive trend that follows a steep decline during the 1990s, a period marked by terrorism and habitat destruction. “We remain hopeful that the population will continue to rise in the 2025 census,” Wani added, pointing out the steady growth since 2017.
Efforts to conserve the Hangul have been ongoing since the 1990s, supported by the central government through various initiatives to enhance feeding and breeding grounds, as well as anti-poaching measures.
“The park is crucial for Hangul’s survival, but the species is also found in other conservation reserves such as Dara, Brain Nishat, and Tral Wildlife Sanctuary, extending to the Taj Mahal Wildlife Sanctuary,” Wani explained.
He emphasized the importance of anti-poaching camps and constant patrolling as vital parts of the conservation strategy. “Since 2015, no poaching incidents have been reported, thanks to strengthened protective measures,” he said.
Wani also highlighted that supplemental feeding during winter is crucial for Hangul’s survival, as snow often covers its natural feeding grounds. “We provide green leafy vegetables and fruits to ensure they have enough to eat during the harsh winter months,” he explained.
Despite occasional sightings in human settlements, the Hangul poses no threat to people. Wani pointed out that human-wildlife conflicts are primarily caused by other animals, such as leopards and bears. “These species venture into villages in search of food, particularly where horticultural crops or stray dogs are present,” he said.
He noted that proper waste management can significantly reduce human-wildlife conflict by preventing the attraction of stray dogs, which in turn draw predators like leopards. “Managing waste responsibly helps reduce food sources for stray dogs and minimizes the risks of these conflicts,” he added.