Valley’s Hangul population shows marginal increase: Census

Srinagar, June 27: In a recent census conducted by the Department of Wildlife Protection, the population of the iconic Kashmiri royal stag, Hangul, has shown a marginal increase. The census reveals the population trend of Hangul over the years, with the numbers fluctuating but ultimately displaying a slight growth.
The Hangul, scientifically known as Cervuscanadensishanglu, is endemic to the Kashmir Valley and holds significant ecological and cultural importance. Its population decline has been a cause for concern among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. The recent census, providing an insight into the current population status, serves as a valuable tool for policymakers and stakeholders to further strengthen conservation measures.
In 2004, the population was recorded at 197, which decreased to 153 in 2005. However, the population showed a gradual recovery, reaching 289 in 2023. Although this increase is considered encouraging, it is important to note that there has not been a significant rise in the overall population of Hangul.
The census, conducted in March of this year and released last month, highlighted certain concerns. The male-to-female and female-to-fawn ratios were found to be skewed, possibly due to unidentified Hangul individuals during the counting process.
AltafHussain, DFO Wildlife, Central Division (Srinagar), expressed his satisfaction with the marginal increase in the Hangul population, emphasizing the effectiveness of the conservation measures in place. He also emphasized the need to preserve the untouched habitat of Hangul, as it remains a major threat to this rare species.
The recent camera trap sightings in Tral Wildlife Sanctuary, which captured 14 individuals, have provided encouraging evidence of Hangul’s presence. Additionally, photographic evidence from Wangat Conservation Reserve suggests that habitats outside Dachigam National Park could potentially support a contiguous population of Hangul at the landscape level.
The census report stressed the importance of habitat improvement measures and landscape-level planning to ensure the long-term conservation of Hangul and other wildlife. However, it also highlighted the need for ex-situ conservation efforts, such as successful captive breeding, and further research to understand the skewed demographic ratios and associated factors.
Moreover, the census pointed out that habitat degradation caused by biotic interferences in lower Dachigam and poaching has significantly contributed to the decline of Hangul in recent years. Livestock grazing in upper Dachigam has also been identified as a potential long-term threat, including the transmission of diseases.
To address these challenges, the census recommends special attention and immediate management and conservation efforts in specific corridors, such as Surfrao/Akhal and Kangan blocks of Sindh Reserve Forest. These areas have shown significant movement of Hangul, validated through scientific studies using satellite telemetry and camera trapping.
The Department of Wildlife Protection acknowledged the contributions of researchers and volunteers from various institutions, including the University of Kashmir, SKUAST-K, Wildlife Trust of India, Wildlife SOS, and Wildlife Research and Conservation Fund, for their active participation in the census.
Hangul, the state animal of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, is a critically endangered species listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Immediate and effective management and conservation interventions are crucial to prevent the extinction of this majestic creature that inhabits the temperate coniferous forests of the Western Himalayas in J&K.