Jump to content
IndiaDivine.org

Kashmiri Hangul under threat

Rate this topic


Guest guest

Recommended Posts

*

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=22_11_2007 & ItemID=31 & cat=1

*

*Kashmiri Hangul faces extinction threat*

*From 3000-5000 In Early '90s, Only 190 Left*

 

*ARIF SHAFI WANI*

 

Srinagar, Nov, 21: Kashmiri stag or hangul, one of the world's most

endangered species, is on the verge of extinction due to increasing

interference in its habitations. Experts blame excessive livestock grazing,

predation, inbreeding population, habitant degradation and forest fires for

the declining population.

Scientifically known as Cervus elaphus hanglu, hangul is the only surviving

race of the Red Deer family of Europe in the sub-continent. The animal is

battling for its survival in its last bastion—the Dachigam National Park

located on foothills of Zabarwan range on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Known for its magnificent antlers with 11 to 16 points, hangul was once

distributed widely in the mountains of Kashmir. During early '90s, their

number was believed to be about 3,000-5,000.

Kashmir's shikar map prepared by Maharaja Hari Singh depicts distribution

of hangul in a radius of 40 km spreading from Karen in Kishenganga

catchments over to Dorus in Lolab Valley, Erin catchments in Bandipora to

Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh through Baltal to Aru, Tral, and

Kishtwar

Gradually, the hangul population declined to about 1,000-2,000 in 1947 and

subsequently as low as 250 in '70s.

According to the population estimation carried by the Department of

Wildlife Protection and subsequent analysis by Wildlife Institute of India

(WII), the hangul population has been reduced in between 117 to 190. The

hanguls are now scattered within 141 sq km of the Dachigam National Park.

In 2006, the hangul sex ratio was 21 males per 100 females. The fawn-female

ratio seems to be an important concern as it shows significant decline from

23 fawns to 9 fawns per 100 females between 2004 and 2006.

" The current trends indicate that the species could go extinct if necessary

serious interventions are not made immediately, " states a group of

scientists from the WII who had recently carried survey on hangul.

Quoting previous studies, the researchers have highlighted the problems

confronting hangul due to disease transmissions from the sheep and goats

leading to vulnerability of the species due to health problems.

" Habitat degradation due to the collection of firewood, small timber and

palatable foliage for cattle by local people has also been reported and

strongly recommended that in order to maintain suitable food available for

hangul in winter, the habitat degradation must be completely stopped, " it

states.

As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural

Resources (IUCN) Red List of threatened species assessment the hangul was

categorized as endangered in 1996. Taking hangul's current population

structure, distribution, area of occupancy, number of maturing individuals,

fluctuations in the number of mature individuals and female fawn ratio, the

scientists recommend its inclusion into IUCN's critical endangered category.

 

Researchers point out that the Upper Dachigam area which is the ideal and

traditional summer habitat of hangul has been abandoned by it. " This may be

due to disturbances by livestock and the grazers who camp in the upper

Dachigam during summer. Competition for food, disease transmission from

livestock to hangul, harassment by sheep, dogs, and other disturbances to

hangul by humans could be the reasons. The upper Dachigam area should be

made free from livestock and human use to enable hangul use their

traditional summer ranges and not remain confined to the lower Dachigam

only " the report states.

The scientists indicate that decline in hangul population presumed to be a

reflection of continued degradation of hangul population due to possible

predation by the common leopard (Panthera Pardus).

Concentration of hangul only in lower Dachigam, the report states may also

be due to provision of supplementary feed and salt at certain locations in

this area during winter by the Department of Wildlife Protection. Hangul

habitat degradation could be a factor, largely due to human use.

" Frequent uncontrolled fires in the recent years may have adverse effects

on hangul population, by removing escape cover. Besides, habitat

degradation, poaching and lack of connectivity between the relic populations

and the main (Dachigam) population could be another reason for the overall

decline of hangul population in the mountains of Kashmir (historical

range), " it states.

Chief Wildlife Warden A K Shrivastava said the department too was concerned

over decrease in hangul population. " We have prepared a plan for hangul

conservation and it will be hopefully sanctioned soon. The plan envisages

in-situ breeding of hangul and restoration of its summer habitats in

Dachigam National Park and conservation of its relic habitations like

Khanmoh and Wangath, " Shrivastava said.

He said though there are no reports of poaching of hangul from last few

years, still the department has formed special teams to check it.

Wildlife Warden Central Rashid Naqash who also monitors Dachigam National

Park said, " Leopards and bears are found in many places but hangul is now

only present in Kashmir. As citizen of this state we should be concerned

over future, survival and future of hangul. It is a state animal and our

pride. It is high time for government and people to join hands and save the

hangul from extinction. "

Regional Wildlife Warden, Farooq Geelani, said, " Our priority is to restore

the habitat of hangul and we have taken up the matter with state as well as

central government. We will shortly launch massive awareness campaign for

hangul conservation and seek help of national and international experts for

preserving its diminishing population. "

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...