Kashmiri Red Deer being protected

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http://www.my-india.net/n/2008/01/snow-affected-hanguls-enjoying-state.shtml

Snow affected Hanguls enjoying State hospitality in Jammu and Kashmir

Monday, 14 January, 2008

 

Srinagar, Jan.14 (ANI): Despite a heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of

Kashmir valley, many wild Hangul deers at the Dachigam National Park near

Srinagar are finding the wildlife sanctuary a safe haven and are comfortable

due to the special arrangements made by the wildlife rangers here for

them.

 

Found only in Kashmir in the country, Hanguls are endangered animals. These

days special arrangements have been made for their meal and security by the

personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir's forest department.

 

These deer are compelled to take refuge in the Dachigam National Park,

located 22 kilometres from Srinagar, after heavy snow covered their summer

homes in the higher reaches leading to scarcity of fodder.

Anticipating such a migration, the wildlife rangers here had made advanced

arrangements for Hanguls' safety and meal soon after the first snowfall in

the valley.

 

" To conserve Hangul is our priority. This is number one species.... For

them, the machinery (things) they need is always ready. Even the management

takes initiative so that we can conserve later too, " said Rashid Naqash,

Wildlife Warden (Central), Srinagar.

 

The special menu for the Hangul at the Dachigam National Park consists

mainly of willow sticks and salts, which is their all time favourite.

 

" We believe in the rule that we should remain very active. Hangul will stay

here, and in winter season, they will go to their summer home. I am really

happy about this, " said Nazir Ahmad, a Wildlife Ranger.

 

Dachigam is a wildlife sanctuary which is home to the endangered Hangul

species of the deer in the country. Dachigam is also host to other wildlife

of the state viz Black and Brown Bear, Musk Deer, leopards and migratory

birds. There is a Trout fish farm also in Dachigam.

 

It is a big natural reserve which requires permissions from the Wildlife

Authorities for exploration. The dense forests of Dachigam offer a brilliant

view along with a Glacier fed rivulet flowing right through the middle.

 

The Hangul is the only surviving race of the red deer family of Europe in

the sub-continent. Hangul stags are prized for their magnificent head of

antlers, having 11 to 16 points. The number of Hanguls in the world has

dwindled from 2,000 in 1947 to less than 200 today.

 

Hangul is listed as an endangered species in the Red Data Book of the

international Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. (ANI)

--MP