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Hangul - Our State Animal

Research · August 2016

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14554.75203

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ISSN 2455 - 8575 Volume 3 – Issue 2 April – June 2016

J&K ENVIS NEWSLETTER

State of Environment & its Related Issues in J&K

J&K ENVIS Centre

Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing
Jammu & Kashmir

SPECIAL ISSUE

CONTENTS
 Hangul (Kashmir Red Deer) – An Overview
o Introduction to History and Distribution
o Status
o Morphology and Antlers

HANGUL
o Timing of Major Life History Events
o Preferred Habitat
o Food Habits
o Predators
o Present Population
o Causes of Decline and Solutions

OUR STATE ANIMAL
World Environment Day - 2016
 Events (April – June 2016)

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

The highest and youngest chain of mountains in the world, the Himalayan range is one of the most fascinating and
spectacular natural wonders on earth. It is one of the richest stores of animal life. The state of Jammu and Kashmir
which is the part of North Western Himalayas situated in the extreme North of the country is rich in magnificent
wildlife, many taxa endemic to the region. Jammu and Kashmir with its variety of geographical regions, climates
and vegetation has many delights to offer the wildlife enthusiast. The state is home to about 76 species of mammals
belonging to 20 orders. The Carnivores represent 32 percent of the total mammalian fauna in the state followed
by Ungulates (21 percent) and Primates (3 percent). Other small mammals contribute 44 percent to mammalian
fauna of the state. No one has fully catalogued the rich diversity, and the state continues to provide a fertile field
laboratory for scores of naturalists. Most of the wildlife in Jammu and Kashmir is in the critical stage due multiple
anthropogenic pressures. The megafaunistic species like Hangul – Kashmir Stag is fast losing its glory and foothold.
Lack of technology or funds cannot alone explain the failure of wildlife loss. Wildlife habitat conservation is
intricately linked to economic well-being and need to be accorded topmost priority by all stakeholders. An effort
has been made to keep you informed about the Hangul – Kashmir Stag through this special issue of ENVIS
Newsletter.
Om Prakash Sharma, IFS
Director
DEE&RS, J&K
 HANGUL (Kashmir Red Deer) – AN OVERVIEW
Introduction to History and Distribution
The Cervidae family has been evolving since the
early Miocene Epoch about 20 million years ago,
with the actual Cervus genus really becoming
recognizable during the Pliocene Epoch 12 million
years ago. It should be noted that in this pre-Ice
Age Epoch, continents were still one land mass
and this is probably why the genus has such a wide
distribution. As the human population increased
so the need for food increased and Red deer
became a favored quarry. The success of the
species since those days has been closely linked to
the fortunes and favors of man.
Red deer are one of the most widely distributed
deer in the world, stretching throughout North
America, Eurasian temperate zones from New
Zealand to Southern Siberia and North Africa. Cervus mountains of Kashmir along the Zanskar Mountain range
species is broken down into 12 sub-species. C. e. elaphus,C. e. from Shalurah and Karen in the Kishenganga catchment
scoticus, C. e. Canadensis,C. e. xanthopygus, C. e. corsicanus, C. e. over to Dorus in Lolab Valley and the Erin catchments in
barbarus, C. e. maral, C. e. bactrianus, C. e. hanglu, C. e. wallichi, Bandipora in the north to Bringi Valley and
C. e. yarkandensis, C. e. macneilli, C. e. kansuensis. These differ in Marwah/Wadwan in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park
size, appearance and habits, with food availability and (NP) in the lower Chenab Valley, and Ramnagar in the south
environment directly influencing their evolution (Geist (Gee 1966; Holloway & Wani 1970). The Gamagul Siya-Behi
1998). Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh is the only area outside
The Hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) or Kashmir Red deer is Jammu and Kashmir that retains an isolated Hangul
the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir. It was first reported population (Holloway 1971; Schaller 1969; Kurt 1978) of
by Alferd Wagner in 1844 and was assigned taxonomic unknown status. At present the genetically viable population
serial number 202406. It is one of the six eastern most sub- of Hangul is restricted to the Dachigam National Park with
species of the European Red deer, that are found in Asia few stray populations in the adjoining areas (Ahmad et. al
(Geist 1998) and was once widely distributed in the 2009; Qureshi et al.2009)

Status
The Kashmir Red deer an official state animal of Jammu & Kashmir State of India is the only subspecies of Red deer in India.
This subspecies of Red deer which figured in the endangered and critically endangered category under the IUCN Red List of
threatened species assessment, 1996 and 2006 respectively (IUCN 2006), is presently listed as ‘endangered” (least concern
category) (IUCN 2015). The animal is also listed under the Appendix - I in the CITES due to its restricted range distribution,
current low population size, and great conservation concern. It is also protected as Schedule 1 species under Indian Wildlife
Protection Act 1972 amended 2006 and J & K Wildlife Protection Act 1978 amended 2006 (Ahmad et al. 2009, 2015).
Morphology and Antlers
The name ‘Hangul’ has been given because of food it takes
‘Indian horse chest-nut’ in Kashmir called ‘Han Doon’ or
because of the antlers it bears. The antlers are known as
‘Heng’ vernacularly. Males are called stags and the females’
hinds. Related to the red deer of Europe, The Hangul is
recognized by a tiny white primary rump patch and a short,
dark tail, combined with brown body coloration and a five
pronged antler plan. The Hangul is dark grey and dark brown
rather than reddish and unlike Red deer, in Hangul the antler
bay tine is normally larger than brow and the cup shaped
space between the coronets is much wider. In Hangul, 10-
point head is the normal and any greater number of points is
far more usual than in case of Red Deer (Gee 1965).
The Hangul and its cold adapted conspecifics, the shou or
Sikim Stag from the north slopes of Himalayas and the
southern Tibetan Plateau along the Brahmaputra drainage,
and the steel-grey short manned MacNeill’s deer (C. elaphus
macneilli) from the upper elevations of the canyons of the
Mekong and Yangtze rivers as well as from western China, territory where hinds can be acquired. The stags wear their
carry five–pronged antlers compared to six pronged antlers antlers for the period after the rut and begin shedding them
of Red deer, and have a build closest to that of Sika deer, that in March and continue until April; males in good condition
is one adapted to saltatorial running. Their antlers like those (young) shed earlier than those in poor condition (old).
of the earliest fossil Red deer have a bez or bay tine longer Antlers are cast when testosterone levels fall in mid-March
than the brow tine, a terminal fork usually at a right angle to through April, with older stags casting first. These cast antlers
the body’s axis, as in the mid Pleistocene C. e. acoronatus, are often mouthed and chewed by deer, particularly where
and beams that have a sharp upward swing at the third tine, a there is a calcium deficiency in the diet. Almost as soon as
feature of all eastern Red deer, including Wapitis. The Hangul antlers are cast, new velvet-covered replacements begin to
and MacNeill’s stag may occasionally develop crowns (Geist emerge. Velvet is a soft, blood-filled bone forming tissue that
1998). is very sensitive. Once the stags’ antlers have grown to full
The antlers of the deer are the weapons both for defense size, usually by July, the blood supply to the antlers is stopped
against beasts of prey and for use at the mating time when and they begin shedding or cleaning the velvet.
stag fights stag for possession of hind or to secure the
Timing of Major Life History Events
Mating Season – Autumn is the rutting season for the days (8 to 8½ months) and results in single birth (twins are
magnificent Kashmir stag. In August the stags that up to this rare). This low annual production is offset by high investment
time of year have been living in large stag groups start to in protective maternal care.
become intolerant of each other. An increased testosterone Birth giving Season– Deer gives birth in late May or early
level causes this reaction, along with an increase in neck and June; at birth, calves weigh around 15-16 kg and have creamy
testicles size. Hinds are seasonally polyestrous (October to spots on their back and sides, these spots help them to blend
February). Oestrus cycle remains for about 18 days and is of with the surroundings. Their hooves are soft. Just after birth,
12 – 24 hours duration. The mating season extends from a mother and her calves will live alone for several weeks. After
September through October, and may continue into some days (16-20 days) the calf is able to join the herd, and
November. Males initiate the autumn courtship with a weaning is completed within 60 days.
bugling call to attract their mates. In late September, the Age of Maturity -Both males and females are sexually active
rutting calls of the males at sixteen months, although young
reverberate through the forests males do not usually mate due to
and across the slopes. After the competition from more mature stags.
second week of October the Lifespan –The mean life expectancy
number of rutting calls is about 10 years. The highest period
diminishes and comes to an end of mortality is in their first year, with
by the third week of November. over 80% of these deaths occurring
With the rut over and winter within the first week of birth.
approaching the Hangul rests Vulnerability during this period is
and feed. dependent upon weather and
Gestation – The gestation predation. Late born calves are more
period of the deer is 249-262 likely to succumb.
Preferred Habitat Winter habitat of Hangul in Dachigam NP
The habitat selections by Hangul like other Himalayan
ungulates and Red deer is influenced by various factors like
nutritional requirement, season, altitude, aspect, and slope,
which determine the vegetation of the area in addition to
availability of water, shelter and escape cover. The Hangul
habitat is reported to vary between sexes and across seasons.
The female habitat use is consistent across seasons but male
Hangul showed differences in seasonal use of habitats.
Hangul show strong preferences for Riverine and
Grassland/Scrub habitats. The Hangul use primarily the
mixed oak forests followed by mixed Morus and riverine
habitats during winter months, and mixed oak forests and shelter from summer heat and nutritious diet. Hangul spend
coniferous forests during the summer months, as these most of their time in high mountain meadows in the alpine or
habitats provided sufficient food, shelter and cover to avoid sub alpine zones or in bottom of river Dagwan. The Hangul
not only chilly winds, but also predators (Ahmad et al. 2015). like Red deer is reported to show preference for mid-altitudes
Forage availability is naturally low during the winter months; between 1700-2300 m and flat surfaces and very steep slopes
therefore, the deer are restricted to the mixed oak forest, and mostly south facing slopes (Ahmad et al. 2015).
mixed Morus and riverine forests to forage on the grasses and
forbs that remained available in ravines even in harsh winters.
During autumn the Hangul mostly uses grasslands/scrub
habitats followed by riverine habitats. The predominant use
of grassland/scrub and grassy/rocky cliff habitats by the
Kashmir red deer appears to be due to varied and plentiful
browse and grasses available on the south-facing slopes (N,
E, NE and NW aspects), as well as to have a better view of
the surroundings as part of an anti-predator strategy, a pattern
shown by Red deer as well (Ahmad et al. 2015). Hangul tend
to inhabit coniferous forests associated with rugged, broken
terrain or foothill ranges during summers which provide good
Summer habitat of Hangul in Dachigam NP

Food Habits
Hangul is ruminant herbivores; it is the availability of food
that determines the habitat selection of all ruminants. Some
deer populations prefer to graze, while others rely more
heavily on browse. Males seek habitats where food is
abundant and of high quality in order to maximize body
growth. Grasses and forbs are preferred during spring and
early summer, and woody browse is preferred during winter.
They browse conifers in areas where snow covers other
forage. The recent studies have showed that Hangul is a
mixed feeder, but it ingested disproportionate amounts of
browse in almost all seasons, and also bark-stripped woody monocots, the species consumed by Hangul in maximum
species. The Hangul feeding habits varied according to sightings were Carex cernua, Panicum crusgalli, Poa annua and
resource availability in different seasons and constituted Hamerocallis fulva. Also, debarking on Prunus cerasifera and
mainly dicotyledonous shrubs and trees, forbs and herbs and Parrotiopsis jacquimontiana has been reported in autumn and on
monocotyledonous grasses and herbs in spring and winter, Pinus wallichiana, Lonicera quinquelocularis and Parrotiopsis
respectively. The winter diet mainly constituted browse (trees jacquimontiana during winter, and root knelling (debarking) by
and shrubs) respectively although during Hangul in both spring and winter on the
significant number of sightings Hangul was introduced Robinia pseudoacacia is also
observed debarking on trees. During spring, reported (Ahmad et al. 2015). During cold
the diet comprised mainly forbs, beside periods and during periods of snow cover,
grasses/sedges, and browses. During summer, the deer is found to take shelter in the
the percentages of grasses and sedges mixed deciduous forests, isolated patches
increased in the diet to 19.05 and 28% of oak that are used as a bedding site
respectively, while forbs constituted 42.86 and during day time where the salts licks and
60% with browse (trees and shrubs) supplementary feed is provided by the
constituting 38.10 and 12%). Among the wildlife department.
Predators and Predation
The Hangul population in Dachigam NP is reported to experience a high levels of predations by Leopard and other meso-
carnivores. The main predator of Hangul is leopard (Panthera paradus), although predation on Hangul fawns by Asiatic black bear
(Ursus thibetinus) and other meso-carnovores viz., Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Golden jackals (Canis aureus), Yellow-throated Marten
(Martes flavigula) is also reported (Ahmad et al. 2009).

Hangul Population outside Dachigam

The recent studies/surveys in the relic range areas of Hangul outside Dachigam indicate that Hangul is restricted to an effective
areas of 351.15 km2 outside Dachigam NP with Surfrao/Akhal blocks of Sindh Forest Division and Wangath-Naranag forests,
north and north-east of Dachigam NP, Shikargah and Khiram conservation reserves and Overa-Aru WS, to the east and south-east
of Dachigam NP, supporting a considerable relic population of the Hangul (Ahmad et al. 2009; Ahmad et al. 2013: Qureshi et al.
2009).

Present Population
At present the last genetically viable population of Hangul occurs only in Dachigam NP although a few isolated populations occur
in the adjoining areas. There appears to be a marginal decline and a decreasing trend in the Hangul population during the recent
years. The Hangul population trend from 1954 to 2011 is given below.
900
800 Minimum Maximum S.E
700
HANGUL POPULATION

600
500
400
300
200
100
0

YEAR
Source: (Gee 1965, Holloway 1971, Kurt 1969, Department of Wildlife Protection 1970 till 2011, Qureshi and Shah 2004, Qureshi et.al. 2009 Ahmad 2006: Ahmad et.al. 2009; Ahmad et al. 2013)

The Hangul population had shown decreasing trend from 1940’s till date. The latest Hangul population census has put the
population of Hangul at 218 deer in 2011 and 130 in 2015 (Anonymous 2011, Bacha 2015). The reported sex ratio is 23 males/100
female against an ideal ratio of 50-70 males/100 females and fawn to female ratio is 22 fawn/100 female against an ideal ratio of
30 fawns/100 females. Compared to the reported fawn to female ratio of 45 fawn/100 female in Kashmir Red deer (Schaller 1969),
the estimates from 2000 to 2004 and observations during indicated a declining trend (Ahmad et al 2009).

Causes of Decline and Solutions

Like other environmental problems in Jammu & Kashmir, migration to the higher pastures had been recorded.
the armed conflict of the last 25 years has also caused terrible However, the highly skewed female biased sex ratio and very
pressures on the Hangul Deer population. The large scale low fawn-to female ratio, predation by Leopard, Asiatic black
biotic interferences in its habitats, in the form of excessive bear and other meso-carnivores, and summer dispersal of the
livestock grazing in its erstwhile summer habitats, grass Hangul to unknown unprotected areas outside Dachigam
cutting, fuel and firewood collection, human trampling owing NP, are major issues concerning the decline in the population
to men and vehicles of hundreds of paramilitary (CRPF) and alarming threat to the long term conservation and
forces camped inside Park and employees of more than seven survival of this endemic Hangul deer (Qureshi et al. 2009;
Government departments including the Sheep breeding farm Ahmad et al. 2009; Ahmad et al. 2014). To maintain a viable
spread across 100 hectares of prime Hangul habitat in lower population of this specie every 2 hinds require a stag, while as
Dachigam and poaching have contributed largely to the the ratio between hinds and stags was 3:1 in 1936 and 4:1 in
Hangul habitat degradation and hence decline of the Hangul 1965 and to an alarmingly low of 6:1. The desired natural ratio
during the recent past. Dr. Fred Kurt, who studied the for up-keeping the Hangul race disturbed thus may have
Hangul in Dachigam until 1979, has gone a record to say, drastic change in not only the procreation of race but is a
“during the present survey it was found that Hangul do not straight threat to future generation bearing various
occur within Upper Dachigam with the exception of a few abnormalities. The low fawn to female ratio and fawn survival
straying animals, whereas previously a definite summer is presumed to be attributed to stress owing to the heavy
biotic disturbance in Dachigam compounded with nutritional management and long term conservation of Hangul (Ahmad
stress and fawn predation by common leopard, Asiatic black et.al 2009: Ahmad and Nigam 2014).
bear, Golden Jackal, Red fox and stray dogs of shepherds and
army installations which seems to be the worst threat for
Hangul deer (Ahmad et al. 2009; Qureshi et al. 2009).
Hangul Population studies indicate a decrease in genetic Hangul Trade in Kashmir
heterozygosity over time and thus there is a need for urgent Handicrafts — one of the major industries of
measures to arrest the loss in heterozygosis and declining Jammu and Kashmir derives its chief raw
trend of the Hangul population. There is an urgent need for materials from animal products which is a
a Hangul recovery plan to be developed that includes field primary cause of exploitation of animals through
surveys to identify corridors to help dispersion and large scale hunting and poaching. Those
reintroduction of Hangul to its former distribution range and associated with dealing of deer products killed the
habitat protection in Upper Dachigam and other potential deer mercilessly and brutally just to fulfill their
Hangul habitats outside Dachigam. A captive breeding plan greedy needs leaving just few for his future
for the Hangul is important to repopulate existing good generation. The deer is generally hunted for its
habitats in the Hangul range, beginning with the Shikargah-
meat, fur/skin/hide and antlers. Head with
Overa ranges in Lidder Valley (Ahmad et.al 2009: Qureshi
et.al 2009) is imperative. Strengthening of intensive antlers is used as trophy for decoration and the
population monitoring programme and reproductive ecology legs used as candle sticks. Some of the Asian
studies to better understand factors affecting the population medicines are made by using antlers, velvet, tails
growth and biology and low male/female adult sex and and testicles, and teeth for jewelry. These
fawn/female ratios besides reassessment of this subspecies of different products obtained from deer are sold at
red deer into appropriate threat category by the IUCN Red very handsome rates.
list have been recommended to be required for effective

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY – 2016 (5TH JUNE)

A PLATFORM FOR ACTION

Since its inception in 1974, World Environment Day has developed
into a global platform for raising awareness and taking action on
increasingly urgent issues from marine pollution and global warming
to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. Millions of people
around the world have been motivated by the ‘people’s day’ for
action, and are increasingly weaving their activities into a global
movement through the expanding WED website and social media.

THE THEME - 2016

Each WED is organized around a theme that focuses attention on a
particularly pressing environmental concern. WED 2016 is themed
on the illegal trade in wildlife under the slogan ‘Go Wild for Life'.
The booming illegal trade in wildlife products is eroding Earth’s
precious biodiversity, robbing us of our natural heritage and driving
whole species to the brink of extinction. The killing and smuggling
is also undermining economies and ecosystems, fuelling organized
crime, and feeding corruption and insecurity across the globe. Huge
efforts to counter the illicit trade - including stronger policies,
awareness campaigns and investments in community conservation
and law enforcement - have scored some great successes. However, many species remain at risk and it will take a dedicated and
sustained effort by each and every one of us to turn the tide. This year’s theme for WED – Go Wild for Life – encourages you to
celebrate all those species under threat and take action of your own to help safeguard them for future generations. This can be
about animals or plants that are threatened within your local area as well as at the national or global level - many local extinctions
will eventually add up to a global extinction! Whoever you are, and wherever you live, show zero-tolerance for the illegal trade in
wildlife in word and deed, and make a difference.
 EVENTS DAIRY: APRIL – JUNE 2016
EARTH DAY - 2016
Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal
Singh made a strong pitch for generating mass awareness about
environmental issues and active public partaking for keeping our
planet clean and green. The Minister was speaking at a function
organised by the Department of Ecology, Environment and
Remote Sensing to mark the Earth-Day at Environment Park in
Raika, here today. Principal Secretary Forests Rakesh Kumar
Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests A. K. Singh,
Director Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing O. P. Sharma
besides other senior officers of Forests and its allied units were also
present on the occasion. The Minister also inspected 30 stalls
installed by the Forests and its allied departments at the venue.
He said that the Forest department has been tasked with a very
important role to conserve the natural resources which are directly
connected with the life of human beings and other living creatures
and dedicated efforts are required to fulfill this entrusted duty.
Referring to the constant degradation of environment, pollution in
different forms, massive soil erosion due to flash floods and
developmental activities. The Minister stressed the need for
coordinated efforts with the involvement of various stakeholders
to minimize loss to the natural resources. He said the department
should keep close watch on the activities of executing agencies to
ensure that the natural resources and soil erosion chances are
minimized. He informed that necessary protection works must be
carried out by the concerned executing agencies while undertaking
developmental activities like roads, power projects, railway and other allied works, the Minister asserted. Choudhary Lal Singh released two
books namely ‘Birds of Environment Park in Raika and Dogri book titled ‘Jammu Da Flora Fana’ published by the Department of Ecology,
Environment and Remote Sensing on the occasion and also planted different saplings in the Environment Park. Earlier, the artists of Jammu
and Kashmir Academy of Art Cultural and Languages and students of GCW, Gandhi Nagar presented colourful cultural programmes which
were highly applauded by the audience.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY – 2016

Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Ch. Lal Singh on
World Environment Day called for a campaign to take a strong
action to curb the illegal trade of wildlife that is threatening the
biodiversity here. Speaking at a function at Zabarwan Park here.
The function was organized by Department of Ecology,
Environment & Remote Sensing in collaboration with J&K
Wildlife Protection Department on the theme of ‘Zero Tolerance
for Illegal Wildlife Trade’. Ch. Lal Singh in his address said that
preservation of endangered species in wildlife, especially Hangul
(Kashmir deer) was highest priority for the department. He called
for the greater participation of the civil society, especially
womenfolk who can act as motivators to act against poaching
encroachments in the forests. The Minister said that government
has initiated a process of demarcating the Forest and Wildlife land
across the State and assured that strict actions would be taken
against the encroachers and criminals of wildlife trade. Ch. Lal
Singh urged officials to come with some innovative ideas and
proposals to launch a campaign against the illegal trade of wildlife.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Forests, Ecology
and Environment, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Zahoor Ahmad
Mir said Kashmir has witnessed massive encroachment in forestland, wetlands and water bodies. He said that the vital habitation for the Hangul
and disturbing it won’t be tolerated at any cost. He said that protecting Hangul shouldn’t be the only concern for the Forest department but for
all the people. The function was also attended by MLC, Charanjeet Singh Khalsa, Dr. Darakshan Andrabi, former MLA Basholi, Kanta Andotra,
Dr Hina Bhat, Principal Secretary Forests, RK Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator Forests (PCCF) AK Singh, Chairman Pollution Control
Board, Abdul Razaq, Director Social Forestry, Suresh Chugh, Director Soil Conservation, Ravi Kesar, Director Environment, OP Sharma,
Chief Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Deepak Khanna, among DFOs and other senior officials of the Forest department. The function was also
attended by a delegation of ‘Kashmir Hangul Expedition 2016’ which was led by Bittu Saghal, founder and Editor of Sanctuary Asia- a leading
wildlife magazine. On the occasion, students from Green Valley Public School presented colourful cultural programme. J&K ENVIS was
commended for its activities in disseminating the environmental awareness among the common masses.
 Eco-friendly Guidelines in Wilderness
 Don’t throw away waste in the protected area. Dispose waste responsibly: carry-back all non-bio-degradable litter or
dispose in the vehicle.
 Stay on designated trails. Avoid stepping off track while on our nature trails. By stepping off the trails, you risk disturbing
and trampling on our flora and fauna.
 Maintain a distance away from wildlife. Do resist the temptation to follow or approach any wildlife. Appreciate the wildlife
from afar and maintain a safe distance from them. Dress in colors that blend with the natural environment.
 Kindly refrain from feeding them as this can affect their health and alter their natural behaviour.
 Take Pictures, but without disturbing wildlife. Treat the Protected Area/Wilderness area with respect.
 When in a vehicle, remember, people/wild animals have right of way.
 Do not smoke in the vehicle or in protected area, accidental forest fires cause irreparable damage
 Do not take away flora and fauna in the form of cuttings, flowers, seeds or roots.
 Do not talk loudly or play loud music. Appreciate the sounds of nature.
Adopted from ENVIS Centre Sikkim on Ecotourism

SELECTED REFERENCES
1. Ahmad, K., S. Sathyakumar and Qamar Qureshi. 2009. Conservation status of the last surviving wild population of Hangul or
Kashmir Red Deer Cervus elaphus hanglu in Kashmir, India. Journal of the BNHS 106(3): 245–255.
2. Ahmad Khursheed, Qamar Qureshi, Parag Nigam and Intesar Suhail (2013). Status and Conservation of Hangul (Cervus elaphus
hanglu) in its Relic Range areas Outside Dachigam National Park, Kashmir. Indian Forester, 139 (10) 883-887.
3. Ahmad Khursheed and Parag Nigam (2014). Kashmir Red deer or Hangul Cervus elaphus hanglu at the Brink of Extinction-
Conservation Action, the need of an Hour. IUCN-DSG Newsletter 26: April 2014: 37-47.
4. Ahmad, K., Q. Qureshi, G. Agoramoorthy and P. Nigam (2015): Habitat use patterns and food habits of the Kashmir red deer or
Hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India, Ethology Ecology & Evolution, DOI:
10.1080/03949370.2015.1018955
5. Anonymous, (2004; 2011). Population Estimation of Hangul in Central & South Division of Kashmir Region. Department of Wildlife
Protection, Jammu & Kashmir Government.
6. Bacha, M.S. 2015. A Critical Note on the Status of Hangul (Kashmir Deer). Sanctuary Asia.
http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/magazines/conservation/10115-a-critical-note-on-the-status-of-hangul-kashmir-deer.html
7. Gee, E.P. (1966). Report on the status of the Kashmir stag: October 1965. Journal of the BNHS 62:1-15.
8. Geist, V. 1998. Deer of the World: Their Evolution, Behavior and Ecology. Stakepole Books, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
9. Inayatullah, M. 1987. The project “hangul” (Cervus elaphus hanglu), deer, conservation, India. In: Wildlife in India (Saharia,
V.B., ed.). Natraj Publishers, Dehra Dun. Pp. 164–173.
10. Holloway, C.W. 1971. The Hangul in Dachigam: A census. Oryx 10(6): 373–382.
11. Qureshi, Qamar et al. 2009. Status and distribution of Hangul Cervus elaphus hanglu Wagner in Kashmir. Journal of the BNHS
106(1): 63–71.
12. Schaller, G.B. (1969). Observations on the Hangul or Kashmir stag (Cervus elaphus hanglu Wagner). Journal of the Bombay
Natural History Society 66: 1-7.

Om Prakash Sharma, IFS

Director J&K ENVIS CENTRE
Majid Farooq Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing,
ENVIS Coordinator Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir

Dr. Khursheed Ahmad (Summer)

Asst. Professor/Scientist in charge, Bemina, S.D.A. Housing Colony, Srinagar - 190018
Centre for Mountain Wildlife Sciences – SKUAST-K Phone: 0194-2494585
Guest Editor (Winter)
Gowhar Meraj Paryavaran Complex, Gladeni Narwal, Jammu - 180006
Programme Officer Phone: 0191-2474553

Amreena Yousuf Visit us as at:

Information Officer www.jkenvis.nic.in
Email us as at:
Gurmeet Singh [email protected], [email protected]
IT-Assistant
This newsletter of JKENVIS is published by Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K. Feedback for the newsletter would be appreciated.
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