BBC Animal Extinction Watch —The hangul - a sub-species of red deer found only in Indian-administered Kashmir - appears to be making a comeback. The latest census, conducted in March, puts the raw count of the endangered animal at 175. The increase in numbers may be nominal but wildlife authorities say it’s a sign of hope.
The hangul population started growing before the outbreak of armed conflict in the state two decades ago. Wildlife officials say at that time there were up to 800 in Dachigam National Park in the outskirts of Srinagar. People living in neighbourhoods outside the park say the hangul then was so commonplace that it even used to visit their mustard fields and vegetable gardens, damaging crops as it did so. …
Mohammad Qasim Wani, now aged about 90 and a retired wildlife official, says there were at least 3,000 hangul in the Kashmir area during the reign of the last monarch more than 60 years ago. “The hangul was widely distributed. I saw it in Lolab, Kupwara, Gurez, Teetwal, Uri, Kulgam, Pahalgam and other places. I saw herds of hangul as large as 200 and at times even 500. Today, when I think of the hangul, I cry.” …
The wildlife warden for central Kashmir, Rashid Naqash, says the latest census has shown an improvement in the number of male hangul which promises better prospects for mating. He says the female-fawn ratio has improved too - boding well for a sustained population growth.
The wildlife department is all set to start work on a $4.68m (£2.92m) plan to protect and promote the hangul.
Mr Qasim says the hangul became vulnerable after the fall of the monarchy in 1947. “Bureaucrats indulged in wanton killing of the hangul for sport.” Besides poaching, the hangul faced a threat to its existence from human encroachments on forestry which led to the fragmentation of its habitat.
The five-year project includes a survey and census of the creature and its habitat along with similar studies of the leopard and black bear. The project will use the latest wild animal photograph technology, including the use of satellite imageries and geographical information systems. As part of the project, the hangul’s habitat will be improved through reforestration, soil and water conservation, pasture development, fire protection measures and the construction of a carnivore proof enclosure.
It will also include infrastructure development to stop poaching and grazing. The co-operation of local communities will be sought through awareness programmes.
Wildlife officials say that credit for the increase of hanguls - even if modest - in the recent census goes to local communities who persuaded the bakarwals not to graze their sheep and cattle in designated areas. (06/08/09)