After the latest survey showed further decline in Kashmiri Red Deer species, the State Wildlife Department will now breed the endangered species in captivity to save the animal from extinction.
The state had some 3000 Hanguls in the 40s but now they have drastically come down in numbers.
As per the latest census, Kashmir has only 199 Hanguls left. The number has gone down steadily over the past few years.
Though poaching is banned, wildlife experts say other factors have contributed to the steady decline in the numbers.
”The fragmentation of the habitat on the landscape level and low recruitment of the population. These are two main factors that have been identified,” said Raashid Naqash, Wildlife Warden, Central Division Srinagar.
This highly endangered species is found only in Kashmir but despite efforts by the State Wildlife Department during the past two decades their numbers hasn’t grown.
Part of the conservation project by the Wildlife Department includes captive breeding of Hangul.
”We are looking for the conservation breeding plan that is rearing the animal in captivity,” said Raashid Naqash.
The Wildlife Department feels this project can save the newborns from falling prey to the increasing leopard population in Dacchigam National Park and contribute to conservation of the endangered species.
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