Sunday, August 28 2005 12:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dachigam (J&K): Threatened by militants, poachers and growing human encroachment on its habitat, world famous Kashmiri stag, one of the world's most endangered species, is fighting its worst battle for its survival in its last bastion, Dachigam national park in Kashmir valley.

However, there is also good news that the members of the majestic stag, popularly known as Hangul, is increasing in its natural habitat Dachigam located in outskirts of Srinagar, J-K Minister for Forests Gulam Mohideen Sofi told PTI here.

The deer population in Dachigam has gone upto over 250 in 2004-05 as against 107 in 1996 and 196 in 2003 as per surveys carried by J-K wildlife protection department, Sofi said.

The breakup shows 47 males, 122 females and 81 yearlings with females outnumbering males, the census shows. "The growth in this majestic red deer population is due to tough measures taken by wildlife department in controlling poaching, illict grazing and invasion of Gujjars and militants, particularly in lower Dachigam belt during last one and half decades," the Minister said.

In February 2006, a fullfledged survey would be conducted to know the exact number of Hangul population in the park on a scientific basis, he said. "Hangul is fighting an unending battle for its survival. However, last three years' figures show increase in its growth," Sofi said.

In September-October 1988, a year before the onset of Pakistan-sponsored militancy in J-K, the census conducted by department in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of Dehradun and Centre for Wildlife and Ornithology, Aligarh had put the population of Hangul in the area as high as 918 animals with 48:52 as male-female ratio.

Thereafter, there was an alarming decline of Hangul especially during the period of militancy in the valley from 918 in 1988 it touched its lowest-ever population 107-140 in 1996, wildlife officials said.

Dachigam turned into a sanctuary for ultras and renegades who killed over 250 Hanguls during the period as wildlife officials turned a deaf ear due to fear of gun, they said. The Hangul has been the worst sufferer, with excessive encroachments, poaching and disturbances in breeding grounds, which not only caused a fall in their number but also an unfavourable sex ratio of 34:76 between males and females.

"Hangul, along with Dal lake, Wular lake, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Jehlum is a symbol of Kashmir and it would be sheer misfortune for Kashmir if Hangul were to join Dodo, extinct bird," Sofi said.