Steady increase since 2008 offers hope for species’ recovery
Experts call for continued habitat protection, conservation efforts
Pulwama, Jan 02: In a positive development for wildlife conservation in Jammu and Kashmir, the population of the endangered Kashmiri Hangul (Cervus hanglu hanglu) at the Tral Conservation Breeding Centre has increased to 323 in 2025, up from just 127 in 2008, according to the latest census data compiled by the Wildlife Protection Department.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the increase, though modest, is significant given the sharp and alarming decline the species has witnessed over the last century. Historical records indicate that the Hangul population stood at around 5,000 individuals nearly 118 years ago.
Continuous habitat loss, human disturbance, poaching, and ecological degradation reduced their numbers drastically, eventually leading to the species being declared critically endangered.
Wildlife Warden South Kashmir, Suhail Ahmad, said that sustained and scientific conservation efforts at the Hangul Conservation Breeding Centre in Shikargah, Tral, have played a crucial role in stabilising and gradually increasing the population.
“The Hangul conservation breeding centre at Shikargah Tral, spread over 2.5 hectares, has been made fully functional. The entire area has been properly fenced with a power fence to minimise threats and prevent intrusion,” Ahmad said.
He added that the improved infrastructure has significantly reduced risks from predators, stray animals, and human interference, creating a safer and more controlled environment for the endangered species.
Experts point out that Hangul populations in natural forest areas continue to face serious challenges. Rapid urbanisation, encroachment into forest land, grazing pressure, and disturbance due to tourism and infrastructure projects have fragmented their habitat, making survival increasingly difficult.
“Hangul is a critically endangered animal, and their numbers in natural forests are very low due to continuous disturbance and other ecological issues,” Ahmad explained. “To overcome this, the government established the breeding centre to increase their population under controlled conditions.”
According to officials, the long-term plan is to eventually release healthy individuals into protected natural habitats once their numbers reach a sustainable level and suitable forest conditions are ensured.
Wildlife experts have welcomed the rise in numbers but caution that much more needs to be done to secure the future of Kashmir’s iconic deer.
“The increase from 127 to 323 is encouraging, but it is still far below what is required for a genetically viable population,” a senior wildlife official said. “Strong habitat protection, community awareness, and strict enforcement against forest encroachment are essential alongside breeding programmes.”
The Hangul, also known as the Kashmir stag, is the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir and holds immense ecological and cultural significance. Conservationists believe that with consistent efforts, scientific management, and public cooperation, the species can be pulled back from the brink of extinction.
For now, the rising numbers at Tral offer a rare note of hope in Kashmir’s fragile conservation landscape. (KNO)
