J-K wildlife authorities conduct census to protect endangered Hangul deer

Srinagar, April 13 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmirwildlife authorities have conducted a census on the rare red deer, Hangul found at Dachigam National Park in Srinagar, with the aim to protect and preserve the endangered animal.

Talking to a reporter, Kunal Kumar, a wild life student, said that a lot of things are considered to conduct a census.

"For conducting a census, we have to do all the preparations. Firstly, the clothes should not be bright and they should be dark in colour so that the animals don't get out of sight. The shoes should be good. Nobody should use any kind of perfume or body spray. Firstly we note down the GPS location of the animal, then, by using a compass, we note down the angle, where the deer is present. Then we note down the distance between the animal and us by using equipment known as range finder. So by using these things we count the number of animals and give all the data to the office and they further make the reports," he concluded.

The Hangul is characterised by impressive, spreading antlers of the adult male and its rich brownish red coat. Female Hanguls don't have horns.

Wildlife authorities of Dachigam National Park in collaboration with the Wild Life Institute of India (WLII) carried out the census on Friday.

Many students from various institutes were called to be a part of the census.

Presently the viable population of Hangul occurs only in Dachigam National Park and a few isolated populations in the adjoining areas.

Forest officer Fida Husain said, "We are conducting today's census in collaboration with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). We have taken students from various institutes including NIT and SOS. The officers from our department with the help of these students conducted the census. Today's census was fruitful."

There has been a steady decline in the Hangul population from 2004. The red deer hunting continued even during militancy, as the animals comes down to plains in winters.

The authorities said this year's field survey has been encouraging as the number ration between male and female ratio is better as compared to last year.

Forest guard, Dachigam National Park, Nazir Malik said, "There is a good sign that the female ratio of Hangul has increased. We have good hopes from the current year."

An endangered species of red deer found only in Kashmir has made a rapid comeback in the past year due to a decline in violence and conservation efforts.

Hangul assumes a great significance as the only Asiatic survivor of the red deer. (ANI)