At the conclusion of a recent conference on hangul and other ungulates of J&K in Srinagar, it was noteworthy that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern about the species and committed to implementing the recommendations. While these developments are positive, there is a need for a fundamental shift in conservation strategies for the hangul. Timely action is essential to prevent J&K from potentially losing its state animal if current conditions persist.

The identification of hangul—also known as the Kashmir deer—as a distinct species rather than a sub-species of the more widespread deer has significant implications. Firstly, its status on the IUCN Red List was promptly changed to Critically Endangered. Secondly, it was recognised as a truly native species limited to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, thereby placing the principal responsibility for safeguarding this globally threatened deer squarely on both state and central authorities. This reclassification should have prompted enhanced conservation efforts; however, progress remains insufficient.

Hangul, regarded as an important symbol of Kashmir, is primarily located within Dachigam National Park, situated a few kilometres from Srinagar. At the beginning of the twentieth century and continuing through the period surrounding independence, their population numbered several thousand individuals, distributed across an arc encompassing the mountains of Bandipora and Gurez, the slopes of Haramukh, Dachigam National Park, Tral, Overa, and extending beyond Kishtwar National Park. Historical accounts indicated possible occurrences in Chamba near Baderwah; however, these populations are now presumed absent. A comprehensive assessment was conducted in 1970 by Colin Holloway, an ecologist affiliated with IUCN, who determined that fewer than 200 hangul remained, with the majority residing in Dachigam National Park.

The Department of Wildlife Protection in Jammu and Kashmir, tasked with safeguarding........

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