WILDLIFE – HIDDEN BEAUTY OF KASHMIR
Kashmir is home to a rich diversity of wildlife supplemented by an equally rich variety of flora and fauna. The sight and sounds of some of the rarest & endangered species such as majestic Kashmir Hangul, Brown Bears, Snow Leopard, Ovis Ammon, Musk deer, Markhor, Blue Sheep & Ibex are unparalleled experiences in themselves. Watching birds and animals in their natural habitat is an experience in itself.
Apart from the unspoiled natural beauty, the wildlife sanctuaries of J&K are known for some of the rarest and endangered species of wild animals. Hangul (Kashmiri stag; an endangered species of red deer), Leopard, Wild cats, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Marmot and species of Wild Goats like the Makhor can be seen. Various Himalayan birds colorful pheasants like the Crimson Tragopan, Monal Pheasant, Blood Pheasant and Koklass Pheasant, Golden Eagles and Bearded Vultures are also seen encircling the majestic mountains. Several other fascinating and exquisite forms of life can be seen in the national parks and sanctuaries in the state. Jammu and Kashmir comprises of India’s most scenically beautiful wildlife reserves. Due to the vast variation in geographical structure, climate and altitude, these parks are demarcated into two regions. The upper region faces extremely harsh winters, therefore the best time for visiting it is between the months of April and August. For the lower region, the ideal time is between October and February but it is also equally rewarding in summer.
Dachigam National Park
The most scenic park in the state, Dachigam, is popular for the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir Stag– the only species of red deer to be found in India. The park is situated 22 km from Srinagar, covering an area of more than 141 sq. km. The actual beauty of the park lies in the deep valleys, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Being located in the mountainous area, Dachigam National Park faces a huge variation in the altitude that ranges from 1600 m to 4200 m above sea level. This variation in altitude categorises Dachigam National Park in two regions- the upper region and the lower region. Initially, the park was created to supply clean drinking water to Srinagar. Later it was converted to a protected area in 1910. ‘Dachigam’ literally means “Ten Villages”, which stands for the number of villages that were relocated to facilitate its creation. Dachigam was declared a National Park in 1981 and since then it has been home to many rare species of animals within its premises.
Dachigam is a well known habitat for the Hangul. They can be easily spotted in winters, when they hang out in the lower valleys. Other inhabitants at Dachigam are Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Himalayan Black Bear, and a few species of Wild Goat like the Markhor and Ibex. One can also spot numerous rare birds like Black Bulbuls, Cinnamon Sparrows, Himalayan Monals, Kashmir Flycatcher, and Colourful pheasants. Coming to the resplendent flora, Dachigam National Park is extremely rich in Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak, Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine and Elm.
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Visit Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve for a unique and extraordinary collection of flora, fauna and avi-fauna (birds). The biosphere is a dreamland for nature lovers, adventure lovers, ornithologists and all the travellers. Located at a distance of 48 km from Srinagar, the Gulmarg Biosphere covers an area of about 180 sq. km. The biosphere not only has the rarest and endangered species of animals and plants, but is also reknowned for preserving and nurturing them. Musk Deer, Hangul, Brown Bear, Leopard and Black Bear are some of them. The major portion of the Gulmarg Biosphere is covered with dense greens. Gulmarg is well known for its rich vegetation. Out of this dominant forest, Conifers account for over 90%. Other principal species of flora are Cedrus Deodara, Pinus Griffithii, Abies Pindrow, Aesculus Indica, etc. Shrubs like Indigofera Heterantha, and Sorbaria Tomentosa along with rich and Di-Cotyledonus herbs can be seen here.
Kishtwar High Altitude National Park
Attributed as one of the seven snow leopard reserves under a project launched by the Central Government, the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park lies in Doda District, about 40km north-east of Kishtwar Town. The park was established to conserve the snow leopard species, its prey populations and its fragile mountain habitat. Spread over an area of 400 sq km., the park was declared a National Park on 4 February 1981. With Rinnay River in the north, Kibar Nala Catchment in the south, the Great Himalayas in the east and Marwa River in the west, the area lies in the Central Crystalline belt of the Great Himalayas. The altitude of the park ranges from 1700m to 4800m. Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in Jammu draws thousands of tourists in the charm of distinctive topography and vegetation along with more than 50 species of birds and about 15 mammal species. Due to variations in topography, climate and altitude, the park offers a rich vegetation. Its lower altitude areas (1700-2400 m) are filled with Cedar, Blue Pine, Aesculus Indica, Walnut Juglans Regia, Poplar Populus Ciliata, Hazel Corylus Cornuta, Bird Cherry Padus Cornuta, Ash Fraxinus Cornuta and Yew Taxus Wallichiana. Apart from this, the sub-alpine zone (3000-3700 m) has forest of Silver Fir and Birch Betula Utilis. The major trees found at Kishtwar National Park are Cedrus Deodara, Pinus Gerardiana, Pinus Wallichiana, and Juglans Regia. The higher area comprises of shrubs like Parrotiopsis Jacquemontiana and Desmodium Tiliaefolium, and herbs like Dipsacus Mitis, Artemisia Vulgaris, etc. it also provides a habitat for Brown Bear, Himalayan Musk Deer, Hangul, Ibex, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac etc.
– Capt Yogeshwar Singh Ranawat
