Srinagar, February 19 (KMS): In occupied Kashmir, the Wildlife department has started a programme of captive breeding to check further decline in the number of endangered Hangul species (known as Kashmir stag Red Deer variety). 

The department is worried over the fast depletion of the stag. Hangul, known as the pride of Kashmir valley, is fast declining due to the reduction of habitat and poaching and the number has come down from 228 to 160 in last couple of years.

The department has started a census of Hangul across the Kashmir valley to get the actual figure of the species surviving in the valley.

An official of the Wild Department claimed that they have already started the construction work on breeding centre. He added that the conservation plan also includes protection of the habitat of the species by fencing and anti-poaching measures.

Besides the Kashmir valley census will be carried out in the high altitude Kishtwar national park of the Jammu region as the animal is found in good numbers there.

“After the decline in number, the Wildlife department has proposed captive breeding as the only viable solution to avoid its extinction. We will prioritise the works under the conservation plan for the state government. Its expert team will also assist in the census and survey of the species,” said the official.
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