Hangul

August 23, 2023

Population of Hangul (Kashmir stag) has registered a 10% increase.
The latest census revealed that the population of the animal has increased to 289 from 261 in 2021, a 10% increase.
- From 197 animals in 2004, the population dwindled to 127 in 2008 before stabilising and marginally increasing to 289 now.
The last viable population of Hangul (Cervus hanglu hanglu) in the Indian sub-continent exists only in the protected Dachigam National Park.
- Lately, there were sightings in south Kashmir in Tral Wildlife Sanctuary.
There were 3 major factors in the past two decades which led to stabilisation of the population of the animal.
- Protection of its habitat in the form of Dachigam
- Restricting of human movement inside the core area of the park to almost zero
- Removal of a sheep breeding farm from inside the park.
It is the only survivor of the red deer group in the Indian sub-continent.
Threats– habitat fragmentation and poaching, livestock grazing, predation, ecological threats and disturbed corridors, and landscapes.
A population census is conducted every two years.
Protection status
- IUCN Red List- critically endangered
- WPA 1972- Schedule 1