3-day International Conference on Hangul begins at SKUAST-K: Hangul’s survival hinges on corridors, breeding, predation

Srinagar, Sep 10: Kashmir’s Hangul, India’s last surviving red deer, remains critically endangered, scientists warned Tuesday, calling for urgent conservation measures to ensure its survival.

“The Hangul is the pride of Kashmir and the only red deer left in India,” said Dr. Khursheed Ahmad, professor and head of the Wildlife Sciences Division at SKUAST-K. “Its survival depends on restoring corridors between Dachigam and Tral, augmenting existing populations, and protecting isolated herds. If we lose the Hangul, we lose part of our identity.”

Hangul numbers have shown fragile recovery, rising from 127 in 2008 to 289 in the 2023 census. However, experts caution that genetic diversity is declining, breeding ratios are skewed, and predation and stress continue to threaten fawn survival. Leopards, black bears, jackals, and stray dogs, combined with nutritional stress and habitat disturbances, put additional pressure on the population.

Wildlife experts stressed on the role of conservation breeding programs, initiated in Shikargah, Tral, in 2009. “We have successfully captured Hangul, moved them to nearby corridors when roads were blocked, and used satellite tracking to monitor movements and gene flow,” said Dr Khurshid.

He also described preventing predation of the endangered species- like Hangul as the key to increasing population.

Swiss expert Dr. Claude Fischer cited Europe’s near-extinct Badesia species, suggesting a similar approach could benefit Hangul. “Restoring corridors and conservation breeding works. It saved our deer, and it can save yours,” he said.

The conference also pointed out global lessons for Hangul conservation- Dr. Susana Gonzalez (Uruguay) delivered the plenary on “new frontiers of deer conservation,” emphasizing genetics, climate adaptation, and community stewardship. “Science and decisive action together can make Hangul a global conservation model,” she said.

Dr. Stefano Focardi (Italy) presented studies on the foraging ecology and monitoring of Tarim red deer.

Olga Pereladova (Russia) shared a 25-year recovery story of Bukhara deer through habitat reconnection.

William McShea (USA) stressed regional collaboration across Asia to sustain fragmented deer populations.

Natalaya Marmazinskaya (Uzbekistan) raised awareness regarding successful conservation of Bukhara deer in Zarafshan National Park, emphasizing corridors and breeding.

Experts stressed that linking Dachigam and Tral corridors, augmenting populations, and expanding Shikargah breeding programs could reduce human-wildlife conflict, restore gene flow, and support long-term Hangul survival. “If Dachigam and Tral corridors are restored, isolated herds will reconnect, populations will grow, and pressure on farmland will ease,” Dr. Khurshid said.

The three-day conference, hosted by SKUAST-K at Shalimar Convention Centre, has brought together experts from Europe, South America, Central Asia, the Middle East, and India. Sessions are focused on population dynamics, genetics, disease and health, conservation breeding, climate change adaptation, and emerging technologies such as AI-driven monitoring and habitat restoration.