HANGUL: The Endangered Symbol of Kashmir

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 wildlife, has conducted regular census exercises to monitor hangul populations. Reported numbers have historically ranged from 250 to 800, varying according to the agency conducting the census and the methodologies employed. In the early 2000s, collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India and the adoption of more rigorous methodologies provided a more accurate assessment, revealing the population to be closer to 200 individuals, a figure that has since remained between 200 and 230. A recent estimate by Centre of Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), utilizing molecular techniques, placed the population at approximately 325. While this suggests an apparent increase from earlier figures, the overall population remains comparatively low.

Dachigam currently serves as the primary habitat for this species, and substantial human and financial resources are dedicated to its management. These efforts have yielded positive outcomes, as the population in Dachigam has remained stable without further decline. Nevertheless, this stability represents a significant reduction compared to historical numbers and does not warrant complacency. Furthermore, the current status of the species in most of its former range remains unknown.

Prior to initiating recovery efforts, it is essential to thoroughly understand the ecological requirements of the hangul. This species predominantly inhabits forested areas and, like many Himalayan animals, migrates in accordance with the snow line—descending to lower elevations in winter and covering broader and higher terrain during the summer and autumn months. Following the rutting season in late autumn and early winter, offspring are typically born in late spring or early summer. By this time, most stags have moved to higher altitudes to graze on newly emerged vegetation, while hinds remain at lower elevations until the calves have developed the strength necessary to migrate upward. Additionally, during this period, males may disperse, seeking new habitats and potentially increasing populations within smaller, fragmented areas surrounding Dachigam.

For a population to increase in size, the rate of natality (including both birth and recruitment) must exceed the total mortality rate across all age groups. Additionally, population dynamics are influenced by migration patterns, with emigration resulting in population declines and immigration contributing to population growth.

Five decades after Holloway drew attention to this issue, challenges persist in restoring hangul, which now represents the sole remaining global population. Despite ongoing efforts over the past 50 years, there has been little population growth. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies, the sufficiency of our methods, and the level of expertise involved. The following are several considerations that may contribute to further analysis and improvement of the recovery process.

Change the Model

The Department of Wildlife Protection is tasked with conserving wildlife species within the state, including the hangul. Over the past five decades, this department has benefitted from dedicated officers and staff who have consistently sought to improve conservation outcomes; however, challenges remain. One possible obstacle is the organisational structure of government departments, which may not facilitate the continuity essential for effective species recovery efforts. Additionally, while the department’s primary mandate focuses on the protection and management of wildlife and its habitats, species recovery initiatives are not traditionally a core component. This situation may necessitate a bold new strategy, such as forming an autonomous body under the forest department, analogous to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, specifically dedicated to recovering threatened fauna and flora.

Long-term Commitment and Leadership

The restoration of any species requires sustained effort over an extended period, a commitment that governments often find challenging. The recovery of the tiger, which stands as an exemplary achievement, necessitated the implementation of ‘Project Tiger’, with results only becoming evident after several decades and significant financial investment. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the state government to demonstrate leadership and undertake essential actions, including allocating adequate financial and human resources. Support from the central government, when available, should be regarded as supplementary.

Research-Driven Decision Making

Conservation strategies must be guided by robust research. Substantial data on hangul are now available through the University of Kashmir, SKUAST, and numerous civil society organisations. While continued research is essential for adaptive management, there is also a need to investigate factors limiting population growth, particularly in Dachigam, despite existing protections, and to scrutinise the causes behind the lack of recovery.

Species recovery at any location typically progresses through three stages: presence, viability, and functionality. The Dachigam population is considered viable but may not be fully functional; while some ecological roles may be maintained, crucial source-sink dynamics remain absent. In contrast, hangul populations in other remnant areas are limited to mere presence, lacking both viability and functionality. Furthermore, the fourth and ultimate recovery stage—representativeness—has yet to be achieved.

It is imperative that any management plan for hangul addresses its viability and functionality not just within Dachigam, but also across remaining habitats. Natural recolonisation of remnant sites can only occur if the core Dachigam population thrives and supports dispersal into adjacent regions.

Dr Rahul Kaul, Former CEO, Wildlife Trust of India and Director, IUCN/SSC Centre for Species Survival-India