Hangul Deer

Source: TH

Context: Scientists at CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) have found that human disturbances during mating and birthing seasons are increasing stress levels in Hangul deer, affecting their reproduction.

About Hangul Deer (Kashmir Stag):

• What is Hangul Deer?

• A subspecies of the Central Asian red deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu), endemic to Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh. The state animal of Jammu and Kashmir and the only surviving Asiatic subspecies of the Red Deer family.

• A subspecies of the Central Asian red deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu), endemic to Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.

• The state animal of Jammu and Kashmir and the only surviving Asiatic subspecies of the Red Deer family.

• Habitat & Protected Areas:

• Found in dense riverine forests, valleys, and mountainous regions of Jammu & Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.

• Key Protected Areas: Dachigam National Park (J&K) – The primary habitat of Hangul deer. Tral Wildlife Sanctuary (J&K) – Offers additional protection.

• Dachigam National Park (J&K) – The primary habitat of Hangul deer.

• Tral Wildlife Sanctuary (J&K) – Offers additional protection.

• IUCN Status:

• Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List due to rapid population decline. Population has fallen from 3,000-5,000 in the 1940s to just 289 in 2023.

• Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List due to rapid population decline.

• Population has fallen from 3,000-5,000 in the 1940s to just 289 in 2023.

• Key Features of Hangul Deer Large Antlers: Males possess impressive multi-tined antlers with 11-16 points. Seasonal Mating & Birth Patterns: Mating from October to December, birthing in April-May. Herbivorous Diet: Feeds on grasses, leaves, and forest vegetation.

• Large Antlers: Males possess impressive multi-tined antlers with 11-16 points.

• Seasonal Mating & Birth Patterns: Mating from October to December, birthing in April-May.

• Herbivorous Diet: Feeds on grasses, leaves, and forest vegetation.

• Reasons Behind Population Decline:

• Habitat Destruction: Deforestation and land encroachment have reduced their natural habitat. Overgrazing: Competition with livestock reduces available food resources. Poaching & Illegal Hunting: Hangul is targeted for its antlers and meat. Human Disturbance: Grazing, herder movements, and tourism disrupt mating and birthing cycles, increasing stress levels. Climate Change: Affects food availability and habitat conditions, worsening survival rates.

• Habitat Destruction: Deforestation and land encroachment have reduced their natural habitat.

• Overgrazing: Competition with livestock reduces available food resources.

• Poaching & Illegal Hunting: Hangul is targeted for its antlers and meat.

• Human Disturbance: Grazing, herder movements, and tourism disrupt mating and birthing cycles, increasing stress levels.

• Climate Change: Affects food availability and habitat conditions, worsening survival rates.