About Kashmiri stag

• The Kashmir stag , also called hangul , is a subspecies of Central Asian red deer endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas. 
• It is found in dense riverine forests in the valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh. 
• In Kashmir, it is found primarily in the Dachigam National Park and in Tral Wildlife Sanctuary.

Trends in Population size

• Since 1947, the population of hangul has witnessed a sharp decline.
• In 1947, around 2,000 were spotted and the number fell to 384 by 1968. 
• The hangul population was estimated at a mere 197 in 2004, touching the lowest of 183 in 2015 and showed a steady increase to 261 in 2021.

Causes for Declining Population levels

• • Low breeding amongst Hanguls due to existence of a female biased sex ratio. There are 19.2 males per 100 females which is much lower than the ideal ratio.
  • Lack of participation from the local communities like Gujjars, Nambardars, Bakarwals, Patwaris, and Chowkidars in the conservation of Hanguls.

• Establishment of Cement factories near the habitat of Hangul deer.

• Limestone is extracted from the region in an unscientific manner. The mines have become a death trap for the Kashmir red stag.

• The emergence of militancy followed by the security force actions also negatively impacted the conservation efforts.

Conservation status

• • It is a critically endangered species as per IUCN red list.

• It is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Amendment Act, 2022

• It is listed in Appendix I of CITES

Why in news?

• Experts have pointed out that the mating calls made by hangul during rutting season are indicative of an increase in Hangul Populations.