The Centre has officially designated an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Tral Wildlife Sanctuary recently.
It is situated in the Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir.
It serves as a vital corridor for the remaining population of Hangul in the country.
This location is one of the rare regions beyond Dachigam National Park where a population of the critically endangered Hangul deer continues to exist.
Vegetation – It primarily consists of Himalayan moist temperate forest, sub-alpine forest, and various types of alpine forest.
The sanctuary is also connected to other important wildlife areas, such as Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary and Khrew Conservation Reserve.
Fauna – Endemic to Kashmir Musk Deer and Kashmir Gray Langur, as well as threatened species like the Common Leopard, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Bearded Vulture, and Kashmir Flycatcher.
Flora - It also harbours numerous plant species with significant medicinal value.
Following the notification, the government can now regulate activities in the area to create a buffer zone, aiding the survival of this vulnerable species.
Kashmiri Stag
It is referred to as Hangul, a subspecies of the Central Asian red deer that is native to Kashmir and its neighboring regions.
This deer inhabits thick riverine forests located in the high valleys and mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as northern Himachal Pradesh.
In Kashmir, its main habitat is the Dachigam National Park, where it is afforded protection.
Additionally, a small population has been observed in the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary situated in southern Kashmir.
