Prelims: General issues on Environmental ecology
Why in News?
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.
- Conservation status
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I.
- IUCN - Critically endangered.
- Threats – Poaching and Habitat threats.
Reference
News 18 | Tral Wildlife Sanctuary
