Ansari visits Dachigam National Park

Srinagar, Sep 16 (IANS) Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, presently on a five-day visit to Kashmir, Sunday visited the Dachigam National Park which is home to ‘Hangul’, the world’s only surviving sub-species of red deer.

At the park, Ansari was briefed about its rich biodiversity through a power point presentation. He was also briefed about other flora and fauna of this famous Park which is spread over 141 square kilometres, near Srinagar.

The vice president was told there are over 50 species of trees, 20 species of shrubs and 500 species of herbs found in this park. As far as fauna is concerned, besides Hangul, the dominant species there are the Himalayan black bear, the common leopard, Himalayan langur, red fox, Himalayan marmot, leopard cat, jungle cat, Himalayan mouse hare and musk deer. It also has over 150 species of birds.

As per the last census of 2011, the number of Hangul recorded in the park was 218.

“Presently a long-term Hangul conservation plan is being implemented with the support of the union ministry of environment and forests. The Central Zoo Authority is also supporting the conservation programme of this critically endangered species.

“Under the species recovery programme, a captive breeding centre will be commissioned soon for the captive breeding of Hangul and thereafter releasing them in the wild,” park officials told the visiting dignitary.

Ansari will address the Jammu & Kashmir Science Congress at the Kashmir University Monday.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hosted a lunch Sunday in honour of Ansari.

IANS 2012-09-16 21:17:50