National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Jammu and Kashmir | JKPSC KAS (Jammu and Kashmir): Preparation Course PDF Download

 Page 1


NATIONALPARKSAND
WILDLIFESANCTUARIES
CHAPTER9
The state of Jammu and Kashmir presents a variety of
geographical regions, climate and vegetation which provide
shelter to a number of wildlife in the state. These wildlife
include mammal species, bird species and so on. National
parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir provide brilliant
option for wildlife tourism. Wildlife week is celebrated in the
first week of October every year in Jammu and Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is richly endowed with diverse forests ranging
from subtropical to temperate to alpine because of the distinctive geo-climatic
conditions prevalent in the state. The basic objective of the State Forest Policy of
Jammu and Kashmir is the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitat throught
preservation of natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna. To achieve
this goal the State Government established large number of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries here.
National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir
National park is a strictly reserved area which is used for the protection of the
wildlife and bio-diversity. Many activities like developmental forestry, poaching,
hunting and grazing or cultivation are not permitted on this land. Hemis National
Park is the largest national park in Jammu and Kashmir.
The important national parks of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:
Hemis National Park
It is located in the Eastern Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir. The area of the park is
about 3350 sq km. It is known as the largestnationalparkintheSouthAsia which
was established in 1981. The park is considered to have the highest density of snow
leopard of any protected area in the world.
Page 2


NATIONALPARKSAND
WILDLIFESANCTUARIES
CHAPTER9
The state of Jammu and Kashmir presents a variety of
geographical regions, climate and vegetation which provide
shelter to a number of wildlife in the state. These wildlife
include mammal species, bird species and so on. National
parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir provide brilliant
option for wildlife tourism. Wildlife week is celebrated in the
first week of October every year in Jammu and Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is richly endowed with diverse forests ranging
from subtropical to temperate to alpine because of the distinctive geo-climatic
conditions prevalent in the state. The basic objective of the State Forest Policy of
Jammu and Kashmir is the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitat throught
preservation of natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna. To achieve
this goal the State Government established large number of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries here.
National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir
National park is a strictly reserved area which is used for the protection of the
wildlife and bio-diversity. Many activities like developmental forestry, poaching,
hunting and grazing or cultivation are not permitted on this land. Hemis National
Park is the largest national park in Jammu and Kashmir.
The important national parks of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:
Hemis National Park
It is located in the Eastern Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir. The area of the park is
about 3350 sq km. It is known as the largestnationalparkintheSouthAsia which
was established in 1981. The park is considered to have the highest density of snow
leopard of any protected area in the world.
Thus, it is known as the SnowLeopardCapitalofIndia. It is the only national park
in India in the North of the Himalayas. The park is situated on very rugged and
mountainous topography having a altitute between 3300 to 6000 m.
The park is also famous for the 400 year old Hemis Monastery which is located
within the park. Indus and Zanskar rivers meet at the park’s boundary which has a
beautiful scenic view. The park also has Stok Kangri peak. The forests of this park
are mostly Alpine forests and steppe vegetation. Forests of junipers, subalpine dry
birch, populus-salix forests. The park is considered the only habitat of Ladakhi Urial
or Shapu in India. The fauna of this park include snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, bharal
(Blue Sheep), wolf, Tibetan argali, Tibetan wild ass or kiang, Himalayan marmot,
etc. Some of the common birds found in this park are golden eagle, Himalayan snow
cock, Tibetan snow finch, chukar, fire-fronted serin, etc.
Kishtwar National Park
It is located in Kishtwar district. The area of the park is about 425 sq km. It was
established in 1981. The main aim of the park is to protect the Snow Leopards
which is highly endangered species. The park is surrounded by the Rinnay river to
the North, Kibar nala catchment in the South, main divide of the Great Himalayas
in the East and Marwa river to the West.
The flora of this park include coniferous, alpine, meadows and scrub forests. The
important tree species are chilgoza pine, Himalayan cedar, Persian walnut, oak, etc.
Herbs are also found here like purple false brome, anemone, mugwort, sundrops, etc.
The fauna of this sanctuary include musk deer, Himalayan black and brown bear
hangul or Kashmiri stag, snow leopard, serow, ibex, etc. Around 50 species of birds
are found here which includes Himalayan monal, bearded vulture, white cheeked
bulbul, koklass, Indian mynah, etc.
Dachigam National Park
It is located 22 km from Srinagar. The area of the park is about 141 sq km. The park
has been a protected area since 1910. It was established by the then Maharaja of
Jammu and Kashmir in the year 1981. It is the Northernmost and most elevated
reserve in the Indian sub-continent. Markar lake is the important lake in this region
which flows out of Dagwan river.
The park has about 500 species of herbs, 50 species of trees and about 20 speices of
shrubs. Coniferous forests cover a large area. The mountain sides of the forest are
thickly covered with wild trees. There are alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and
scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars. The wild tree variety
include wild cherry, peach, apple, apricot, chinar, birch, pine, etc.
The fauna of this park include Hangul (State animal) or Kashmiri Stag, the species
of the red deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, langur,
Himalayan marmot, yellow throated morten, leopard, etc.
Page 3


NATIONALPARKSAND
WILDLIFESANCTUARIES
CHAPTER9
The state of Jammu and Kashmir presents a variety of
geographical regions, climate and vegetation which provide
shelter to a number of wildlife in the state. These wildlife
include mammal species, bird species and so on. National
parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir provide brilliant
option for wildlife tourism. Wildlife week is celebrated in the
first week of October every year in Jammu and Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is richly endowed with diverse forests ranging
from subtropical to temperate to alpine because of the distinctive geo-climatic
conditions prevalent in the state. The basic objective of the State Forest Policy of
Jammu and Kashmir is the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitat throught
preservation of natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna. To achieve
this goal the State Government established large number of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries here.
National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir
National park is a strictly reserved area which is used for the protection of the
wildlife and bio-diversity. Many activities like developmental forestry, poaching,
hunting and grazing or cultivation are not permitted on this land. Hemis National
Park is the largest national park in Jammu and Kashmir.
The important national parks of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:
Hemis National Park
It is located in the Eastern Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir. The area of the park is
about 3350 sq km. It is known as the largestnationalparkintheSouthAsia which
was established in 1981. The park is considered to have the highest density of snow
leopard of any protected area in the world.
Thus, it is known as the SnowLeopardCapitalofIndia. It is the only national park
in India in the North of the Himalayas. The park is situated on very rugged and
mountainous topography having a altitute between 3300 to 6000 m.
The park is also famous for the 400 year old Hemis Monastery which is located
within the park. Indus and Zanskar rivers meet at the park’s boundary which has a
beautiful scenic view. The park also has Stok Kangri peak. The forests of this park
are mostly Alpine forests and steppe vegetation. Forests of junipers, subalpine dry
birch, populus-salix forests. The park is considered the only habitat of Ladakhi Urial
or Shapu in India. The fauna of this park include snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, bharal
(Blue Sheep), wolf, Tibetan argali, Tibetan wild ass or kiang, Himalayan marmot,
etc. Some of the common birds found in this park are golden eagle, Himalayan snow
cock, Tibetan snow finch, chukar, fire-fronted serin, etc.
Kishtwar National Park
It is located in Kishtwar district. The area of the park is about 425 sq km. It was
established in 1981. The main aim of the park is to protect the Snow Leopards
which is highly endangered species. The park is surrounded by the Rinnay river to
the North, Kibar nala catchment in the South, main divide of the Great Himalayas
in the East and Marwa river to the West.
The flora of this park include coniferous, alpine, meadows and scrub forests. The
important tree species are chilgoza pine, Himalayan cedar, Persian walnut, oak, etc.
Herbs are also found here like purple false brome, anemone, mugwort, sundrops, etc.
The fauna of this sanctuary include musk deer, Himalayan black and brown bear
hangul or Kashmiri stag, snow leopard, serow, ibex, etc. Around 50 species of birds
are found here which includes Himalayan monal, bearded vulture, white cheeked
bulbul, koklass, Indian mynah, etc.
Dachigam National Park
It is located 22 km from Srinagar. The area of the park is about 141 sq km. The park
has been a protected area since 1910. It was established by the then Maharaja of
Jammu and Kashmir in the year 1981. It is the Northernmost and most elevated
reserve in the Indian sub-continent. Markar lake is the important lake in this region
which flows out of Dagwan river.
The park has about 500 species of herbs, 50 species of trees and about 20 speices of
shrubs. Coniferous forests cover a large area. The mountain sides of the forest are
thickly covered with wild trees. There are alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and
scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars. The wild tree variety
include wild cherry, peach, apple, apricot, chinar, birch, pine, etc.
The fauna of this park include Hangul (State animal) or Kashmiri Stag, the species
of the red deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, langur,
Himalayan marmot, yellow throated morten, leopard, etc.
The park has 150 species of birds. The important species are monal, koklas, bearded
vulture, griffon vulture, golden eagle, grey heron, starling, golden oriole, paradise
flycatcher, Western yellow-billed blue magpie, kestrel, peregrine falcon, black
bulbul, etc.
Salim Ali National Park
It is located in the Srinagar district. The area of the park is about 9 sq km. The
earlier name of this park was the CityForestNationalPark. It was established in the
year 1992. The park was named after the renowned ornithologist and naturalist,
Mr Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali. Mangrove Shrubbery is the important flora of the
park. The fauna of this park include Kashmiri antelope, jackal, flying fox, leopard,
Himalayan black bear, musk deer, crocodile, etc. The park has about 70 species of
birds. Some of the important bird species are ring dove, paradise flycatcher,
Himalayan snowcock, kingfisher, Himalayan monal.
Kazinag National Park
Kazinag or Qazinag National Park is situated in North bank of Jhelum close to Line
of Control in Baramulla district about 70 km away from Srinagar. It is part of a
proposal for a trans-Karakoram peace park with Pakistan. The national park was
created after the Kargil War and based on the increasing pressure to protect the
endangered and rare Markhor Wild Goat. The park is made out of the Limber and
Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Nagnari Conservation Reserve.
The park has more of coniferous forests of deodar at lower altitudes, spruce and fir
in the middle to upper elevation and fail from lower to upper elevations. Birch can
be found only in sub-alpine zones. The sub-alpine and alpine scrubs are found at
higher elevations and have more of Junipers. Nearly 20 species of animals can be
found in the park which includes endangered Markhor Wild Goat, Musk deer,
Brown bear, Black bear, small Kashmir flying squirrel, Leopard to name some. The
Kazinag National Park is home to about 120 species of birds which include Golden
Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, Kashmir Red breasted Flycatcher, Snow Pigeon, The Cuckoo
Himalayan pied Kingfisher etc. It is home to 17 Species of Butterflies which include
Regal Apollo, Brown Argus, Common Red Apollo, Mountain Argus etc.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir
A sanctuary is a reserved area which is used for the conservation of animal. Only
certain human activities are allowed on these lands like harvesting of timber,
collecting minor forest products and private ownership rights until these cause any
harm to the protected animals. Boundaries of sanctuaries are not well defined and
controlled biotic interference is permitted. The largest wildlife sanctuary of Jammu
and Kashmir is Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Page 4


NATIONALPARKSAND
WILDLIFESANCTUARIES
CHAPTER9
The state of Jammu and Kashmir presents a variety of
geographical regions, climate and vegetation which provide
shelter to a number of wildlife in the state. These wildlife
include mammal species, bird species and so on. National
parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir provide brilliant
option for wildlife tourism. Wildlife week is celebrated in the
first week of October every year in Jammu and Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is richly endowed with diverse forests ranging
from subtropical to temperate to alpine because of the distinctive geo-climatic
conditions prevalent in the state. The basic objective of the State Forest Policy of
Jammu and Kashmir is the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitat throught
preservation of natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna. To achieve
this goal the State Government established large number of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries here.
National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir
National park is a strictly reserved area which is used for the protection of the
wildlife and bio-diversity. Many activities like developmental forestry, poaching,
hunting and grazing or cultivation are not permitted on this land. Hemis National
Park is the largest national park in Jammu and Kashmir.
The important national parks of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:
Hemis National Park
It is located in the Eastern Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir. The area of the park is
about 3350 sq km. It is known as the largestnationalparkintheSouthAsia which
was established in 1981. The park is considered to have the highest density of snow
leopard of any protected area in the world.
Thus, it is known as the SnowLeopardCapitalofIndia. It is the only national park
in India in the North of the Himalayas. The park is situated on very rugged and
mountainous topography having a altitute between 3300 to 6000 m.
The park is also famous for the 400 year old Hemis Monastery which is located
within the park. Indus and Zanskar rivers meet at the park’s boundary which has a
beautiful scenic view. The park also has Stok Kangri peak. The forests of this park
are mostly Alpine forests and steppe vegetation. Forests of junipers, subalpine dry
birch, populus-salix forests. The park is considered the only habitat of Ladakhi Urial
or Shapu in India. The fauna of this park include snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, bharal
(Blue Sheep), wolf, Tibetan argali, Tibetan wild ass or kiang, Himalayan marmot,
etc. Some of the common birds found in this park are golden eagle, Himalayan snow
cock, Tibetan snow finch, chukar, fire-fronted serin, etc.
Kishtwar National Park
It is located in Kishtwar district. The area of the park is about 425 sq km. It was
established in 1981. The main aim of the park is to protect the Snow Leopards
which is highly endangered species. The park is surrounded by the Rinnay river to
the North, Kibar nala catchment in the South, main divide of the Great Himalayas
in the East and Marwa river to the West.
The flora of this park include coniferous, alpine, meadows and scrub forests. The
important tree species are chilgoza pine, Himalayan cedar, Persian walnut, oak, etc.
Herbs are also found here like purple false brome, anemone, mugwort, sundrops, etc.
The fauna of this sanctuary include musk deer, Himalayan black and brown bear
hangul or Kashmiri stag, snow leopard, serow, ibex, etc. Around 50 species of birds
are found here which includes Himalayan monal, bearded vulture, white cheeked
bulbul, koklass, Indian mynah, etc.
Dachigam National Park
It is located 22 km from Srinagar. The area of the park is about 141 sq km. The park
has been a protected area since 1910. It was established by the then Maharaja of
Jammu and Kashmir in the year 1981. It is the Northernmost and most elevated
reserve in the Indian sub-continent. Markar lake is the important lake in this region
which flows out of Dagwan river.
The park has about 500 species of herbs, 50 species of trees and about 20 speices of
shrubs. Coniferous forests cover a large area. The mountain sides of the forest are
thickly covered with wild trees. There are alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and
scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars. The wild tree variety
include wild cherry, peach, apple, apricot, chinar, birch, pine, etc.
The fauna of this park include Hangul (State animal) or Kashmiri Stag, the species
of the red deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, langur,
Himalayan marmot, yellow throated morten, leopard, etc.
The park has 150 species of birds. The important species are monal, koklas, bearded
vulture, griffon vulture, golden eagle, grey heron, starling, golden oriole, paradise
flycatcher, Western yellow-billed blue magpie, kestrel, peregrine falcon, black
bulbul, etc.
Salim Ali National Park
It is located in the Srinagar district. The area of the park is about 9 sq km. The
earlier name of this park was the CityForestNationalPark. It was established in the
year 1992. The park was named after the renowned ornithologist and naturalist,
Mr Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali. Mangrove Shrubbery is the important flora of the
park. The fauna of this park include Kashmiri antelope, jackal, flying fox, leopard,
Himalayan black bear, musk deer, crocodile, etc. The park has about 70 species of
birds. Some of the important bird species are ring dove, paradise flycatcher,
Himalayan snowcock, kingfisher, Himalayan monal.
Kazinag National Park
Kazinag or Qazinag National Park is situated in North bank of Jhelum close to Line
of Control in Baramulla district about 70 km away from Srinagar. It is part of a
proposal for a trans-Karakoram peace park with Pakistan. The national park was
created after the Kargil War and based on the increasing pressure to protect the
endangered and rare Markhor Wild Goat. The park is made out of the Limber and
Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Nagnari Conservation Reserve.
The park has more of coniferous forests of deodar at lower altitudes, spruce and fir
in the middle to upper elevation and fail from lower to upper elevations. Birch can
be found only in sub-alpine zones. The sub-alpine and alpine scrubs are found at
higher elevations and have more of Junipers. Nearly 20 species of animals can be
found in the park which includes endangered Markhor Wild Goat, Musk deer,
Brown bear, Black bear, small Kashmir flying squirrel, Leopard to name some. The
Kazinag National Park is home to about 120 species of birds which include Golden
Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, Kashmir Red breasted Flycatcher, Snow Pigeon, The Cuckoo
Himalayan pied Kingfisher etc. It is home to 17 Species of Butterflies which include
Regal Apollo, Brown Argus, Common Red Apollo, Mountain Argus etc.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir
A sanctuary is a reserved area which is used for the conservation of animal. Only
certain human activities are allowed on these lands like harvesting of timber,
collecting minor forest products and private ownership rights until these cause any
harm to the protected animals. Boundaries of sanctuaries are not well defined and
controlled biotic interference is permitted. The largest wildlife sanctuary of Jammu
and Kashmir is Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Some important wildlife sanctuaries of Jammu and Kashmir are discussed below:
Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located 58 km away from the Jammu city. It spreads over an area of 98 sq. km.
There are two lakes. This sanctuary has got its name from these lakes. It was
established in 1981. The vegetation of the sanctuary includes the mixed scrub forest
which comprises mainly of broad leaved species which are mixed with stands of Pinus
Gerardiana. The common broad leaved species are kamala tree, acacias, Indian
rosewood, orchid tree, sacred fig, etc. The fauna of this sanctuary include goral, wild
boar, barking deer, leopard, etc. The bird species of this sanctuary include black
partridge, red jungle fowl, peafowl, grey partridge, green pigeon, blue rock pigeon, etc.
Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located on the bank of river Ujh, Northwards of village Jasrota in Kathua
district. It spreads over an area of 25.75 sq km. It was established in 1987.This
Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora which is dominated by bamboo plantations. The
main species found are North Indian rosewood, khair, Indian ash tree, etc. Major
shrub associates are bush plum, big-sage and hopbush. The sanctuary is the natural
habitat for a wide variety of mammals. The fauna of this sanctuary include cheetal,
barking deer, wild boar, rhesus monkey, etc. The bird species of this sanctuary include
peafowl, red jungle fowl, jungle bush quail, green pigeon and blue rock pigeon.
Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located approximately 48 km from Srinagar. Blessed with immense natural
beauty this paradise spreads over an area of 180 km. It was established in 1987. This
sanctuary includes Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. This Bioshphere Reserve is located
at an altitude between 2400 m to 4300 m above sea level. In Srinagar it is a home of
several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer and a rich and varied
avifauna flora.
The flora of this sanctuary include about 90% area is covered by coniferous forest.
Important flora of the reserve are cedrus deodara, pinus griffithii, abies pindrow,
aesculus indica etc. Important shrubs are indigofera heterantha, sorbaria tomentosa
etc. Dicotyledonus herbs dominate the area. The fauna of this sanctuary include
hangul, serow, brown bear, leopard, black bear, red fox, etc. The birds species of this
sanctuary include griffon, vulture, snow cock, koklas, blue rock, pigeon, Kashmir
roller, European hoopae, jungle crow, etc.
Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located in Anantnag district. It spreads over an area of 425 sq km. It was
establised in 1987. The sanctuary encompasses the Overa-Aru Biosphere reserve
which is a biodiversity hotspot in the world. This Biosphere Reserve is located at an
altitude between 3000 m to 5425 m above sea level.
Page 5


NATIONALPARKSAND
WILDLIFESANCTUARIES
CHAPTER9
The state of Jammu and Kashmir presents a variety of
geographical regions, climate and vegetation which provide
shelter to a number of wildlife in the state. These wildlife
include mammal species, bird species and so on. National
parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Kashmir provide brilliant
option for wildlife tourism. Wildlife week is celebrated in the
first week of October every year in Jammu and Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is richly endowed with diverse forests ranging
from subtropical to temperate to alpine because of the distinctive geo-climatic
conditions prevalent in the state. The basic objective of the State Forest Policy of
Jammu and Kashmir is the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitat throught
preservation of natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna. To achieve
this goal the State Government established large number of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries here.
National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir
National park is a strictly reserved area which is used for the protection of the
wildlife and bio-diversity. Many activities like developmental forestry, poaching,
hunting and grazing or cultivation are not permitted on this land. Hemis National
Park is the largest national park in Jammu and Kashmir.
The important national parks of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:
Hemis National Park
It is located in the Eastern Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir. The area of the park is
about 3350 sq km. It is known as the largestnationalparkintheSouthAsia which
was established in 1981. The park is considered to have the highest density of snow
leopard of any protected area in the world.
Thus, it is known as the SnowLeopardCapitalofIndia. It is the only national park
in India in the North of the Himalayas. The park is situated on very rugged and
mountainous topography having a altitute between 3300 to 6000 m.
The park is also famous for the 400 year old Hemis Monastery which is located
within the park. Indus and Zanskar rivers meet at the park’s boundary which has a
beautiful scenic view. The park also has Stok Kangri peak. The forests of this park
are mostly Alpine forests and steppe vegetation. Forests of junipers, subalpine dry
birch, populus-salix forests. The park is considered the only habitat of Ladakhi Urial
or Shapu in India. The fauna of this park include snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, bharal
(Blue Sheep), wolf, Tibetan argali, Tibetan wild ass or kiang, Himalayan marmot,
etc. Some of the common birds found in this park are golden eagle, Himalayan snow
cock, Tibetan snow finch, chukar, fire-fronted serin, etc.
Kishtwar National Park
It is located in Kishtwar district. The area of the park is about 425 sq km. It was
established in 1981. The main aim of the park is to protect the Snow Leopards
which is highly endangered species. The park is surrounded by the Rinnay river to
the North, Kibar nala catchment in the South, main divide of the Great Himalayas
in the East and Marwa river to the West.
The flora of this park include coniferous, alpine, meadows and scrub forests. The
important tree species are chilgoza pine, Himalayan cedar, Persian walnut, oak, etc.
Herbs are also found here like purple false brome, anemone, mugwort, sundrops, etc.
The fauna of this sanctuary include musk deer, Himalayan black and brown bear
hangul or Kashmiri stag, snow leopard, serow, ibex, etc. Around 50 species of birds
are found here which includes Himalayan monal, bearded vulture, white cheeked
bulbul, koklass, Indian mynah, etc.
Dachigam National Park
It is located 22 km from Srinagar. The area of the park is about 141 sq km. The park
has been a protected area since 1910. It was established by the then Maharaja of
Jammu and Kashmir in the year 1981. It is the Northernmost and most elevated
reserve in the Indian sub-continent. Markar lake is the important lake in this region
which flows out of Dagwan river.
The park has about 500 species of herbs, 50 species of trees and about 20 speices of
shrubs. Coniferous forests cover a large area. The mountain sides of the forest are
thickly covered with wild trees. There are alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and
scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars. The wild tree variety
include wild cherry, peach, apple, apricot, chinar, birch, pine, etc.
The fauna of this park include Hangul (State animal) or Kashmiri Stag, the species
of the red deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, langur,
Himalayan marmot, yellow throated morten, leopard, etc.
The park has 150 species of birds. The important species are monal, koklas, bearded
vulture, griffon vulture, golden eagle, grey heron, starling, golden oriole, paradise
flycatcher, Western yellow-billed blue magpie, kestrel, peregrine falcon, black
bulbul, etc.
Salim Ali National Park
It is located in the Srinagar district. The area of the park is about 9 sq km. The
earlier name of this park was the CityForestNationalPark. It was established in the
year 1992. The park was named after the renowned ornithologist and naturalist,
Mr Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali. Mangrove Shrubbery is the important flora of the
park. The fauna of this park include Kashmiri antelope, jackal, flying fox, leopard,
Himalayan black bear, musk deer, crocodile, etc. The park has about 70 species of
birds. Some of the important bird species are ring dove, paradise flycatcher,
Himalayan snowcock, kingfisher, Himalayan monal.
Kazinag National Park
Kazinag or Qazinag National Park is situated in North bank of Jhelum close to Line
of Control in Baramulla district about 70 km away from Srinagar. It is part of a
proposal for a trans-Karakoram peace park with Pakistan. The national park was
created after the Kargil War and based on the increasing pressure to protect the
endangered and rare Markhor Wild Goat. The park is made out of the Limber and
Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Nagnari Conservation Reserve.
The park has more of coniferous forests of deodar at lower altitudes, spruce and fir
in the middle to upper elevation and fail from lower to upper elevations. Birch can
be found only in sub-alpine zones. The sub-alpine and alpine scrubs are found at
higher elevations and have more of Junipers. Nearly 20 species of animals can be
found in the park which includes endangered Markhor Wild Goat, Musk deer,
Brown bear, Black bear, small Kashmir flying squirrel, Leopard to name some. The
Kazinag National Park is home to about 120 species of birds which include Golden
Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, Kashmir Red breasted Flycatcher, Snow Pigeon, The Cuckoo
Himalayan pied Kingfisher etc. It is home to 17 Species of Butterflies which include
Regal Apollo, Brown Argus, Common Red Apollo, Mountain Argus etc.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir
A sanctuary is a reserved area which is used for the conservation of animal. Only
certain human activities are allowed on these lands like harvesting of timber,
collecting minor forest products and private ownership rights until these cause any
harm to the protected animals. Boundaries of sanctuaries are not well defined and
controlled biotic interference is permitted. The largest wildlife sanctuary of Jammu
and Kashmir is Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Some important wildlife sanctuaries of Jammu and Kashmir are discussed below:
Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located 58 km away from the Jammu city. It spreads over an area of 98 sq. km.
There are two lakes. This sanctuary has got its name from these lakes. It was
established in 1981. The vegetation of the sanctuary includes the mixed scrub forest
which comprises mainly of broad leaved species which are mixed with stands of Pinus
Gerardiana. The common broad leaved species are kamala tree, acacias, Indian
rosewood, orchid tree, sacred fig, etc. The fauna of this sanctuary include goral, wild
boar, barking deer, leopard, etc. The bird species of this sanctuary include black
partridge, red jungle fowl, peafowl, grey partridge, green pigeon, blue rock pigeon, etc.
Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located on the bank of river Ujh, Northwards of village Jasrota in Kathua
district. It spreads over an area of 25.75 sq km. It was established in 1987.This
Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora which is dominated by bamboo plantations. The
main species found are North Indian rosewood, khair, Indian ash tree, etc. Major
shrub associates are bush plum, big-sage and hopbush. The sanctuary is the natural
habitat for a wide variety of mammals. The fauna of this sanctuary include cheetal,
barking deer, wild boar, rhesus monkey, etc. The bird species of this sanctuary include
peafowl, red jungle fowl, jungle bush quail, green pigeon and blue rock pigeon.
Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located approximately 48 km from Srinagar. Blessed with immense natural
beauty this paradise spreads over an area of 180 km. It was established in 1987. This
sanctuary includes Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. This Bioshphere Reserve is located
at an altitude between 2400 m to 4300 m above sea level. In Srinagar it is a home of
several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer and a rich and varied
avifauna flora.
The flora of this sanctuary include about 90% area is covered by coniferous forest.
Important flora of the reserve are cedrus deodara, pinus griffithii, abies pindrow,
aesculus indica etc. Important shrubs are indigofera heterantha, sorbaria tomentosa
etc. Dicotyledonus herbs dominate the area. The fauna of this sanctuary include
hangul, serow, brown bear, leopard, black bear, red fox, etc. The birds species of this
sanctuary include griffon, vulture, snow cock, koklas, blue rock, pigeon, Kashmir
roller, European hoopae, jungle crow, etc.
Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located in Anantnag district. It spreads over an area of 425 sq km. It was
establised in 1987. The sanctuary encompasses the Overa-Aru Biosphere reserve
which is a biodiversity hotspot in the world. This Biosphere Reserve is located at an
altitude between 3000 m to 5425 m above sea level.
The flora of this sanctuary include Himalayan Moist Temperate and Himalayan
Dry Temperate forests which have riverian vegetation (like blue pine, horse
chestnut), Coniferous forest (like blue pine, fir, spruce), Alpine Scrubs and Pastures
(like birch, juniper, rhododendron) and shrubs. It also have some medicinal plants
like Indian atees, Himalayan arnebia, etc.
The fauna of this sanctuary include Kashmir red deer or hangul, Kashmir musk deer,
Asiatic ibex, Himalayan serow, common leopard, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan
brown bear, etc. It has about 120 species of birds. It has one endangered bird species
like Egyptian vulture, one vulnerable species like Kashmir flycatcher and two near
threatened species like European roller, and tytler’s leaf-warbler.
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary which is located in the Easternmost part of
the Karakoram range in Leh district, Jammu and Kashmir. Being the largestwildlife
sanctuary it spreads over an area of 5000 sq km. It was established in 1987. The
sanctuary is one of the few places in India which has a migratory population of the
Chiru or Tibetan Antelope. As it is a cold desert region, the vegetation is very sparse
but some important medicinal plants are found there. For example, Arnebia
euchroma, Bergenia stracheyi, etc.
The fauna of this sanctuary include Tibetan gazalle, Himalayan ibex, bharal, wild
yak, snow leopard, lynx, wolf, red fox, Himalayan mouse hare, Himalayan marmot,
common otter, wooly hare, Ladakhi urial, argali, double hump camel, etc. The bird
species of this sanctuary include gadwall, tufted duck or tufted pilchard, goosander
or merganser, short-teed eagle, booted eagle, golden eagle, etc.
Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a cold desert wildlife sanctuary which is located in the East of Leh district and
encloses two high altitude lakes, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. It spreads over an
area of 4000 sq km. It was established in 1987. It is a part of the Hindu Kush
Himalayas which is situated at a height of 14000 to 19000 ft above mean sea level.
The Indus river passing through the sanctuary divides it into two parts. It has many
lakes and swamps. Around 200 species of wild plants are found here. The fauna of
this sanctuary include Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), snow leopard, lynx, wolf, wild dog,
Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan argali, blue sheep, wild yak, Ladakh urial, etc. The bird
species of this sanctuary include black necked crane (migratory bird), brahminy
ducks, brown-headed gulls, etc.
Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary
It is located about 38 km from Jammu on National Highway-1A. It spreads over an
area of 33.34 sq km. It was established in 1981. The sanctuary is named after
Nandini village. This sanctuary is covered with forests of fir and pine trees. It is the
home of a large number of rare and endangered species of mammal and birds.