The return of wild boars in Kashmir threatens the hangul habitat and crops

The return of wild boars in Kashmir threatens the hangul habitat and crops

Subject : Environment

Section: Species in news

Context: Wild boars resurfaced in Kashmir after 30 years, in 2013, and their number has been growing ever since, causing concern among the local residents and wildlife experts.

More on the News:

• Sightings of the fast-breeding wild boar have been increasing in Kashmir, note citizens, farmers and wildlife conservationists. The species is not native to the region and was declared locally extinct in the 1980s until a sighting was recorded in 2013.
• The boars are increasing the competition for resources, for the critically endangered hanguls in Dachigam National Park. Farmers also allege that the wild boars are damaging farmlands by uprooting their crops.
• Wildlife experts say that increasing temperatures may have led to the resurgence of wild boars in the region. The Department of Wildlife Protection is conducting a detailed study to understand more about the presence of wild boars in Kashmir.

Dachigam National Park

• Dachigam National Park is a prominent wildlife sanctuary and national park located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Dachigam National Park is situated in the western Himalayas, near the city of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of approximately 141 square kilometers.
• The park was initially established in 1910 as a game reserve to protect the Kashmir stag (Hangul). It was later upgraded to a national park in 1981.
• Dachigam National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It is particularly famous for its population of the critically endangered Kashmir stag (Hangul), which is the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir. Other wildlife species found in the park include Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, leopard, red fox, Himalayan weasel, and numerous bird species.
• The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a wide variety of avian species found in its forests. It is home to several endemic and migratory bird species, including the Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, black bulbul, Kashmir flycatcher, and white-capped redstart.
• The park encompasses diverse vegetation, ranging from coniferous forests to alpine meadows. The lower areas of the park are covered with dense forests of deodar, pine, and fir trees, while the higher regions feature alpine grasslands.
• Like many other protected areas, Dachigam National Park faces various challenges, including habitat degradation, encroachment, and poaching. Conservation efforts are being undertaken to mitigate these threats, including habitat restoration, community participation, and strict anti-poaching measures.

Hangul:

• Hangul, also known as the Kashmir stag, is a species of deer native to the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India.
• Scientific Name: Hangul is scientifically known as Cervus hanglu.
• Hangul primarily inhabits the dense temperate forests of the Kashmir Valley and its surrounding areas. It is found at elevations ranging from 1,700 meters to 3,000 meters above sea level.
• Hangul is a medium-sized deer with a distinct appearance. Adult males, known as stags, have a majestic set of antlers that can grow up to 11 tines or branches. Their coat is reddish-brown in summer and turns dark brown in winter. Females, known as hinds, have a lighter coat and lack antlers.
• The hangul is a critically-endangered species as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List, and a Schedule I Species in as per India’s Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• The population has experienced a significant decline over the years due to various factors, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
• Conservation Efforts: Various conservation initiatives have been undertaken to protect and conserve the Hangul population. These efforts include habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, community participation, and research and monitoring programs. The Hangul Conservation Breeding Program at the Dachigam National Park is one such initiative aimed at breeding and reintroducing captive-bred individuals into the wild.
• Hangul holds significant ecological and cultural value. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of its habitat and contributes to the ecological balance of the region. It is also considered a flagship species for conservation efforts in the Kashmir Valley.

Wild boar

• Wild boar, scientifically known as Sus scrofa, is a species of large, wild pig that is native to Eurasia, North Africa, and parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• Wild boars are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. They are known for their ability to thrive in different environments, from dense forests to open fields.
• Wild boars have a wide geographic distribution and are found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They have also been introduced to other parts of the world, including the Americas and Australia, where they have established feral populations.
• Wild boars are primarily active during the night (nocturnal) or twilight hours (crepuscular). They are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes roots, tubers, fruits, nuts, insects, small vertebrates, and carrion. They are known for their strong sense of smell and excellent hearing.
• Wild boars are known for their prolific breeding capabilities. Breeding occurs throughout the year, although there is typically a peak during certain seasons.
• Wild boars play an important ecological role as seed dispersers and soil cultivators. They help in the dispersal of plant seeds through their feeding and movement patterns. However, their foraging activities can also cause damage to agricultural crops and natural habitats.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: In some regions, wild boars can come into conflict with human activities, especially agriculture. Their foraging habits and rooting behavior can cause damage to crops, resulting in economic losses for farmers. They can also pose a threat to human safety in certain situations.
• Disease Concerns: Wild boars can be carriers of certain diseases, such as African swine fever and bovine tuberculosis, which can pose risks to livestock and domestic animals. Disease surveillance and control measures are important for managing these risks.