Endangered Hangul Deer Population Surges: A Hopeful Comeback for Kashmir Stag

• The Hangul (Kashmir stag) population increased from 127 in 2008 to 323 in the 2025 census, signaling a hopeful comeback.
• Native to Dachigam National Park, the species faced decline due to poaching, habitat loss, and armed conflict.
• Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting, reviewing successful conservation efforts like the Tral Breeding Centre.
• Historically, numbers plummeted from ~5000 (early 1900s) to ~180 (1968), with a gradual rise noted since 2017.
• Sinha emphasized eco-tourism, wildlife education, and balancing development with ecological preservation.

Why It Matters: Kashmir's endangered Hangul deer population is showing a significant revival due to dedicated conservation efforts.