Indian States
Jammu
& Kashmir
Kashmir
(
Wildlife
)
The
highest, youngest & largest chain of mountains in the world,
the Himalayan range is one of the most fascinating and spectacular
natrual wonders on earth.It is more than that : it is one of the
richest store of animal life.For instance,it is remarkable that
almost one third of the world's mammalian species that may be
called true mountain animals are native to these mountains.
Jammu
and kasmir with its variety of geographical regions,climates and
vegetation has many delights to offer the wildlife enthusiast. Perphas
no animal better epitomises the character and concerns of the mountain
environment than the snow leopard, a beautiful and elusive survivor
from the frigid Pleistocene era. Though its range is immense,extending
over the entire
Himalayan
range, it is most advantageously sought in jammu and kashmir especially
in the high ranges. Another rare animal is the hangul or Kashmir
stag,one of the most endangered species of red deer in the world.An
enigmatic mammal is the bharal;the controversy over whether it is
a shep or a goat is not yet settled.Many unique species of antelope,goat
and sheep are found in the state.
In
winter high-altitude bird species move to the lower valleys and
into the tourist's purview.Cinnamon sparrows,the black and yellow
grosbeak,black bulbuls and monal pheasants(the male splendidly coloured)
may be seen now.At this time,too large troops of the impressive
Himalayan gray langur visit for the duration.
But
nothing strikes the eye and imagination so much as in spring and
summer,when the long foothills and deep valleys awake to life.Now
also awakes the imposing Himalayan black bear and as the winter
avifauna return to higher quarters the birds of the summer return.Among
these is the lovely golden oriole.The langurs and hangful,too make
thier way to higher valleys that are not however inaccessible.
Though
wildlife conservation in Ladakh began fairly recently,there is much
here that is not found in the lower ranges.Ladakh's ecosystem,lying
at the confluence of three zoogeographic zones, is fascinating and
uniquely varied.A dozen important mammals and over 100 species of
birds make their home in this rugged terain most of them,though
endangered or rare.
The
wild yak is native only to this area. Other animals include the
ibex, blue sheep, bharal, docile marmot and mouse hare.The snow
leopard roams here too;so does the wild horse and the rare musk
deer inhabits lower altitudes.Unfortunately some species are still
outside the tourist's domain.
Jammu
and the Kashmir valley, however have led wildlife conservation efforts.Several
National Parks and Sanctuaries have been established in the state.
Dachigam
Is a wildlife sanctuary which is home to the endangered HANGUL species
of the Deer in the country. dachigam is also host to other wildlife
of the state viz Black/ Brown Bear, Musk Deer, leopards and migratory
birds. ... more ...
Gulmarg
The area is located at a distance of 48 kms. from Srinagar to its
south-west.It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered
species like the musk deer. ...
more ...
Dal Lake
Much visited and less understood provides us with classic example
of how little we appreciate the good things provided to us by Nature.
... more ...
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is situated about 76 kms.from Srinagar in the south-east
and located near Pahalgam.The area is home to a number of rare,threatend
and protected species of birds and mammals. ...
more ...
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