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Wild Life
Located very close to Srinagar (22-km),
Dachigam National Park with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery is
easily accessible. Of all the many sanctuaries in the state, the one at Dachigam
is the best known. At one time the exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of
Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, and owing to a strictly
enforced conservation programme, the Hangul population, once 150, now stands at
over 400 animals.
TheSectors
The two sectors of the Park - Upper and
Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141-sq-km. and altitudes vary between
1,700 and 4,300 metres. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great
topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and
rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4,300m), up in the
high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam.
Flora
The Park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir stag -
the only species of red Deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to
view the Hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys. Other
inhabitants include the Himalayan Black Bear, species of wild Goat like the
Markhor and Ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds.
The leopard,
which is the only predator in this paradise, is rarely seen as also the elusive
snow leopard, which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the
rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot. A metalled road takes visitors from
Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
Avifauna
There over 150 species of birds inhabiting park's
vicinity. Colourful pheasants include the Crimson Tragopan, the iridescent Monal
Pheasant with its glittering plumage, the Blood Pheasant and the Koklass
Pheasant. The golden Eagle and the bearded Vulture or Lammergeier are seen
circling the brilliant blue skies.
PRIME ATTRACTION
Amidst forests of silver birch and conifer
roams the Hangul. Rare and on the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the
national park at Dachigam contains the last viable Hangul population in the
world. Related to the red Deer of Europe, this breed is characterised by its
white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers.
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