Critically Endangered Species in Jammu & Kashmir

 

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Critically Endangered Species in Jammu & Kashmir

By Home Academy

Species	Scientific Name	Status	Habitat	Population / Key Facts	Threats	Conservation Measures
Kashmir Stag (Hangul)	Cervus hanglu hanglu	Critically Endangered	Dachigam National Park	263–289 (2021 census)	Habitat loss, poaching, human disturbance	Protected under Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act; habitat conservation
Himalayan Musk Deer	Moschus leucogaster	Endangered / Critically Endangered	Alpine & subalpine forests	Highly poached for musk glands	Poaching for scent glands, habitat fragmentation	Strict anti-poaching measures, legal protection, population monitoring
Markhor	Capra falconeri	Endangered	High-altitude mountainous regions	Limited numbers in J&K	Overhunting, habitat loss	Protected under Schedule-I, conservation programs
Black-necked Crane	Grus nigricollis	Critically Endangered / Vulnerable (regionally)	High-altitude wetlands	Seasonal migratory bird	Wetland degradation, human disturbance	Wetland protection, anti-disturbance measures

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Important Points to Remember for Exams

Kashmir is home to some of India’s rarest fauna. The Kashmir Stag (Hangul) is the symbol of wildlife conservation in J&K and survives mainly in Dachigam National Park. Himalayan Musk Deer is targeted for its musk, which is more valuable than gold. Markhor and Black-necked Crane are protected due to dwindling populations. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict are the main threats. All these species are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, giving them the highest legal protection. Conservation involves habitat management, anti-poaching drives, and legal enforcement.

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MCQs for Exams

1. Which of the following species is critically endangered and primarily found in Dachigam National Park?
   A) Markhor
   B) Himalayan Musk Deer
   C) Kashmir Stag (Hangul)
   D) Black-necked Crane
   Answer: C) Kashmir Stag (Hangul)

2. The Himalayan Musk Deer is highly threatened mainly because of:
   A) Habitat loss due to urbanization
   B) Poaching for its scent glands
   C) Human-wildlife conflict
   D) Predation by snow leopards
   Answer: B) Poaching for its scent glands

3. Under which schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act are the Kashmir Stag, Musk Deer, and Markhor protected?
   A) Schedule II
   B) Schedule III
   C) Schedule IV
   D) Schedule I
   Answer: D) Schedule I

4. The Black-necked Crane in Jammu & Kashmir resides in:
   A) Dense forests of Dachigam
   B) Alpine grasslands
   C) High-altitude wetlands
   D) Urban parks
   Answer: C) High-altitude wetlands

5. Which of the following is NOT a major threat to J&K’s critically endangered species?
   A) Habitat fragmentation
   B) Overgrazing by livestock
   C) Industrial pollution in urban areas
   D) Poaching
   Answer: C) Industrial pollution in urban areas

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