Srinagar, Jan. 14: Despite a heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir valley, many wild Hangul deers at the Dachigam National Park near Srinagar are finding the wildlife sanctuary a safe haven and are comfortable due to the special arrangements made by the wildlife rangers here for them.

Found only in Kashmir in the country, Hanguls are endangered animals. These days special arrangements have been made for their meal and security by the personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir’s forest department.

These deer are compelled to take refuge in the Dachigam National Park, located 22 kilometres from Srinagar, after heavy snow covered their summer homes in the higher reaches leading to scarcity of fodder. Anticipating such a migration, the wildlife rangers here had made advanced arrangements for Hanguls’ safety and meal soon after the first snowfall in the valley.

"To conserve Hangul is our priority. This is number one species…. For them, the machinery (things) they need is always ready. Even the management takes initiative so that we can conserve later too," said Rashid Naqash, Wildlife Warden (Central), Srinagar.

The special menu for the Hangul at the Dachigam National Park consists mainly of willow sticks and salts, which is their all time favourite.

"We believe in the rule that we should remain very active. Hangul will stay here, and in winter season, they will go to their summer home. I am really happy about this," said Nazir Ahmad, a Wildlife Ranger.

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 and Brown Bear, Musk Deer, leopards and migratory birds. There is a Trout fish farm also in Dachigam.

It is a big natural reserve which requires permissions from the Wildlife Authorities for exploration. The dense forests of Dachigam offer a brilliant view along with a Glacier fed rivulet flowing right through the middle.

The Hangul is the only surviving race of the red deer family of Europe in the sub-continent. Hangul stags are prized for their magnificent head of antlers, having 11 to 16 points. The number of Hanguls in the world has dwindled from 2,000 in 1947 to less than 200 today.

Hangul is listed as an endangered species in the Red Data Book of the international Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. (ANI)