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About
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The Kashmir stag, also known as the Hangul, is a unique species of deer native to northern India, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. Facing significant threats to its survival, the Hangul population prompted the launch of Project Hangul, an initiative aimed at conserving and boosting their numbers.
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Current Status
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- The Kashmir stag resides in herds within dense forests, high valleys, and mountainous regions.
- They are commonly found in Dachigam National Park, located at an altitude of 3,035 meters.
- Once, there were around 5,000 of them, but due to habitat destruction, over-grazing, and poaching, their numbers dropped to as low as 150 by 1970.
- With the efforts of Project Hangul, the population increased to over 340 by 1980.
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Captive Breeding
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Captive breeding is a method where members of a wild species are captured and bred in a special facility under the care of wildlife experts. This approach is used in certain situations:
- Boosting Numbers: When the population of a species drops dangerously low, captive breeding can help increase their numbers.
- Releasing Into the Wild: Captive-produced young animals can sometimes be released into the wild to support populations in areas where they have diminished or disappeared.
- Addressing Environmental Problems: In situations where the existing habitat is of poor quality or faces environmental problems, captive populations can be maintained until solutions are found.
- Genetic Mixing: In fragmented habitats, captive breeding along with management can provide hope for survival by allowing genetic mixing.
- Behavioral Traps: Captive breeding helps in expanding the range of animals trapped in specific areas due to behavioral reasons.
- Scientific Research: Studying animals in captivity provides valuable knowledge that might be challenging to obtain in the wild, contributing to the conservation of the species.
- Examples: Captive breeding of lion-tailed macaque in Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, and Mysore Zoo.
These methods aim to preserve species facing threats and contribute to their survival in the wild.
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