An endangered Indian deer is set to get a larger home after environmentalists called on the government to put aside more land for the conservation of the rare Hangul species.

Inhabiting the forests of Jammu & Kashmir, the red deer population was once thriving, but deforestation and dam projects have seen the number of these magnificent creatures dwindle in recent years.

Now the Wildlife Institute of India is appealing to the state government to extend the areas in which the deer herds are under conservation.

Its call follows a study of the movements of the Hangul deer, which at the moment are only protected if they stay within their forest habitat of the Dachigam National Park.

"The experts spotted Hanguls in Khanmoh, Khrew and Brain," said an official of the Department of Wildlife Protection, adding that he believed these areas should also be given conservation status.

India's abundant wildlife brings thousands of travellers to its shores each year hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the world's rarest creatures including the Bengal tiger.

Back to News