Owing to its unique geo- climatic position, Jammu & Kashmir has rich bio-diversity. It is home to some rare and endangered wildlife species like Hangul, Markhor, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Ibex, and Goral etc.
Also, J&K has a rich avian diversity which includes Western Tragopan, Monal, Kashmir Flycatcher, Kulj Pheasant.
At present Jammu and Kashmir along with the rest of the country is celebrating weeklong wildlife which culminated on October 8.
The Lieutenant Governor rightly underlined that protection and conservation of the flora and fauna occupies a significant position in cultural and religious traditions of J&K. In the last few years, he said, much progress has been made in implementing action plan for conservation, preservation and sustenance of wildlife and several other initiatives.
The Department of Wildlife Protection, he said, is making concerted efforts to conserve rare and endangered wildlife species through improvement of their habitat. National Parks, Sanctuaries and Conservation Reserves are repositories of a vast variety of life forms. Forest areas outside the protected area network also support a wide variety of precious wildlife.
Jammu and Kashmir’s protected area includes four national parks, 14 wildlife Sanctuaries and 30 Conservation Reserves, constituting about 11.5% of total geographical area of Jammu & Kashmir, which is almost three times of the National average.
Wildlife has a crucial role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance. For scientific management of protected areas including Wetland Conservation Reserves, management plans need to be prepared and restoration taken up.
Restoration and rejuvenation of water bodies by way of desilting and dredging need to be taken up.
The protected areas of Jammu & Kashmir are managed on scientific lines. The management activities include fencing of vulnerable areas, habitat management, afforestation, soil & water conservation works and development of infrastructure. Besides, census and survey, wildlife health monitoring and veterinary care are other important activities of Wildlife Department.
Also, the wetlands constitute very important and productive ecosystems. Large number of migratory birds from as far as northern Europe, Siberia, China and Central Asia flock the wetlands during the long flights to Indian plains.
There is need to focus on various measures to minimize the conflict situations with active involvement of people. The government and citizens should join hands in conservation of wildlife and their habitat.
People, being guardians of unique and rich ecological diversity, should volunteer to preserve the beautiful inheritance. There is need need to increase the people’s participation at all levels to effectively tackle the challenges of climate change and institutionalize people-centered conservation of wildlife.
