Population Status and Distribution of Hangul Deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu, Wagner) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India

Present study on the population status and distribution of Kashmir Red Deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu) in Dachigam National Park, Srinagar, J&K was conducted from October 2011 to December 2015. An intensive study area of 53 km2 was selected at different habitat types, aspects and altitudes of the National Park, representing various ecological zones of the Park. The objective of the study was to determine the status, relative abundance/density and distribution of Hangul deer in Dachigam. A total of 12 transects/stands were established in the potential favourable habitat of Hangul deer. Each stand was walked twice every month from November 2011 to December 2015 to estimate the Encounter Rates (ER) and density of Kashmir Red Deer. The deer abundance was also estimated by scanning of vantage points. Seasonal variations of Hangul deer were estimated by regularly monitoring and traversing through trails in the study area in different time periods. The mean seasonal ER and density of Kashmir Red Deer ranged from 0.78 to 0.95/km and 1.58 to 1.82/km2 respectively with the overall mean ER and density of 0.84/km and 1.61/km2 respectively. Seasonal ER and density estimates differed greatly from year to year, although the estimations were consistent. In less disturbed regions, abundance calculations were greater. The ER of Hangul deer in the area was strongly correlated with the density estimates. The overall ER for Hangul Deer in Reshwadri was 1.48/km and the density estimates were 5.20/km2 (highest in autumn).