Conservation of hangul, Cervus zanglu – paving the way ahead

Hangul Cervus hanglu is the only red deer species in India distributed in the Kashmir Himalaya. A population of only 200-odd is currently surviving in the wild due to a variety of threats since prehistoric times. Given the critical nature of this population, use of multifaceted approaches and technologies along with addressing the prerequisites to a successful conservation breeding programme, remains crucial to enhance the reproductive value of such endangered species. We expect that the information on genetic diversity, reproductive biology and dietary niche of wild population, generated through the ongoing work would speed up the species conservation efforts.