Wildlife in Kashmir :-

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is gloriously rich in its amazing variety of wildlife. Its wildlife sanctuaries offer an exciting array of wildlife. Here you can view some of India's best game parks.

The Himalayas are the largest, highest and youngest chain of mountains in the world and the area is one of the most mesmerizing and magnificent natural wonders on this planet. However another equally important aspect the Himalayas is that it is one of the richest storehouses of fauna and flora. It is very much to the point to underline the fact that the region is home to almost one third of the world's mammalian species that may be called mountain animals in the true sense of the term.

The rich variety found in the topography, climate and vegetation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has plenty to offer both the wildlife enthusiast and traveler. The state boasts being home to the snow leopard which epitomizes the character and concerns of the mountain environment. The animal is a beautiful and elusive survivor from the frigid Pleistocene era. Hangul or Kashmir stag is another animal found extensively is Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most endangered species of red deer in the world. Bharal is an interesting mammal. Whether it is a sheep or a goat is still a matter of debate Several unique species of goat, antelope and sheep are found in the state.

Jammu and kasmir with its variety of geographical regions,climates and vegetation has many delights to offer the wildlife enthusiast. Perphas no animal better epitomises the character and concerns of the mountain environment than the snow leopard, a beautiful and elusive survivor from the frigid Pleistocene era. Though its range is immense,extending over the entire 

Himalayan range, it is most advantageously sought in jammu and kashmir especially in the high ranges. Another rare animal is the hangul or Kashmir stag,one of the most endangered species of red deer in the world.An enigmatic mammal is the bharal;the controversy over whether it is a shep or a goat is not yet settled.Many unique species of antelope,goat and sheep are found in the state.

In winter high-altitude bird species move to the lower valleys and into the tourist's purview.Cinnamon sparrows,the black and yellow grosbeak,black bulbuls and monal pheasants(the male splendidly coloured) may be seen now.At this time,too large troops of the impressive Himalayan gray langur visit for the duration.

But nothing strikes the eye and imagination so much as in spring and summer,when the long foothills and deep valleys awake to life.Now also awakes the imposing Himalayan black bear and as the winter avifauna return to higher quarters the birds of the summer return.Among these is the lovely golden oriole.The langurs and hangful,too make thier way to higher valleys that are not however inaccessible.

 Though wildlife conservation in Ladakh began fairly recently,there is much here that is not found in the lower ranges.Ladakh's ecosystem,lying at the confluence of three zoogeographic zones, is fascinating and uniquely varied.A dozen important mammals and over 100 species of birds make their home in this rugged terain most of them,though endangered or rare.

The wild yak is native only to this area. Other animals include the ibex, blue sheep, bharal, docile marmot and mouse hare. The snow leopard roams here too;so does the wild horse and the rare musk deer inhabits lower altitudes.Unfortunately some species are still outside the tourist's domain.

Jammu and the Kashmir valley, however have led wildlife conservation efforts. Several National Parks and Sanctuaries have been established in the state.

Wildlife adventure opportunities in Kashmir are in plenty and unique. There is a growing awareness of the necessity of conservation and preservation of India's wildlife.