Major wildlife sanctuaries and reserves of Jammu & Kashmir

Dachigam: J&K

Dachigam is one of the India's most scenically beautiful wildlife reserves. It is located 22 kilometres from Srinagar and forms almost half of the Dal Lake's catchment area. Since 10 villages were relocated outside the boundaries of the reserves between 1910 and 1934, it has got its name Dachi-gam, which means 'Ten Villages'. Dachigam is spread over 140 square kilometres, spanning heights between 5,500 to 14,000 feet above sea level. The two sectors of Dachigam, lower and upper Dachigam incorporate a variety of vegetation like riverain forest, grassland, broad leaved woodland, coniferous forest, bare rock faces and alpine pastures.

Fauna: Dachigam is considered home to some of the unique Himalayan range of flora and fauna. Primary amongst them is the Hangul or Kashmir stag, the most endangered species of red deer in the world. Some birds and animals found during this time of the year include the cinnamom sparrows, black and yellow grosbeak, black bulbuls, monal pheasant and the Himalayan gray langur. The main predator in the park is the leopard and other scavengers, which also feed on the prey of the leopard, are the jackal, hill fox, yellow-throated marten and the wild boar. Himalayan griffon, lammergeier, leopard cat, long tailed blue magpie, jungle cat and Himalayan weasel can also be sighted during this period.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve: J&K

The reserve area is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar, to its southwest. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna. The main species found over here are Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Brown Bear, Leopard, Black Bear and Red Fox, etc.

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary: J&K

Spread over an area of 10.04-sq-kms, this sanctuary houses an appreciable variety of bird as well as animal life, most notably Cheetal or Axis Deer. This is located right on the banks of river Ujh, northwards of village Jasrota. The entire area mainly sustains Bamboo Plantations.

Kishtwar High Altitude National Park: J&K

Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in Jammu is interesting for the marked variations in topography and vegetation that occur here. Spread over an area of 400-sq-kms, the park contains 15 mammal species including the Musk Deer, Markhor, Hangul, Langur, Leopard and Himalayan Black and Brown Bear.

Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary: J&K

Nandini wildlife sanctuary was named after Nandni village located at a distance of 28 -kms from Jammu, on NH1A. There is appreciable pheasant population. There are about eight mammal species in the whole sanctuary area. The main species are Leopard, Wildboar, Rhesus Monkey, Garal, Grey Langur, etc. The common birds found over here are Indian Mynah, Blue Rock Pigeon, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Chir Pheasants, Chakor, etc.

Overa Wildlife Sanctuary: Kashmir - J&K

Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is located 76-km from Srinagar, near Pahalgam, and has an area of 32.27-sq-kms. The sanctuary has acquired an outstanding position for its varied and magnificent species of pheasants. This area houses a variety of mammals most of which are faced with the serious threat of extinction. They are the Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Rhesus Macaque, Langur, Leopard, Leopard Cat, etc.

Ram Nagar Wildlife Sanctuary: J&K

Situated only 6-km away from, Jammu city, this sanctuary occupies an area of 31.50-sq-kms. The sanctuary area sustains 8 mammal species including Nilgai and Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, etc. The sanctuary supports 15 species of birds including Indian Mynah, Blue Rock Pigeon, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Jungle Crow, Golden Oriole, and White Cheeked Bulbul.

Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary: J&K

Named for the two lakes on each corner of it, this sanctuary comprises an area of 98.82-sq-kms and supports a mammal population of 8 species including Goral, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Leopard and 15 species of birds. There is a multitude of birds found in the sanctuary, which includes Black Partridge, Red Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Green Pigeon, Blue Rock Pigeon, and Rufus Turtle Dove.

The Hemis Altitude National Park: J&K

The Hemis High Altitude National Park includes the catchments of two valleys, which drain into the River Indus. It is named after the famous monastery -- Hemis, and sprawls over 600-sq-km in the Markha and Rumbak valleys. The conditions are very bleak and desolate in this park. Grass growth is relatively rapid during the summer season after the melting of the snow.