Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar, Oct 24: The frequent sightings of wild boars in the Kashmir region have raised concerns among wildlife experts and observers who fear their rising population could threaten the critically endangered Hangul (deer). These two species share the same ecological habitat with limited resources.
Impact on critically endangered Hangul deer
While locals express concerns about the damage caused by wild boars, wildlife experts and observers say that a more pressing issue is the potential threat posed to the critically endangered Hangul deer (Cervus Hanglu).
The Hangul, also known as the Kashmir stag is a subspecies of red deer native to the Kashmir Valley. Listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Hangul population is estimated to be fewer than 280 individuals.
The wildlife observers said that Hangul faces several threats to its survival, including habitat loss, with encroachment of wild boars adding another danger.
They said that wild boars are known habitat modifiers because they alter the structure and composition of ecosystems through rooting and foraging. This particular activity can degrade natural habitats, negatively affecting the food and water sources of the Hangul.
Experts said the competition between wild boars and Hangul for resources is a major concern, which could jeopardise the already fragile Hangul population’s chances of survival.
History & recent sightings
Research suggests that wild boars were not naturally present in the Kashmir Valley but were introduced during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh (1846–1857), the erstwhile ruler of Jammu & Kashmir. Wild boars became common along the eastern foothills of the Kashmir Mountains, with Dachigam National Park serving as the core habitat. After the Dogra Raj, wild boars were recognised as an invasive species in Kashmir, with no conservation measures taken.
By 1984, wild boars were considered locally extinct in Dachigam National Park. However, sightings began again in 2013, including in parts of North Kashmir like Uri, Lachipora, Limber, Rafiabad, Rajwar and Balpur.
More recently, wild boars have been spotted in and around Dachigam National Park, as well as in orchards and farmlands in Srinagar. Their increasing numbers have become a growing concern.
The resurgence of wild boars has also posed challenges for employees of Srinagar’s floriculture department, forcing them to install fencing and maintain constant vigilance at the famous Tulip and Botanical Garden.
A government official confirmed the presence of wild boars in large numbers, describing it as an unusual trend.
“Not just a few, but we are witnessing them in huge numbers. We have installed fencing around the tulip garden to prevent them from intruding into the flower bed zones,” the official said.
No considerable increase in Hangul population
According to an official document of J&K’s Department of Wildlife Protection, accessed by the KNO, the present population monitoring results show a marginal increase in population from the past estimates (2019: 237; 2021: 261; 2023: 289). However, there is no considerable increase in population numbers.
The government study, however, attributed habitat fragmentation and poaching, livestock grazing, ecological threats, predation, disturbed corridors and landscapes and decreased genetic heterozygosity as reasons for no considerable improvement in the Hangul population.
Expert opinions
While there is no concrete evidence yet of food and habitat suppression for the Hangul, the possibility of competition cannot be ruled out since both species share the same habitat, a Kashmir-based wildlife biologist said.
“It is a serious concern given their growing population. A few years ago, we hardly heard about this species, but now the wild boar population has increased,” the biologist said.
He called for immediate intervention and the introduction of a comprehensive policy to control the wild boar population, saying that they are prolific breeders and could spread rapidly if not managed.
Wildlife researcher Parvez Yousuf expressed concern that the Hangul is at high risk of losing habitat and food due to the intrusion of wild boars.
While Hangul are shy by nature, wild boars are aggressive and destructive, he said.
Incomplete study; locals demand action
Although there is no official data on the wild boar population in the valley, a comprehensive study is underway, according to wildlife department officials.
They plan to implement the study’s recommendations once completed. Locals have called for the wild boar species to be declared vermin which would allow for population control through shooting.
However, officials say they cannot make this decision until the study is complete.
As the resurgence of wild boars in Kashmir is causing significant concern, threatening both agriculture and the survival of the endangered Hangul, many voices are urging prompt action to mitigate the risks posed by this invasive species.
