This is quite unfortunate considering the fact that the population of the Kashmir stag/Hangul (Cervus hanglu) is down to as few as 200 animals. The IUCN lists them as Critically Endangered. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news...-conservation-takes-backseat-in-kashmir-57667
Here is another relevant article on Kashmir stag/Hangul (Cervus hanglu) conservation and research. "Hangul Population Census In Kashmir By Wildlife SOS The Kashmir stag, also known as the Hangul, is an ungulate subspecies which is native to Kashmir valley, India, thus making it endemic to India. To emphasise the importance of the conservation of the Hangul, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir declared it as the state animal! With its huge antlers and rust-coloured thick coat, the Hangul is well-adapted to survive in the stunning snow-capped mountains of Kashmir, making their sighting extremely rare." Hangul Population Census In Kashmir By Wildlife SOS - Wildlife SOS
Again, here is another relevant article on Kashmir stag/Hangul (Cervus hanglu). [Video] Hangul, the shy Kashmiri deer, is facing the threat of extinction as its habitat shrinks In the early 1900s, the population of the Kashmiri deer, hangul, was estimated to be around 5000. The numbers have declined with just 261, and perhaps less, are reported to be surviving today. The decline in hangul numbers has been attributed to the fragmentation of habitat and impact on wildlife corridors by human intervention, urbanisation, illegal industries, mass tourism as well as military presence. The presence of cement factories is one of the main concerns cited by local experts, which they say impacts the hangul habitat and in turn, the population. In the mid-1980s, cement factories were established in the region owing to massive limestone deposits. On the foothills of the Himalayas, covered in striking forests, a shy animal with refined marbling is battling to survive. The wild hangul, a totem of charm in Kashmir, is fast losing its habitat as industrialisation, militarisation and human intervention threatens its habitat and numbers. The numbers of this Kashmiri deer have declined since the beginning of the 20th century. While there have been varied estimates of hangul population over the years, with differences in data between official population statistics and independent research, it is certain that the population lies somewhere between 100 and 261. This is a significant decline from the early 1900s when the population of the hangul was estimated to be around 5000. Those studying and monitoring the deer are now concerned that this critically endangered species (Cervus hanglu ssp. hanglu) could soon face extinction. Some wildlife experts and activists have attributed the decline to the construction of cement factories close to the animal’s habitat and wildlife sanctuaries. In addition, the construction of defence infrastructure and other human interventions have led to fragmentation of its habitat, they note. [Video] Hangul, the shy Kashmiri deer, is facing the threat of extinction as its habitat shrinks
