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J&K Envis Newsletter

J&K Envis Newsletter

ISSN 2455 - 8575 Volume 5-Issue 1 January – March 2018

J&K ENVIS NEWSLETTER

State of Environment & its Related Issues in J&K J&K ENVIS Hub Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing

Jammu&

Protected Area Network of J&K CONTENTS FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK • What are Protected Area Networks For centuries people all over the world have set aside places to which they ascribe special

(PAN)? values. In many cases these values have been spiritual or cultural in nature, but many

• Protected Area Network in places have also been set aside for practical purposes - to conserve essential everyday resources such as fish, wildlife and non-timber forest products. Some have been set aside • Significance of PANS for the exclusive use of an elite minority, in other cases for the benefit of many • IUCN Protected Area Management Nonetheless, all have been set aside for one purpose - to protect something that Categories humankind perceives as valuable. Over the last 100 years or so the pace of establishment • Protected Area Network in the state of of such areas has increased, partly as a result of human population growth, but more and Kashmir particularly because of a greater appreciation of the natural world, changing patterns of • Brief description of the protected areas resource use, broader understanding of the impacts of man on nature, and increasing of Jammu and Kashmir globalization. Over the same period of time, our impact on the Earth's natural systems, o National Parks and on the biodiversity that comprises them, has grown exponentially This has prompted o Wildlife Sanctuaries a broadening of approaches to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and has • Wildlife Conservation Measures in the encouraged the development of clearer linkages between protected areas and human State of Jammu and Kashmir development goals. Protected areas are now being increasingly seen as one of the tools • International Conventions Related to for supporting sustainable development, rather than as something set aside from the Wildlife of India mainstream. This brings with it, challenges for those involved in all aspects of the • Prominent Organizations, NGOs & establishment and management of protected areas; from the governments setting national Media for Wildlife Conservation policy to practitioners on the ground. A fundamental message of this newsletter is that • Global Perspective of PANS- protected areas are a key part of our strategy to ensure biodiversity conservation and to Biodiversity Hotspots of World secure a sustainable future for biodiversity

• What is IUCN Red List Sd • Event Dairy Om Prakash Sharma, IFS • Do’s and Don’ts in a Protected Area Director DEE&RS, J&K

WHAT ARE PROTECTED AREA NETWORKS (PAN)? A protected area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. (IUCN Definition 2008) There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international organizations involved. The total number of protected area records in the January 2018 release of the World Database on Protected Area (WDPA) is 236,204, covering 245 countries and territories, with more added daily, representing between 10 to 15 percent of the world's land surface area. By contrast, only 1.17% of the world's oceans is included in the world's ~6,800 Marine Protected Areas. Protected areas – national parks, wilderness areas, community conserved areas, nature reserves and so on – are a mainstay of biodiversity conservation, while also contributing to people’s livelihoods, particularly at the local level. Protected areas are at the core of efforts towards conserving nature and the services it provides us – food, clean water supply, medicines and protection from the impacts of natural disasters. Their role in helping mitigate and adapt to climate change is also increasingly recognized; it has been estimated that the global network of protected areas stores at least 15% of terrestrial carbon

10 LARGEST PROTECTED AREAS OF THE WORLD Size Year Rank Name Country or area (sq. km) designated

1 Marae Moana Cook Islands 1,976,000 2017

2 Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area Antarctica 1,555,851 2017 Papahānaumokuākea Marine National 3 Hawaii and Midway Atoll, US 1,508,870 2006 Monument

4 Natural Park of the Coral Sea New Caledonia 1,292,967 2014 Pacific Remote Islands Marine National 5 Central Pacific Ocean, US 1,277,860 2009

Monument South Georgia and the South

6 South Georgia Marine Protected Area 1,070,000 2012

Sandwich Islands

7 Coral Sea Marine Park Australia 989,836 2018 Protection zone around the French Southern French Southern and Antarctic 8 989,787 2017

Territories National Nature Reserve Lands

9 Northeast Greenland National Park Greenland 972,000 1974

10 Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas Alaska, United States 869,206 2002 PROTECTED AREA NETWORK IN INDIA India is one of the 17 mega diverse countries of the world. With only 2.4% of the world’s land area, 16.7% of the world’s human population and 18% livestock, it contributes about 8% of the known global biodiversity, however, putting enormous demands on our natural resources. India is home to world’s largest wild tigers’ population and has got unique assemblage of globally important endangered species like Asiatic lion, Asian Elephant, One-horned Rhinoceros, Gangetic River Dolphin, , , Dugong, Gharial, Great Indian Bustard, Lion Tailed Macaque etc. A National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by the Prime Minister of India provides for policy framework for wildlife conservation in the country. The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) was adopted in 2002, emphasizing the people’s participation and their support for wildlife conservation. India’s conservation planning is based on the philosophy of identifying and protecting representative wild habitats across all the ecosystems. The Indian Constitution entails the subject of forests and wildlife in the Concurrent list. The Federal Ministry acts as a guiding torch dealing with the policies and planning on wildlife conservation, while the provincial Forest Departments are vested with the responsibility of implementation of national policies and plans.

CATEGORIES OF THE PROTECTED AREAS IN INDIA There are 4 categories of the Protected Areas viz, National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves. NATIONAL PARK National Park is an area having adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. The National Park is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment, like that of a Sanctuary. The difference between a Sanctuary and a National Park mainly lies in the vesting of rights of people living inside. Unlike a Sanctuary, where certain rights can be allowed, in a National Park, no rights are allowed. No grazing of any livestock shall also be permitted inside a National Park while in a Sanctuary, the Chief Wildlife Warden may regulate, control or prohibit it. In addition, while any removal or exploitation of wildlife or forest produce from a Sanctuary requires the recommendation of the State Board for Wildlife, removal etc., from a National Park requires recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife (However, as per orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 9th May 2002 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 337 of 1995, such removal/ exploitation from a Sanctuary also requires recommendation of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife). SANCTUARY Sanctuary is an area which is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. The Sanctuary is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its environment. Certain rights of people living inside the Sanctuary could be permitted. Further, during the settlement of claims, before finally notifying the Sanctuary, the Collector may, in consultation with the Chief Wildlife Warden, allow the continuation of any right of any person in or over any land within the limits of the Sanctuary. CONSERVATION RESERVES Conservation Reserves can be declared by the State Governments in any area owned by the Government, particularly the areas adjacent to National Parks and Sanctuaries and those areas which link one Protected Area with another. Such declaration should be made after having consultations with the local communities. Conservation Reserves are declared for the purpose of protecting landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna and their habitat. The rights of people living inside a Conservation Reserve are not affected. COMMUNITY RESERVES Community Reserves can be declared by the State Government in any private or community land, not comprised within a National Park, Sanctuary or a Conservation Reserve, where an individual or a community has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat. Community Reserves are declared for the purpose of protecting fauna, flora and traditional or cultural conservation values and practices. As in the case of a Conservation Reserve, the rights of people living inside a Community Reserve are not affected.

India with 2.4% of the world's land area is home to 7-8% of the recorded species of the world, which includes 46,000 plant species and 91,000 species. Conservation of wild flora and fauna has been an integral part of Indian history. India has a network of 868 Protected Areas (PAs) has been established, extending over 1,65,088.57 sq. kms. (5.02% of total geographic area), comprising 104 National Parks, 550 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 87 Conservation Reserves and 127 Community Reserves. Category No. Total Area (km2) Coverage % of Country National Parks (NPs) 104 40501.13 1.23 Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLSs) 550 119775.55 3.64 Conservation Reserves (CRs) 87 4286.31 0.13 Community Reserves 127 525.22 0.02 Protected Areas (PAs) 868 165088.10 5.02

SIGNIFICANCE OF PANs Subsequently, the range of natural resources that any one protected area guards is vast. Many are allocated primarily for species conservation whether it be flora or fauna or the relationship between them, but protected areas are similarly important for conserving sites of (indigenous) cultural importance and considerable reserves of natural resources such as; • Carbon Stocks: Carbon emissions from deforestation account for an estimated 20% of global carbon emissions, so in protecting the worlds carbon stocks greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and long-term land cover change is prevented, which is an effective strategy in the struggle against global warming. Of all global terrestrial carbon stock, 15.2% is contained within protected areas. Protected areas in South America hold 27% of the world's carbon stock, which is the highest percentage of any country in both absolute terms and as a proportion of the total stock. • Rainforests: 18.8% of the world's forest is covered by protected areas and sixteen of the twenty forest types have 10% or more protected area coverage. Of the 670 ecoregions with forest cover, 54% have 10% or more of their forest cover protected under IUCN Categories I – VI. • Mountains: Nationally designated protected areas cover, 14.3% of the world's mountain areas, and these mountainous protected areas made up 32.5% of the world's total terrestrial protected area coverage in 2009. Mountain protected area coverage has increased globally by 21% since 1990 and out of the 198

countries with mountain areas, 43.9% still have less than 10% of their mountain areas protected.

India's First National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park,

now known as Jim Corbett National Park, .

The Biggest National Park in India is the National Park, located in Jammu and Kashmir state followed by , 1,220 square miles in the state of . The third largest national park is the National Park which is 922 square miles located within

Uttarakhand. Number 4 on the list is the which lies within and extends over 766 square miles

Himalayan Ibex Himalayan Serow (Capra sibirica) Capricornis thar Kiang – Wild Ass (Equus kiang)

Yellow -throated marten Himalayan Black Bear (Martes flavigula) Lophophorus impejanus (Ursus thibetanus)

PROTECTED AREA NETWORK IN THE STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

The State Government has notified more than 17000 sq km as Protected Area Network comprising of 5 National Parks, 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 33 Conservation Reserves and 14 Wetland Reserves. These areas are being managed through habitat improvement and management, plantation, soil and water conservation, protection from fire, anti-poaching activities, development of infrastructure, providing supplemental feed to rescued captive wild etc. The rare and endangered species found in the state include Kashmir stag (hangul), Snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan gazelle, Markhor, Musk , Brown bear, Black-necked crane and Western Tragopan etc. The Department is making all possible efforts for conservation and propagation of these species their habitat. National Parks Wildlife Sanctuaries Conservation Wetlands Reserves Reserves 5 14 33 14

LIST OF PROTECTED AREA NETWORK IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR S. NO NAME OF THE PROTECTED AREAS AREA IN SQ.KM WILDLIFE DIVISION CENTRAL – 1 141 2 Thajwas Wildlife Sanctuary 210.5 3 (City Forest National Park) 9.07 4 Wangath Conservation Reserve 12 5 Dara/Sharsbal Conservation Reserve 34 6 Brain/ Conservation Reserve 15.75 7 Khrew Conservation Reserve 50.25 8 Khonmoh Conservation Reserve 67 WILDLIFE DIVISION – WETLANDS 1 Wetland Conservation Reserve 13.75 2 Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve 16.91 Kashmir Stag ( hanglu) 3 Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve 7.19 4 Mirgund Wetland Conservation Reserve 4.06 5 Kranchoo Wetland Conservation Reserve 0.064 6 Chatalum Wetland Conservation Reserve 0.426 7 Manibugh Wetland Conservation Reserve 0.053 8 Freshkhori Wetland Conservation Reserve 0.1525 9 Malgoam Wetland Conservation Reserve 2.665 WILDLIFE DIVISION – 1 Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary 341.25 2 Panyer Conservation Reserve 10 3 Shikargah Conservation Reserve 15 Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) 4 Khangund/Hajin Conservation Reserve 15.5 WILDLIFE DIVISION – SOUTH 1 Overa_Aru Wildlife Sanctuary 511 2 Achbal Conservation Reserve 20 3 Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary 20 4 Khiram CR 15.75 WILDLIFE DIVISION – NORTH 1 Kazinag National Park 90.88 2 Limber Wildlife Sanctuary 21.76 3 Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary 37.65 4 Wildlife Sanctuary 180 5 Naganari Conservation Reserve 9.54 Himalayan Brown Bear 6 Ajas Conservation Reserve 48 (Ursus arctos isabellinus) WILDLIFE DIVISION CHENAB – 1 Kishtwar High Altitude National Park 2191.50 2 Jawahar Tunnel Chakore Reserve 19.572 WILDLIFE DIVISION – JAMMU 1 Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary 31.50 2 Nandni Wildlife Sanctuary 33.34 3 Sudhmahadev Wildlife Conservation Reserve 142.25 4 Gharana Wetland Reserve 0.75 5 Pargwal Wetland Reserve 49.25 6 Kukrian Wetland Reserve 24.25 7 Nanga Wetland Reserve 15.25 Spotted Deer (Axis axis) 8 Asa Chak Sangral Wetland Reserve 7.00 9 Bahu Conservation Reserve 19.75 WILDLIFE DIVISION – 1 Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary 10.04 2 Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary 97.82 3 Thein Wildlife Conservation Reserve 18.90 WILDLIFE DIVISION – - 1 Tatta Kuti Wildlife Sanctuary 66.27 2 Sheshara Forest 1.43 3 Kherri Conservation Reserve 18.45 4 Kulian Conservation Reserve 10.29 WILDLIFE DIVISION – 1 Hemis High Altitude National Park 3350 Himalayan Goral 2 Karakuram (-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary 5000 (Naemorhedus goral) Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary with following parts: 3 • Tsomoiri (Ramsar Site) WR () 4000 • Norrichain (Tsokar) WR (Leh) • Hanley / Chusul Marshes WR (Leh) WILDLIFE DIVISION – 1 Kanji Wildlife Conservation Reserve 100 2 Bodkharbu Wildlife Conservation Reserve 100 Source: DWLP, J&K (Note: Area figures not be used for legal purpose)

Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus)

Himalayan Grey Langur Black Necked Crane Markhor Shapu - Ladakhi (Semnopithecus ajax) (Grus nigricollis) (Capra falconeri) (Ovis orientalis vignei) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROTECTED AREAS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR NATIONAL PARKS DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK Location: 34⁰05' N and 75⁰.10'E District: Srinagar, Year of Establishment: 1981 Area: 141 km2 Altitudinal Range: 1676 to 4267 m asl. Major Fauna: Critically endangered Hangul, Brown bear, Black bear, long tailed Marmot, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow throated Marten, Serow, Leopard Cat, Common leopard, Grey Langur, Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, besides a variety of avian fauna is also present. Major Flora: , spruce, Blue pine, Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, Indigofera, Rhus succedanea, Quercus robur, Prunus tomentosa, Rosa webbiana, Arneibia benthamii, Rheum emodi, Dipsacus innermis, Jasminum humile, Aesculus indica, Dioscorea deltoidea, Rhododendron campanulatum, Ulmus wallichiana, Berberis lycium, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Artemisia absinthium, Aconitum heterophyllum, Podophyllum hexandrum etc.

KISHTWAR NATIONAL PARK Location: 32⁰25ʹN and 76° 17ʹ 20.036ʹʹE District: Kishtwar, Year of Establishment: 1981 Area: 2191.50 km2. Altitudinal Range: 2269 to 6373 m asl. Major Fauna: Brown Bear, Himalayan Black bear, Musk Deer, Ibex, Markhor, Snow Leopard, Wild boar, , Indian Muntijac, Serow, and Hangul. species like Himalayan monal, Koklass, Himalayan snowcock, western Tragopan Himalayan Jungle crow, , Griffon vulture, Paradise flycatcher, Golden oriole, White cheeked and Black bulbul are seen. Major Flora: Pinus gerardiana, Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Quercus baloot, Daphne paniculata, Juglans regia, Parrotiopsis Jacquemontiana, Desmodium elegans, Dipsacus innermis etc.

KAZINAG NATIONAL PARK Location: 34°10′0″N and 74°2′0″E District: , Year of Establishment: 2000 Area: 90.88 km2 Altitudinal Range: 1800 to 4300 m asl Major Fauna: Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) one of critically endangered pheasant thrives in Kazinag, it also supports existence of Goral, Musk deer, Black bear, Leopard, Yellow throated Pine Martin, Royle's Pika in addition to Markhor and Ibex. Major Flora: Plant diversity is dominated by Inula, Podophyllum, Rhodiola, Aconitum, Angelica, Lavatera, Sedum, Indigofera, Eremurus, Arneibia, Rubus, Heracleum, Acer caesium, Dictamnus albus, Artemisia amygdalina, Selinum vaginatum, Senecio chrysanthemoides, Parthenocissus himalyana, Aesculus indica, Euonymus hamiltonianus, Pinus wallichiana, Eremurus himailicus, Craetegus songarica etc.

HEMIS NATIONAL PARK Location: 33° 59' 00" N and 77° 26' 00"E District: Leh, Year of Establishment: 1981 Area: 3350 km2 Altitudinal Range: 3000 to 6000 m asl Major Fauna: The park is home to a viable breeding population of about 200 snow leopards, especially in the catchment area. Other species are (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), Shapu (Ladakhi Urial), Asiatic Ibex, etc Major Flora: Dry forests of , - Salix forests are present at lower altitudes. The upper mountain slopes are moist, this area is characterized by alpine vegetation including Anemone, Gentiana, Thallctrwn, Lloydia, Veronica, Delphinum, Carex and Kobresia. The other parts of the park support steppe vegetation which is dominated by Caragana, Artemisia, Stachys, and Ephedra, present along the lower river courses. 15 rare and endangered medicinal plants which include Acantholimon lycopodiodes, Arnebia euchroma, Artimisia maritima, Bergenia stracheyi, Ephedra gerardiana, Ferula jaeschkeana, and Hyoscyamus niger are reported.

SALIM ALI NATIONAL PARK Location: 34° 04' 31.20" N and 74° 48' 8.39" E District: Srinagar, Year of Establishment: 1986 Area: 9.07 km2.Altitudinal Range: 1585 to 2800 m asl Major Fauna: Hangul, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan serow and 70 species of , including the paradise flycatcher, Himalayan monal, and Himalayan snowcock. Major Flora: Blue pine, Indigofera, Rhus succedanea, Hackberry, Prunus tomentosa, Prunus prostrata, Rosa webbiana, Clematis montana, Arneibia benthamii, etc.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES JASROTA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY Location: 32° 27ʹ 51.154ʹʹ N and 75°25ʹ 03.787ʹʹE District: Kathua, Year of Establishment: 1987 Area: 10.04 km2., Altitudinal Range: 336 to 520 m asl Major Fauna: Cheetal, Palm civet, Pangolin, Porcupine, wild Boar, Python, Monitor Lizard, Rufous oriental turtle dove, Peafowl, Green Pigeon, Golden oriole, Rufous treepie Grey partridge and butterflies Major Flora: Holoptelia integrifolia, Murraya Koenigii, Maytenus royleanurs, Moringa oleifera, Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellerca, Wrightia arborea, Dalbergia sissoo, Senegalia catechu, Vachelia nilotica, Lannea coromandelica, Carisa opaca, Lantana camara and Dodonea visacosa

NANDNI WILD LIFE SANCTUARY Location: 32° 47ʹ 54.985N and 75° 01ʹ 26.413ʹʹE District: Jammu Year of Establishment: 1990 Area: 11.46 km2. Altitudinal Range: 341 to 875 meters Major Fauna: Its wildlife comprises of Vultures, Falcons, Pigeons, Doves, Warblers, Flycatchers, Treepies Python, monitor lizard, Cheetal, Porcupine, Wild Boar. Major Flora: The upper reaches of Nandni ridge comprise of Blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) constituting upper canopy. The lower hills are covered with broad-leaved species like Acacia catechu, Acacia modesta, Dalbergia sissoo, Bombex ceiba, Aegle mermelos, Zizyphusjuguba constitute the middle canopy. The under story comprises of Cassia fistula, Bauhenia species etc with various grasses and herbs as ground cover.

SARIUNSAR-MANSAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location: 32° 41ʹ 23.217ʹʹ N and 75° 9ʹ 52.803ʹʹE District: Jammu, Samba & , Year of Establishment: 1981 Area: 62.24 km2 Altitudinal Range: 335 to 790 meters Major Fauna: like Barking deer, Goral, Leopard and Wild boars Blue Rock Pigeon, Green Pigeon, Grey Partridge, Black Partridge, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Rufus oriental and Turtle Dove. Major Flora: Blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) Acacia catecliu, Bauhinia variegata, Dalbergia sissii, Ficus religiosa, Mallotus philippensis, Pinus roxburghii, Ficus auriculate, Syzygiumcuminii, Glochidion velutinum, Woodfordia fruticosa.

RAMNAGAR WILD LIFE SANCTUARY Location: 32° 44ʹ 28.580ʹʹN and 74 °53ʹ 27.324ʹʹE District: Jammu Year of Establishment: 1987 Area: 12.02 km2. Altitudinal Range: 430 to 611 m asl Major Fauna: Bird species seen are Red vented Bulbul, Paradise flycatcher, Grey Hornbill, Golden Oriole, Jungle Crow, Red Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, Blue Rock Pigeon, Jungle Myna, Jungle Babbler, Stone chat, Orange headed Thrush, Fan tail flycatcher, Kingfishers, Drongos and Sunbirds. Jungle Fowl, Wild Boar, Pangolin, Porcupine and Python Major Flora: The area is covered by dense mixed scrub forest with occasional Chir (Pinus roxburghii) trees. Acacia modesta predominates the area. Other common species are Acacia catechu, Bombax ceiba, Cassia fistula, Acacia arabica, Dalbergia sissoo, Mallotusphillipinensis, and Grewiaoptiva

TATA KUTTI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location: 33⁰ 36′ N and 74⁰ 32′E District: Poonch Year of Establishment: 2012 Area: 67.27 km2 Altitudinal Range: 2300 to 4382 m asl Major Fauna: Markhor, Yellow throated Marten, Leopard, Black Bear, Deer, Jackal etc. The birds like Western Tragopon and Cheer Pheasant are unique to the sanctuary. Major Flora: The main plant species found in the area include Fir, Kail, Acer, Walnut, Bird Cherry, Horse Chestnut, White oak, Berberry, Viburnum, Rosa brunonii, Sorbaria tomentosa, Indigofera heteranlha, Podophylum hexandrum etc.

OVERA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Location: 34⁰11′ 18′′ N and 75⁰18′40′′E District: , Year of Establishment: 1987 Area: 511 km2, Altitudinal Range: 2100 to 5425 m asl Major Fauna: Musk deer, Hangul, Black bear, Hog deer, Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow throated Pine Marten, Orioles, Kingfishers, Paradise flycatchers, warblers, finches, Major Flora: Cedrus deodara, Pinus griffithii, Abies pindrow, Aesculus indica etc. The major shrub species are Indigofera heterantha, Viburnum sp., Sorbaria tomentosaetc. The ground cover was very rich and dicotyledonous herbs dominated, comprising of Rumex patientia, Primula sp.,Anemone sp.

CHANGTHANG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY • Location: 33° 26' 0.8"N and 78° 28' 39.8"E • District: Leh, Year of Establishment: 1987 Area: 4000 km2, Altitudinal Range: 4,300 to 5,800 m asl Major Fauna: Kiang or Tibetan wild ass, are Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), as well as the rare black-necked crane. Major Flora: Seven rare and endangered plants which some believe have medicinal properties were discovered here by C.P. Kala. Three of these species are listed as vulnerable and one as endangered on the IUCN Red List (Arnebia euchroma, Geranium sibiricum, Lancea tibetica, Lloydia serotina, and Ephedra gerardiana).

HIRPORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Location: 33°39' 55” N and 74°39' 40” E • District: Shopian, Year of Establishment: 1987 Area: 341 km2. Altitudinal Range: 2546 to 4500 m asl Major Fauna: The Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary is an abode to many species of animals including the Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, leopard, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan palm civet and around 50 individuals the critically endangered Pir Panjal markhor. Besides, 130 species of birds Major Flora: Western mixed coniferous forest is dominated by Kail pine with spruce and fir (Abies pindrow) (Betula utilis) and juniper (Juniperus communis) with wild rose as an associate.

RAJPARIAN () WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location: 33°36'30"N and 75°31'15 E. • District: Anantnag, Year of Establishment: 1945 Area: 20 km2. Altitudinal Range: 1676 to 4267 m asl Major Fauna: Himalayan black bear, hangul, and musk deer, Serow. A number of species of wild birds are also found in the sanctuary. Major Flora: Dense coniferous forests, kail pine, spruce, fir, , deodar and juniper trees are predominant. THAJWAS-BALTAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location: 34°37' N and 74°36' E • District: , Year of Establishment: 1987 Area: 210.5 Km2. Altitudinal Range: 3,015 to 5,466 m asl Major Flora: The main faunal attraction of this area is the Musk deer. Others include Asiatic Black Bear, Brown Bear, Snow Leopard, Common Leopard, Musk Deer, Ibex, Serow. Birds like Monals, Koklas, Partridges, and Snow Cock etc. Major Flora: The natural vegetation includes Abies pindrow, Betula ultilis, Juglans regia and Picea sp. constitute the larger bulk of the tree assemblage. Among shrubs, several varieties of shrubs such as Indigofera Sp, Berberis Lycium, and Rosa Webbiana constitute the shrub cover of the area.

GULMARG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location: 74°17'N and 34°.60' E. • District: Ganderbal, Year of Establishment: 1987 Area: 180 km2 Altitudinal Range: 2400 to 4300 m asl Major Fauna: Musk Deer, Common Leopard, Barking Deer, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Wolf, Snow Cock, Chakoor etc. Major Flora: Kail (Pinus griffithii) is the dominant constituent of this, community, spruce (Picea smithiana), yew (Taxus wallichiana) maple (Acer cappadocicum) and horse chest nut (Aesculus indica) fir (Abies pindrow) brich (Betula utilis) inula-grandiflora, primula elliptica, potentilla gelida, coryidalis, cornuta, gentian venusta, Anemone obtusiloba, Aquilegia nivales, ploygonum affine, P.alpinum, Rumex aceetosa.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION MEASURES IN THE STATE OF J&K In order to conserve and protect wildlife of in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, a lot of new laws have been enacted by the State Legislature in the past few years. New policies and programs have been launched to involve people in conservation and protection of Wildlife and reforestation and afforestation activities. The State has amended the J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 on the lines of the National Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Under the amended Act, different schedules have been revised. Hunting of almost all species under the schedules has been prohibited. Number of endangered species of wild animals and plants have been upgraded and brought under Schedule-I and Schedule-VI of the Act respectively to accord them more protection. A recent amendment pertains to amendment in Schedule VI of the Act respectively to accord them more Protection. A recent amendment pertains to amendment in schedule VI related to medicinal plants in the Wildlife Act. The State has also the responsibility to manage Captive and injured animals in Zoos and Rescue Centres respectively. Acts which have been framed by state Legislature to govern Jammu Kashmir Wildlife and Forests in particular are: Cattle Trespass Act (1920); Jammu Kashmir Forest Act (1930); Jammu and Kashmir Kahchari Act (1954); Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act (1969); Jammu and Kashmir Land Improvement Schemes Act (1971); Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Forest Act (1978); Jammu and Kashmir Forest (Conservation) Act (1997); Jammu and Kashmir (Forest Protection) Force Act (2001); and Jammu and Kashmir Willow (Prohibition on Export and Movement) Act (2002). The ownership of all forests of the state is vested in the J&K Government and fall under the administrative control of J&K Forest Department. The concept of eco-tourism and nature tourism in the state forest policy is welcome step and has immense potential on our state. Encroachment of forest land is a serious issue; land records of revenue department should be reconciled. Demarcation of forests should be completely modernised. Remote sensing technology will play important role in monitoring the encroachments and record will be maintained in digital format. Jammu Kashmir also has rare species of aromatic and medicinal plants. This newly emerging sector has vast scope in the State for providing required raw material for manufacturing plant-based drugs and high-grade perfumes and cosmetics having ever increasing demand world over.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS RELATED TO WILDLIFE OF INDIA India is a party to five major international conventions related to wildlife conservation, viz., Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT), Inter- national Whaling Commission (IWC), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization— World Heritage Committee (UNESCO- WHC), and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). The Ministry of Environment and Forests is the nodal agency for these conventions.

I. CITES: The Government of India signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna on July 20, 1976. Under this convention, export or import of endangered species and their products is subject to strict- controls. Commercial exploitation of such species is also prohibited. The 14th conference of parties to the CITES was held at The Hague, Netherlands, in June 2007. The Indian delegation actively participated and intervened in various agenda, particularly those which were of national interest or indirectly affected our conservation efforts. India’s initiatives in conservation of Asian Big Cats and Tibetan Antelope were much appreciated. The CoP also acknowledged the establishment of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau by India. II. CAWT: The Coalition against Wildlife Trafficking is a global coalition of governments and international business and conservation organisations, working together to support each other’s efforts to end the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. It is not a legal entity but a partnership of like-minded governments and organisations who are willing to make a political commitment to end wildlife trafficking. India has joined hands with the US and other partners against the illegal wildlife crime/trafficking. The first meeting of the ministerial partners was held in Nairobi in February 2007. III. IWC: India, a member of -the International Whaling Commission since 1981, has played a pro-active and prominent role in bringing about a moratorium on commercial whaling and supporting the commission in its efforts in conservation of migratory species of wild animals. IV. UNESO-WHO: The UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention is responsible for lifting of world heritage sites, which include both cultural and natural sites. The wildlife department of the Ministry of Environment and Forests of India is associated with Conservation of the natural world heritage sites. An externally-aided project has also been undertaken by we ministry for the conservation of wildlife. The total period of the project is 10 years with two phases. The project will be undertaken in four world heritage sites of India, viz., , , , and . V. CMS: India is a signatory to the convention on Conservation of Migratory Species, also known as Bonn convention, since 1983. It signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CMS at Bangkok in February 2007 for the conservation and management of marine turtles and their habitats of the Indian Ocean and South East Asia.

PROMINENT ORGANIZATIONS, NGOs and MEDIA for WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

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GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE OF PANs – BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS OF WORLD There are places on Earth that are both biologically rich — and deeply threatened. Certain areas have large numbers of endemic species — those found nowhere else. Many of these are heavily threatened by habitat loss and other human activities. These areas are the biodiversity hotspots. What’s a Hotspot? To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria: o It must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on the planet. A hotspot, in other words, is irreplaceable. o It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must be threatened. Around the world, 35 areas qualify as hotspots. They represent just 2.3% of Earth’s land surface, but they support more than half of the world’s plant species as endemics — i.e., species found no place else — and nearly 43% of bird, , reptile and amphibian species as endemics. LIST OF THE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS OF THE WORLD S No. Geographic Region Biodiversity Hotspots 1 California Floristic Province 2 North and Central America Madrean pine-oak woodlands 3 Mesoamerica 4 The Caribbean Caribbean Islands 5 Atlantic Forest 6 Cerrado 7 South America Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests 8 Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena 9 Tropical Andes 10 Europe Mediterranean Basin 11 Cape Floristic Region 12 Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa 13 Eastern Afromontane 14 Guinean Forests of West Africa Africa 15 Horn of Africa 16 Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands 17 Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany 18 Succulent Karoo 19 Mountains of Central Asia 20 Eastern Himalaya, Nepal, India 21 Indo-Burma, India and Myanmar 22 Western Ghats and Sri Lanka 23 East Melanesian Islands 24 New Caledonia 25 New Zealand 26 Philippines 27 South East Asia and Asia-Pacific Polynesia-Micronesia 28 Eastern Australian temperate forests 29 Southwest Australia 30 Sundaland and Nicobar Islands of India 31 Wallacea 32 Japan East Asia 33 Mountains of Southwest China 34 Caucasus West Asia 35 Irano-Anatolian

What is IUCN Red LIST The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data List), founded in 1965, has evolved to become the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. It uses a set of criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species and . The aim is to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the international community to try to reduce species extinction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (1996), the formally stated goals of the Red List are: • to provide scientifically based information on the status of species and subspecies at a global level, • to draw attention to the magnitude and importance of threatened biodiversity, • to influence national and international policy and decision-making, and • to provide information to guide actions to conserve biological diversity. WHAT ARE RARE, ENDANGERED & THREATENED (RET) SPECIES In order to categorize threatened species, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has updated the categories on the basis of geographical range, population and fragmentation. The threatened species categories now used in the Red Data Books and the Red List are critically endangered (facing an extremely Percentage of species listed on the IUCN Red List, by group high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future), endangered (not critical, but facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future), and vulnerable (not critical or endangered but facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future). Taxa listed as critically endangered qualify for vulnerable and endangered, and those listed as endangered qualify for vulnerable. Together these categories are described as ‘threatened’.

A visualisation that depicts the relative sizes of the number of categorized species EVENT DAIRY

46TH WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DAY (69TH REPUBLIC DAY), 26TH OF JANUARY 2018 THEME: LET US WORK TOGETHER FOR A SAFER EARTH VENUE: GOVT. HR. SECONDARY SCHOOL, SWANKHA, JAMMU JKENVIS Hub and Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing J&K, Jammu organized one day programme on occasion of 46th World Environmental Education Day, 2018 at Govt. Hr. Secondary school, Swankha, Jammu. Our visionary leaders adopted article 48-A and 51-A (g) to reflect responsibilities and duties in taking care of eco-concerns for realizing fundamental right to life. Quality life means healthy life which in turn is determined by quality Environment and preservation of capacity of Environment to renew its resources, maintain ecosystem cleaning and production systems and ensure water, air, soil, food, health security linked to biosphere resources and forest & ocean determined climate of the world. On 69th Republic Day of India let us rededicate ourselves to understand, strengthen and realize set aims and objectives mentioned in the constitution with special focus on article 48-A and 51-A(g) to take care of our life support systems and get tuned to contribute and strengthen environmental preservation initiatives of United Nations.

WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2018: THEME: WETLANDS FOR A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FUTURE VENUE: , JAMMU Jammu, Feb 2: As part of World Wetlands Day 2018 observance under the theme ‘Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future’, an awareness programme was held today at the Surinsar Wetland (Ramsar Site), Jammu. The observation was organised by the Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing in collaboration with JK-ENVIS Hub, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to spread awareness to the public in general and student community in particular about the importance of preserving wetlands in urban areas. The Day is observed every year on February 2 since the adoption of Ramsar Convention in 1971 to help raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Ravi Kesar presided over the programme. Chairman, State Pollution Control Board(SPCB), B Siddhartha, Chief Wildlife Warden, Manoj Panth, Director Social Forestry, Ashwani Gupta, Director SFRI, B M Sharma, Director Soil Water and Conservation, Javed Iqbal Panjoo, Chief Conservator of Forests, Farooq Gillani, Managing Director State Forest Corporation, Suresh Gupta besides other senior officers of Forests were present on the occasion. While addressing a large gathering, PCCF stressed on importance of preservation of wetlands as they are the life support systems that ensure functioning of the water cycle. Underlining the importance of wetlands, he said that wetland help to recharge groundwater aquifers, cleanse polluted waters, protect shorelines and act as sponges to mitigate floods. He further said that the extensive food chain and biological diversity in wetlands make them ‘biological supermarkets'. The Director, EE&RS added that wetlands are valuable sources and are indeed an important part of our natural wealth, the Forest Department and its allied wings have been tasked with a very important role to conserve the wetlands and other natural resources which directly impact the life of human beings and other living creatures. He said dedicated efforts are required to meet this noble cause. Asserting that the responsibility of afforestation lies on both the government and people, the Chief Wildlife Warden called for collective efforts on part of all stakeholders so that the mission of compensating the depletion of forest cover in the state can be achieved. He appealed the people to actively organize and participate in plantation drives in monsoon every year to make it a regular activity. The other officers who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for coordinated efforts with the involvement of various stakeholders to minimize loss to the natural resources. They said the department should keep close watch on the activities of executing agencies to ensure that the natural resources are saved. Earlier, the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing organized various programmes like painting competition, debate competition, and cultural activities to generate mass awareness on Wetland and its importance for our livelihood. Ms. Ankita Sharma, B.Sc. 6th Sem student of Govt. P.G. College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu got the first prize.

Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks are the favourite tourist spot for the nature lovers. While going to these protected areas we must follow certain instructions: DOs • Take strict precautions to guard against forest fires caused through carelessness. • Keep a reasonable distance from all animals. Stay at a safe distance especially from wild animals. Disturbed animals may be provoked to attack. • Make checklists of creatures observed on a trip. Make your own simple notes which you can easily compare from trip. Make full use of local guides and tribal. They are likely to be illiterate, but that only means they have had more time for learning about the jungle and the creatures and plants therein. • Although shooting with a rifle is prohibited, "shooting" with a camera is fully encouraged • Avoid any form of pollution within the sanctuary whether of air, soil or water including the flora and fauna • Dress in colors that blend with the forest. Khaki, brown or olive green will be just right. Comfortable walking shoes such as sport shoes are advisable. • Keep various important related literatures and other articles, like information booklet of the area, identification book(s) of birds and animals, camera and binoculars etc. with you. • Drive vehicles at slow speed. • Use dustbins. Always carry back your left-over. Use biodegradable material DON'Ts • Do not go near a nest. An alarmed bird can damage the eggs to be hatched • Do not get out of the vehicle while watching wildlife. • Smoking and igniting fire is prohibited in National Parks and sanctuaries and not desirable in other forest area. Blowing of horns and playing transistors, without ear phones and excessive noises disturb and scare away wildlife. • Getting out of the vehicle will endanger your life as well as disturb animals. • Do not spoil the serene and environment by throwing and littering the area with garbage. Use of poly-bags are not desirable in forest area. Avoid littering on forest floor. • avoid teasing of wild animals, avoid use of perfumes or strong-smelling chemical • Do not carry arms and do not indulge in immoral activities

DECLARATION The literature, data and photographs presented in this newsletter is from various secondary sources. We thank all the authors and workers whose work has been used in the compilation of this newsletter. The sole purpose of this newsletter is the dissemination of the knowledge already done by different workers at a common platform to common people who don’t have access to scientific literature.

ENVIS TEAM Contact Us

Om Prakash Sharma, IFS J&K ENVIS HUB Director Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir Majid Farooq ENVIS Coordinator (Summer) , S.D.A. Housing Colony, Srinagar - 190018 Phone: 0194-2494585

Gowhar Meraj (Winter) Programme Officer Paryavaran Complex, Gladeni Narwal, Jammu - 180006 Phone: 0191-2474553 Mrs. Amreena Yousuf Information Officer Visit us as at: www.jkenvis.org Gurmeet Singh Email us as at: [email protected], [email protected] IT-Officer

This newsletter of JKENVIS is published by Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K. Feedback for the newsletter would be appreciated.

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