The Hangul is the only
surviving race of the Red Deer family of Europe in the sub-continent
since the Shou (Cervus elaphus wallichi) of Bhutan is now considered extinct by
experts. Hangul stags are prized for their
magnificent head of antlers, having 11 to 16 points.
The Hangul is listed as an endangered
species in the Red Data Book of the international Union for Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Dachigam is home to the last viable population of Hangul in the
world which has dwindled from 2000 animals in 1947 to a distressing 170 in
2003. Latest figures indicate that the population may be well below 150
animals with less than 20 adult males.
