The Kashmir stag or the hangul, being considered as one of the living wonders of the Elysian valley, is facing extinction. The unique kind of stag, found nowhere else on earth except in Kashmir, is critically endangered. Its number has declined to just 190, as per the last census conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India.
It was in 1984 - six years before militancy erupted in the Valley - when the hangul (Cervus elaphus hangul) was counted to be 556. The main reason for the decrease in the number of the hangul is continued habitat fragmentation in the lush green forests of Dachigam National Park, the abode of hangul. According to experts, only the European red stag resembles the Kashmir stag. It is believed to be one of the ancient animals of the Valley.

According to zoological investigations, there are about 73 species of stags globally. The Kashmir stag has the distinction of being a rare one among them.

The hangul has had its checkered history of sorts, and a tale of woe. Its population has been fluctuating from time to time, with a gradual rise and fall. By the end of the 19th century, it is estimated there were about 3,000-5,000 hangul in Kashmir, but their number went down drastically, ranging between 1,000 and 2,000 in 1947.
The handsome hangul till then used to skip 'sportingly' everywhere in the Kashmir forests. Those were the days when not only Dachigam forests, but also a cluster of villages far away from the hangul's abode, would reverberate with the sound of the stag.

With the end of the autocratic rule of Maharaja Hari Singh, the sprawling Dachigam sanctuary, an amalgamation of ten villages, became vulnerable and unprotected. There was large-scale encroachment and poaching, resulting in the decimation of hangul population. By 1954, only 300 stags remained and by 1970, the number was just 140.

Dachigam, an epicentre of beautiful flora and fauna, covering an area of 141 sq km, was declared a sanctuary in 1951 to save the hangul. In 1965, its population gradually rose to 180, but five years later the number again tumbled down to 140. Various reasons were given out for this fall in numbers.

According to Mr E P Gee, a noted environmentalist, nothing substantial was done to protect the species. According to another expert, Dr Holloway, the hangul's frolicking range was curtailed. Overgrazing in the sanctuary too became a permanent feature as the nomadic tribe grazed its cattle and goats in the Upper Dachigam region.

The problems worsened with the setting up of a Government Sheep Breeding Farm in the Lower Dachigam area, considered a prime hangul habitat. Further, a hangul in captivity died in 1977 because of Johne's disease, which originated from a sheep farm nearby. Fortunately, the disease was controlled in time. If not, the endangered hangul could have been wiped out entirely.

Despite these problems, the decline was arrested, though briefly, following improved conditions in Dachigam and there was a gradual increase in the number of the hangul from 140 in 1970 to 320 in 1979, and further to 440 in 1983.

Zoologists are of the opinion that the stag has assumed 'perfection' in the process of evolution by attaining the structure of the hangul. The distinct feature of a hangul is its horns. These horns are used to make the handles of swords and knives. They are also used as medicine and as a charm to keep evil spirits away.