Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory in northern India, is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains and picturesque valleys. The region is home to 4 national parks.
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1. Dachigam National Park
- Dachigam National Park is located in the Srinagar district of Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is situated in the Zabarwan Range of Western Himlayas.
- In 1910, the area was initially established as a game reserve by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to protect the Kashmir stag (Hangul)
- In 1951, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary.
- In 1981, it was upgraded to the status of a national park.
- Area: The park covers an area of approximately 141 square kilometers (54 square miles).
- The park area is divided into:
- Lower Dachigam (1700 to 3500 m.)
- Upper Dachigam (2000 m to 4700 m.)
- River: Dagwan River (Dagwan Nallah) flows through the park.
- Flora: Coniferous Trees (deodar, pine and fir), Broadleaf Trees (Himalayan poplar, horse chestnut and walnut), Alpine Meadows (primroses, daisies, and orchids.), Rhododendrons etc.
- Fauna: Kashmiri Stag (Hangul), Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Gray Langurs, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Martens, Himalayan Fox, Monal Pheasant, Crimson Tragopan, Griffon Vulture, Kashmir Rock Agama , Ladakh Agama, Kashmir Rat Snake etc.
2. Salim Ali National Park
- Salim Ali National Park or City Forest National Park is located in Srinagar district of the Indian union territory, Jammu Kashmir.
- It is named after the famous ornithologist Dr Salim Ali.
- In 1986, Salim Ali National Park was established.
- Area: The park covered an area of 9.07 km2 (3.501947 sq mile).
- River: Jhelum river flows near Salim Ali National Park.
- Flora: Deodar, Pines, Oak, Brachypodium spp. etc.
- Fauna: Hangul, Himalyan Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk deer, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock, Swamp Francolin , Ringdove, Himalayan Keelback, Himalayan Pit Viper etc.
3. Kazinag National Park
- Kazinag National Park is situated in north bank of Jhelum in Baramulla district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The park is nestled in the Pir Panjal Range.
- It is home to the near-extinct Markhor, a majestic mammal with corkscrew horns.
- In 2007, it was established as an national park. The park came into existence after two wildlife sanctuaries —Limber and Lachipora — were clubbed with Naganari conservation reserve with the support of Wildlife Trust of India.
- The park plays a crucial role in the proposal for a trans-Karakoram peace park, fostering cooperation and conservation efforts between India and Pakistan.
- Area: It covers an area of approximately 160 Sq. Km (61.77 square miles).
- The altitudes range from around 1,800 meters to 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level.
- River: This park is situated on the North bank of Jhelum river.
- Flora: Coniferous Forests (deodar, fir, spruce, kail), Broad-Leaved Trees (Maple, Oak, Walnut and Horse Chestnut), Birch, Alpine Meadows (Himalayan Blue Poppy, Primroses, and various species of Orchids), Rhododendron, Alpine Scrub (Juniper (Juniperus spp.), Rhododendron anthopogon, and Potentilla spp.) etc.
- Fauna: Markhor, Himalayan Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Marmot, Yellow-throated Marten, Kashmir Flying Squirrel, Koklas Pheasant, Snow Pigeon, Kashmir Red breasted Flycatcher etc.
4. Kishtwar National Park
- Kishtwar National Park is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir union territory of India.
- It is situated in the western Himalayas.
- It is bounded to the north by Rinnay river, south by Kibar Nala catchment, east by main divide of Great Himalaya and west by Marwah river.
- In 1981, The Kishtwar National Park was established to preserve the snow leopard population.
- Area: It covers an area of approximately 2190.50 Sq Kms (845.75 square miles).
- River: Following rivers flow through the park:
- Kiar
- Nath
- Kibar
- Marwah
- Flora: Coniferous Forests (blue pine, chir pine, and deodar cedar), Mixed Forests (oak, walnut, rhododendron, and maple), Alpine Vegetation (primroses, gentians, anemones, Grasses, sedges, and mosses) etc.
- Fauna: Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black bear, Musk Deer, Ibex, Serow, Bharal, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock, Bearded Vulture, Western Tragopan, Griffon Vulture, Himalayan Pit Viper, Himalayan Gecko, Agamid Lizards etc.