The frequent sightings of wild boars in the Kashmir region have raised concerns among wildlife experts and observers who fear their rising population could threaten the critically endangered Hangul (deer). These two species share the same ecological habitat with limited resources.
While locals express concerns about the damage caused by wild boars, wildlife experts and observers say that a more pressing issue is the potential threat posed to the critically endangered Hangul deer (Cervus Hanglu).
The Hangul, also known as the Kashmir stag is a subspecies of red deer native to the Kashmir Valley. Listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Hangul population is estimated to be fewer than 280 individuals.
The wildlife observers said that Hangul faces several threats to its survival, including habitat loss, with encroachment of wild boars adding another danger.
They said that wild boars are known habitat modifiers because they alter the structure and composition of ecosystems through rooting and foraging. This particular activity can degrade natural habitats, negatively affecting the food and water sources of the Hangul.
Experts said the competition between wild boars and Hangul for resources is a major concern, which could jeopardise the already fragile Hangul population's chances of survival.
Research suggests that wild boars were not naturally present in the Kashmir Valley but were introduced during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh (1846–1857), the erstwhile ruler of Jammu & Kashmir. Wild boars became common along the eastern foothills of the Kashmir Mountains, with Dachigam National Park serving as the core habitat. After the Dogra Raj, wild boars were recognised as an invasive species in Kashmir, with no conservation measures taken.
By 1984, wild boars were considered locally extinct in Dachigam National Park. However, sightings began again in 2013, including in parts of North Kashmir like Uri, Lachipora, Limber, Rafiabad, Rajwar and Balpur.
More recently, wild boars have been spotted in and around Dachigam National Park, as well as in orchards and farmlands in Srinagar. Their increasing numbers have become a growing concern.
The resurgence of wild boars has also posed challenges for employees of Srinagar’s floriculture department, forcing them to install fencing and maintain constant vigilance at the famous Tulip and Botanical Garden.
A government official confirmed the presence of wild boars in large numbers, describing it as an unusual trend.
"Not just a few, but we are witnessing them in huge numbers. We have installed fencing around the tulip garden to prevent them from intruding into the flower bed zones," the official said.
No considerable increase in Hangul population
According to an official document of J&K’s Department of Wildlife Protection, the present population monitoring results show a marginal increase in population from the past estimates (2019: 237; 2021: 261; 2023: 289). However, there is no considerable increase in population numbers.