On 25th June, our batch went on a visit to the Dachigam National Park as part of field work of Wildlife Sciences course. Our course instructor Dr Khursheed accompanied us. This protected area on the outskirts of Srinagar is home to the last viable population of the threatened stag species: Hangul.
The sunny weather was resonating well with our excitement and energy. Having picked up all the students, we reached the destination at around 11.30 am. The day’s activity began with exploring the captivated animals – Leopard, Black Bear (Rosy and Julie) and Brown Bear (a newly rehabilitated one, which was showing in its meek behaviour!). Thereafter we kept pace with our guides towards the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. Along the way, the flora welcomed and impressed us equally – wild cherries, plums, berries. Moreover, Morus, Juglans, Aesculus, Quercus, a few Platanus, numerous Climbers and so on, knitted a beautiful and unquestionable ecosystem of biodiversity.
Porcupine quills on roads, Langurs and Macaques leaping across the tree canopy, the musical chirping of Warblers, the soothing climate, the fruity visuals and what not, it seemed as if nature was on exhibition and we were the blessed spectators. Walking for 1-2 km, we halted and were offered Kehwa. We were shown documentaries and pictorial details of wildlife at Dachigam National Park. Here, after a short interaction session with Dr Khursheed, we left for the English Oak Patch – nest of the Hangul.
The human management of the forest is very commendable. The camera traps, the salt licks, the foreign oaks, the tiny acorns – which later became the feast of bears – all were wonderful. A brief lecture about the habitat and behaviour of the reputed Kashmiri Red Deer was delivered by sir. Following this, we started a brisk trek up to an altitude of 1900m, quite close to the tree line. And lo! Another treat for the eyes and the soul. After walking up the slope, through very dense undergrowth with a breathing rate that is not usual and sweat rolling and trickling down the face amid an acute thirst for water but with empty bottles, when you turn around to see the valleys below, all green, you tend to forget your sore legs and dried throats. It couldn’t get any better. Hushed discussions started here as well and finally, after observing the binocular view of the surroundings, our trip of the day came to an end.
“Exhaustedly relaxed”, we started descending the trail. But with an air of excitement still in our nerves, we didn’t let go of the sight of the Rainbow Trout Farm – yet another example of the benefit of management and looking after on the part of humans.
In sum, the trip was jaw-dropping. The presence of Dr Khursheed and other wildlife scholars beautified it even further. It was a blessed mix of respect, love and friendship amongst us as well as with the wildlife at the Dachigam National Park.

The writer is a student of BSc Forestry at Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K. [email protected]

Farhana Manzoor