The Hangul is the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir. They are also called as Barasingha, the Kashmiri name Hangul is derived from the Stags’ love for horse chestnuts (Aesculus indica – Han in Kashmiri) .

The Hangul weigh upto 400 lbs and grow antlers as large as 47 inches in length. They have been declared endangered and their numbers have dwindled over the years. The Dachigam National Park is the official reserve for their protection. However, in absence of quality veterinary-medical support and any captive breeding program, is it a matter of time before we will see them in pictures only?

Cervus elaphus hanglu is listed as endangered