Government of Jammu and Kashmir · Department of Wildlife Protection
WILDLIFE PROTECTION · JAMMU & KASHMIR

Protecting the Wild Heart
of Kashmir

Safeguarding Kashmir's extraordinary wildlife, conserving habitats, and preserving our ecological heritage for generations to come.

Hangul · Kashmir Stag
A symbol of Kashmir's unique biodiversity
ABOUT WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT · JAMMU & KASHMIR

Guardians of Kashmir's Natural Heritage

The Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu & Kashmir works towards conserving the region's unique ecosystems, protecting wildlife habitats, and maintaining the delicate balance between nature and communities.

From the high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas to rich forest ecosystems, the department focuses on habitat conservation, wildlife protection, research, and creating awareness for a sustainable future.

70+Protected Areas
HimalayanEcosystems
ConservationDriven
WHO LIVES HERE

Remarkable lives of the Himalayas.

Meet the threatened wildlife shaped by Jammu & Kashmir's forests, alpine slopes and mountain valleys.

04Flagship species
Hangul, the Kashmir stag
01Temperate forest

Hangul

Cervus hanglu hanglu
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

Kashmir's iconic stag and a symbol of the valley's irreplaceable natural heritage.

Snow leopard in a Himalayan mountain habitat
02High Himalayas

Snow Leopard

Panthera uncia
VULNERABLE

An elusive high-altitude predator uniquely adapted to life among steep mountain ridges.

Himalayan musk deer
03Alpine forest

Himalayan Musk Deer

Moschus leucogaster
ENDANGERED

A secretive mountain species dependent on quiet, well-protected forest habitats.

Himalayan black bear in forest habitat
04Mountain forest

Himalayan Black Bear

Ursus thibetanus
VULNERABLE

A powerful forest dweller whose range increasingly overlaps with human communities.

01
04
Wildlife Protected Area Network

Jammu & Kashmir at a glance.

A concise view of the protected-area network, ecological coverage and wildlife-response infrastructure across the Union Territory.

50WL. Protected Area
4995.48 Sq.KmsTotal Area Under WL. Protected Area11.82% of Geographical area of UT
20Districts Covered Under HWC
4National Parks
14Wildlife Sanctuaries
16Conservation Reserves
16Wetland Conservation ReservesIncludes 4 Ramsar Sites
9Wildlife Divisions Connected With HWC
10Number of Notified ESZ
1739 Sq.KmsTotal Area Under ESZ
53Number of Rescue Control Rooms
18Number of Rescue Centers
Protected Areas Network

One connected landscape. Many wild refuges.

Across alpine meadows, temperate forests, river valleys and wetlands, Jammu & Kashmir's protected-area network safeguards habitats, movement corridors and the species that depend on them.

Protected landscape network
From Dachigam's Hangul habitat to high-altitude and wetland ecosystems, each protected area contributes to a wider conservation mosaic.
Interactive geographic overview · indicative markers
Academics & Research

Science in service of the wild.

Field research transforms observation into action. By studying species, habitats and changing landscapes, the department builds the evidence needed for resilient conservation across Jammu & Kashmir.

Observe · Understand · Protect
Wildlife researchers conducting a field study in Jammu and Kashmir
Field-ledEvidence for conservation decisions
Research across living landscapes
01 · FIELD ECOLOGY

Understanding the wild

Ecological studies reveal how wildlife populations use and move through their habitats.

02 · BIODIVERSITY

Documenting nature

Species inventories create the knowledge base for informed conservation decisions.

03 · HABITAT SCIENCE

Reading landscapes

Forests, wetlands and alpine ecosystems are studied as connected living systems.

04 · RECOVERY

Supporting species

Scientific interventions help threatened wildlife populations recover and endure.

05 · COEXISTENCE

Living with nature

Community knowledge and field evidence guide safer human–wildlife coexistence.

06 · MONITORING

Tracking change

Long-term surveys reveal trends, pressures and opportunities for timely action.

Leadership Messages

A shared commitment
to the wild.

Voices guiding the stewardship of Jammu & Kashmir's forests, wildlife and living landscapes.

News & Events

From the field.

Follow conservation work, research updates and opportunities to connect with wildlife protection across Jammu & Kashmir.

01

Following signs of life across the Himalayas

Field teams combine observation, habitat surveys and camera-based monitoring to better understand elusive mountain wildlife.

Explore field work
02

Monitoring fragile mountain habitats

Consistent field evidence supports long-term species recovery across sensitive landscapes.

03

Building pathways for coexistence

Awareness and responsive field action help communities live more safely with wildlife.

04

Strengthening connected landscapes

Habitat protection and ecological corridors create space for wildlife to move and thrive.

In the calendar

Public engagement, learning and field programmes from the department.

Field programme

Wildlife monitoring orientation

Regional field divisions
Awareness

Wetland conservation walk

Community outreach programme
Workshop

Living safely with wildlife

Local community sessions
Public Information

Notices & Tenders

Official notifications, public information and procurement opportunities from the Department of Wildlife Protection.

Latest notices

03
  • PDF
    New noticeAdministration

    Public advisory for responsible visits to protected areas

  • PDF
    NotificationConservation

    Guidelines for wildlife research and field-study permissions

  • PDF
    CircularPublic information

    Seasonal information for visitors and local communities

Active tenders

03
  • PDF
    OpenHabitat works

    Invitation for habitat restoration and field-support works

  • PDF
    OpenEquipment

    Procurement of wildlife monitoring and field equipment

  • PDF
    EOIServices

    Empanelment for conservation outreach and documentation

Plan a Responsible Visit

Wildlife visits, booked online.

Choose your destination, review current visitor instructions and apply for permission through the designated online booking portal.

Hangul stag in Dachigam National ParkDistrict Srinagar · Government of J&K
Online permission01
National Park · Srinagar

Dachigam National Park

Visit the celebrated home of the Hangul and experience a protected Himalayan landscape only a short journey from Srinagar.

Hangul habitatApprox. 22 km from SrinagarPermit required
Book Dachigam online
Snow-covered Thajwas Glacier landscape near SonamargMike Prince · Wikimedia Commons
Online permission02
Wildlife Sanctuary · Ganderbal

Thajwas Wildlife Sanctuary

Plan a permitted visit to the high-altitude sanctuary around Sonamarg, known for its alpine habitat and remarkable mountain fauna.

Alpine landscapeSonamarg regionPermit required
Book Thajwas online
Your visit in three steps
Step 01Choose a destination
Step 02Add visitor details
Step 03Confirm permission

Visitor rules, availability and charges are governed by the respective booking portals and may change seasonally.