Explanations:The Dachigam wildlife sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated approximately 22 kilometers from the city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystem and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Hangul, which is a critically endangered species of deer found only in this region.
The name "Dachigam" is derived from the local language and means "ten villages," referring to the area that was once inhabited by ten villages before it was declared a wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary covers an area of about 141 square kilometers and is divided into two zones: the Upper Zone and the Lower Zone. The Upper Zone is primarily a high-altitude area with dense forests, while the Lower Zone is a wetland area with grasslands and water bodies.
The sanctuary is managed by the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu and Kashmir. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Hangul, which is the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir. The Hangul, also known as the Kashmir stag, is a subspecies of the red deer and is listed as critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. The sanctuary provides a safe habitat for the Hangul and other wildlife species, including leopards, Himalayan black bears, and various bird species.
Understanding the geographical location of wildlife sanctuaries is important for students studying geography and environmental science. It helps in comprehending the distribution of wildlife across different regions and the efforts made by various states to protect and conserve their natural resources. In the context of competitive examinations, such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC, knowledge of such geographical details is essential for answering questions related to Indian geography and wildlife conservation.