Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

District Magistrate Baramulla recently ordered the immediate closure of 14 gypsum mining units operating within the prohibited 1-km radius of Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is situated in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir near the village of Lachipora.
• It is located on the northern banks of the Jhelum River. 
• Established in 1987, the sanctuary was primarily created to protect the endangered Markhor, a wild goat species known for its distinctive twisted horns.
• It is spread over an area of 141 sq.km. 
• The sanctuary’s elevation ranges from 1,630 to 3,300 meters, contributing to alpine meadows and rich biodiversity. 
• The sanctuary features a diverse landscape with gentle to steep slopes and rocky cliffs.
• Flora: It supports a variety of flora, including coniferous forests of deodar, Himalayan white pine, and blue pine, and broadleaf forests with trees like birch, horse chestnut, West Himalayan fir, and Persian walnut.
• Fauna: 
  • It is particularly renowned for being the habitat of the endangered Hangul deer, often referred to as the Kashmir stag.
  • It is also home to several other mammal species, such as the Himalayan black bear, Snow leopard, Musk deer, and many more.
  • Lachipora is also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). It is home to the vulnerable Western Tragopan bird species.

Source: GK

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