Mapping
Source: TOI
Context: In Winter 2024, Wildlife SOS provided a specialized diet to Himalayan Black Bears at the Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir to support them during their natural hibernation period. Due to heavy snowfall and cold weather, regular food sources became scarce for the bears.
About Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) (IUCN: Vulnerable):
It is a subspecies of the Asian black bear, playing a crucial role as an ecological indicator and keystone species in its environment. Known for its role as a primary seed disperser, it maintains ecosystem stability. Typically nocturnal and elusive, it hibernates in the winter in the northwestern Himalayas but remains active year-round in the eastern Himalayas. Being omnivorous, it has a varied diet and is found mainly in the Himalayas of India, Bhutan, Nepal, China, and Pakistan.
About Dachigam National Park:
It is located 22 km from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, and spans 141 sq km. Its name, meaning ‘ten villages’, possibly commemorates the relocation of ten villages for its creation. Initially established to safeguard Srinagar’s water supply, it became a national park in 1981, protected since 1910. Situated between 5500 ft to 14,000 ft, it harbours the endangered Hangul (Kashmir stag) and diverse flora including wild cherry, apple, oak, and pine.
