Kazinag National Park UPSC

Kazinag National Park is a protected area located in the Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is known for its diverse flora, fauna, and scenic landscapes.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna
Markhor (Capra falconeri)
UPSC Questions

Kazinag National Park Location

Kazinag National Park is situated in north bank of Jhelum in Baramulla district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The park is close to Line of Control in Baramulla district. It is about 70 km away from the capital city of Srinagar.

The altitudes in Kazinag National Park range from around 1,800 meters to 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level.

Nearest Airport:

The Srinagar Airport serves as the closest air gateway to Kazinag National Park, located at a distance of approximately 87 kilometers.

Nearest Railway Station:

For those opting for train travel, the Baramulla Railway Station stands as the nearest railhead to Kazinag National Park, situated just 15 kilometers away.

Kazinag National Park History

1. Establishment: Kazinag National Park came into being in 2007, marking a significant step in wildlife preservation and environmental protection. This establishment brought together two wildlife sanctuaries, Limber and Lachipora, along with the Naganari conservation reserve, under the guidance and support of the Wildlife Trust of India.

2. A Union of Biodiversity: The Kazinag National Park came into existence after two wildlife sanctuaries —Limber and Lachipora — were clubbed with Naganari conservation reserve with the support of Wildlife Trust of India in 2007. This union of natural havens contributes to the park's rich biodiversity and offers a sanctuary for a wide range of flora and fauna.

3. Trans-Karakoram Peace Park Proposal: Kazinag National Park plays a crucial role in the proposal for a trans-Karakoram peace park, fostering cooperation and conservation efforts between India and Pakistan. This initiative seeks to promote peace and environmental protection, transcending borders and nurturing harmony between the two nations.

Kazinag National Park Area

Kazinag National Park covers an area of approximately 160 Sq. Km (61.77 square miles). Within this vast wilderness, diverse landscapes and habitats provide a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife and plant species.

Kazinag National Park Hills

Kazinag National Park is situated in the western Himalayas and is part of the larger Western Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. The park is nestled in the Pir Panjal Range, which is characterized by rugged mountains, deep valleys, alpine meadows, and dense forests.

Kazinag National Park River

Kazinag National Park is situated on the North bank of Jhelum river close to Line of Control in Baramulla district.

Jhelum River:

The Jhelum River originates from Verinag in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It then flows northwest through the Kashmir Valley, passing through towns such as Srinagar and Baramulla, before entering Pakistan-administered Kashmir and eventually merging with the Chenab River.

Tributary of the Chenab River: The Jhelum River is one of the major tributaries of the Chenab River. It joins the Chenab near Trimmu in Pakistan, contributing to the overall flow of the Chenab River system.

Length: The Jhelum River has a total length of approximately 725 kilometers (450 miles). It flows through the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and continues into Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Left Tributaries: The Jhelum River receives water from several left tributaries along its course. These include the Poonch River and Sukhnag River, which add to the water volume and drainage of the Jhelum River.

Right Tributaries: The Jhelum River is also fed by various right tributaries. Some notable ones include the Arpath River, Lidder River, Neelum River, Sind River, and Kunhar River. These tributaries contribute to the river's flow and bring additional water from their respective catchment areas.

Kazinag National Park Flora

Kazinag National Park boasts a rich and diverse flora due to its varied altitudinal range and favorable climatic conditions. The park is characterized by dense forests, alpine meadows, and a variety of plant species.

Here are some notable flora found in Kazinag National Park:

(1) Coniferous Forests:

The park is dominated by coniferous forests, which include species with deodar (Cedrus deodara) at lower altitudes, fir (Abies pindrow), spruce (Picea smithiana) at middle to upper elevations and kail (Pinus wallichiana) is widely distributed from lower to upper elevations.

(2) Broad-Leaved Trees:

Alongside conifers, Kazinag National Park is home to various broad-leaved tree species. You can find species like Maple (Acer spp.), Oak (Quercus spp.), Walnut (Juglans regia), and Horse Chestnut (Aesculus indica).

(3) Subalpine Zone:

Birch (Betula utilis) occur mainly in the subalpine zone.

(4) Alpine Meadows:

As the elevation increases, the forests give way to alpine meadows and pastures. These open grassy areas are adorned with a variety of wildflowers, including species like Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis grandis), Primroses (Primula spp.), and various species of Orchids.

(5) Rhododendron:

The park is famous for its vibrant displays of Rhododendron flowers. Several species of Rhododendron can be found in the park, including Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron campanulatum, and Rhododendron lepidotum. These beautiful flowers bloom in different colors, adding to the park's scenic beauty.

(6) Alpine Scrub:

As you reach higher altitudes, the vegetation transitions into alpine scrub. This includes low-growing shrubs and hardy plants such as Juniper (Juniperus spp.), Rhododendron anthopogon, and Potentilla spp.

(7) Temperate Scrub:

The temperate scrub occurs at middle and lower elevations and is dominated by Indigofera, Spirea and Rosa.

Kazinag National Park Fauna (Kazinag National Park Animals)

Kazinag National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several endangered and rare species.

Here are some notable animals found in the park:

Mammals:

Markhor (Capra falconeri)
Himalayan Musk Deer
Himalayan Brown Bear
Himalayan Black Bear
Common leopard
Himalayan Marmot
Yellow-throated Marten
Kashmir Flying Squirrel

Birds:

Golden Eagle
Impeyan or Monal Pheasant
Koklas Pheasant
Sparow Hawk
Snow Pigeon
The Cuckoo
Himaliyan pied kingfisher
Lesser pied kingfisher
Nutcracker
Jackdaw
Long tailed Minvet
Sooty Flycatcher
Kashmir Red breasted Flycatcher

Butterflies:

The Kazinag National Park is home to 17 Species of Butterflies which include:

Regal Apollo
Common BlueApollo
Common red Apollo
Brown Argus
Mountain Argus
Meadow Brown
Narrowbandede satyr
Large Tortoise shell

Markhor (Capra falconeri)

Kazinag National Park is home to the near-extinct Markhor, a majestic mammal with corkscrew horns. It is found only in Jammu & Kashmir and Kazinag habitats the mammal’s largest population.

Markhor (Capra falconeri) is a majestic and endangered species of wild goat that is found in the mountains of Central Asia, including parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and India.