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    About Gulmarg

    Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary

    180 sq. km of protected Himalayan biodiversity

    180 sq. km

    Area

    2,400 - 4,300m

    Altitude Range

    1987

    Established

    100+

    Bird Species

    The Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, located 26 km southwest of Baramulla district, was upgraded from a Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1987 specifically to protect the highly endangered Kashmir Musk Deer (Moschus crysogater).

    The sanctuary encompasses rich faunal and floral biodiversity, including Musk Deer, Common Leopard, Barking Deer, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Indian Wolf, Snow Cock, and Chukar Partridge. Large numbers of Musk Deer are found in the gushing streams of Ferozpora and areas around Apharwat, Botapathri, Baba Reshi, and the Gulmarg bowl.

    Fauna

    Mammals of the Sanctuary

    Notable wildlife species found in Gulmarg

    Kashmir Musk Deer

    Moschus crysogater

    Endangered

    Asiatic Black Bear

    Ursus thibetanus

    Vulnerable

    Himalayan Brown Bear

    Ursus arctos

    Vulnerable

    Common Leopard

    Panthera pardus millardi

    Vulnerable

    Grey Langur

    Presbytis entellus

    Least Concern

    Rhesus Macaque

    Macaca mulatta

    Least Concern

    Red Fox

    Vulpes vulpes

    Least Concern

    Jungle Cat

    Felis chaus

    Least Concern

    Leopard Cat

    Felis bengalensis

    Least Concern

    Yellow Throated Marten

    Martes flavigula

    Least Concern

    Small Kashmir Flying Squirrel

    Eoglaucomys fimbriatus

    Least Concern

    Indian Wolf

    Canis lupus

    Endangered
    Avi-Fauna

    Bird Species

    Over 100 species recorded including rare Himalayan birds

    Himalayan Monal Pheasant

    Lophophorus impejanus

    Golden Eagle

    Aquila chrysaetos

    Himalayan Snowcock

    Tetraogallus himalayensis

    Koklas Pheasant

    Catreus wallichii

    Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)

    Gypaetus barbatus

    Himalayan Griffon

    Gyps himalayensis

    Chukar Partridge

    Alectoris chukar

    Kashmir Flycatcher

    Muscicapa subrubra

    Blue Whistling Thrush

    Myophonus caeruleus

    Yellow-billed Blue Magpie

    Cissa flavirostris

    Spotted Nutcracker

    Nucifraga caryocatactes

    Paradise Flycatcher

    Terpsiphone paradisi

    Additional species include various warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, kingfishers, wagtails, and raptors. The sanctuary is renowned among birdwatchers for its diverse avian population.

    Flora

    Vegetation Zones

    Forest types ranging from coniferous to alpine meadows

    Blue Pine Forest

    2,400 - 2,800m

    Dominant Pinus griffithii (Kail) intermixed with spruce, yew, maple, and horse chestnut. Found on dry slopes at lower altitudes.

    Silver Fir Forest

    2,800 - 3,200m

    Abies pindrow dominates mountain grooves and moist slopes. Associated with kail, yew, spruce, and horse chestnut with viburnum undergrowth.

    Birch Forest

    3,000 - 3,500m

    Characterized by Betula utilis (birch) in mountain grooves and shady areas. Often mixed with fir at lower limits.

    Sub-Alpine Forest

    3,200 - 3,800m

    Mixed assemblage of fir, kail, spruce, yew, and birch. Transition zone between dense forest and alpine meadows.

    Alpine Pastures

    Above 3,800m

    Vast meadows above the tree line with herbaceous ground cover including Inula grandiflora and Primula species.

    Visiting the Sanctuary

    Location

    • 26 km SW of Baramulla
    • • Nearest Airport: 95 km (Srinagar)
    • • Nearest Railhead: 24 km
    • • Coordinates: 34°55'-34°60'N, 74°17'-74°79'E

    Best Time for Wildlife

    • • Musk Deer: Early morning, Ferozpora area
    • • Bird Watching: April - October
    • • Bears: Spring and autumn
    • • Monal Pheasant: Summer months
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