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Flora And Fauna Of Jammu And Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir is a mystifying land. It is a picturesque collage of various elements of nature that makes it an ideal tourist
destination. The northern frontier of the state is fortified with the majestic mountains of the Himalaya Range. These ranges and
their snow capped peaks complete a picturesque landscape that includes crystal clear streams and lush green vegetation.
Jammu and Kashmir is not a homogeneous land. It is marked by undulating topography and varied soil types that lead to the
growth of diverse plants. These in turn, support numerous life forms to constitute an ecological pyramid.

In terms of climate, Jammu and Kashmir is unique. The vast distribution of topographical features is a cause of this fact. The
controlling factor of the climate is the Himalayas. Except the dry plateaus of Ladakh, the state receives ample amounts of rainfall.
The land is crisscrossed by perennial streams of fresh water. The streams water the land and sustain the lives of the people that
inhabit the land. Winter season sees extensive precipitation in terms of snowfall. In the winter, the snow resembles a vast sheet of
white blanket covering the valleys.

Culture and human settlements have also been altered by the pattern of the climatic variations of the region. Three socio-cultural
regions have been established in the state. Each region has a set of distinct cultural patterns that coexist in harmony under the
umbrella of Jammu and Kashmir. The Easternmost region of Ladakh is is the stronghold of predominantly Tibetan culture. The
southern state is the foothills of the Himalayas that are the home of tribes such as the Dogras that migrated centuries ago. The
northernmost region outlines the beautiful valley of Kashmir and its majestic beauty. Each of these regions contributes heavily to
make Jammu and Kashmir an epitome of cross-cultural harmony.
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The scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir is enchanting, to say the least. The combination of nature, heritage and history make
the state an enchanting land. Among many other traits that distinguish the land of Jammu & Kashmir, the flora and fauna of the
state is one of prime importance. It is home to a bewildering variety of animals that inhabit the mountainous terrain. The flora that
grow on the rich soil supports the variety of fauna found in the area. The flora has a defining impact on the lives of the people as
well and is extremely beneficial for maintaining their cultural heritage.

The flora of Jammu and Kashmir includes broad-leaved trees as well as conifers. Shrubs and herbs of immense anthropogenic
importance sprout in the fertile reaches of the valleys. Trees such as rhododendron constitute the thick forests high in the hills.
The floral type varies with variation of the elevation. The forests are inhabited by organisms from every member of the animal
family. Mammals such as leopards and bears are found in numbers in the state. Even the barren land of Ladakh has a distinct set
of animals equipped to thrive in the cold inhospitable zones. Besides, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects form an intrinsic part
of the landscape that has no parallels on earth.

The Flora
Describing the flora of Jammu and Kashmir is like trying to catalogue a library that has an extensive collection of books. Many of
the species have not even been documented properly. Nevertheless, it should suffice to say that the state possess a rich diversity
of flora. An estimate puts the total number of plant species in the state at over 3000. These are unevenly distributed throughout
the three regions of the state. For example, the dry frontiers of Ladakh have about 880 species, most of them able to withstand
extreme climatic conditions. In Jammu, the number is over 500 species of plants. These estimations are inadequate since they
include only certain groups of plants. The inventory is inadequate in the strictest sense and is continuously being updated to
include lesser studied forms.

The flora of the state have a high degree of endemism. Some of the families of plants that are found here are found nowhere else.
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The plants that are found in Jammu and Kashmir are a majorly important part of the people that inhabit the state. The forests are This Section
the source of fodder, food, honey and other such commodities that lend a lot to the identity of the locals. Several plants with
medicinal properties have been identified in the region. Many of these plants are used by locals as rudimentary medicines. The Best Time to Visit People
forests cover over 20% of the geographical area of the state constituting a vast reserve of natural wealth. Fact File Quality of Life
Flora & Fauna Seasons
Phyto Geography and Vegetation Types Geography Weather
Throughout the geological history, the region has seen an evolutionary sequence of plants forms colonizing and thriving under Getting Around Where to get out
different sets of conditions. The continuous influence of the climate and geomorphologic features on the flora and fauna of the History
state persists to this day.
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Jammu and Kashmir has three distinct regions of floral pattern:
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Alpine Desert Vegetation of Ladakh Culture in Jammu and
Ladakh is a cold desert and extreme conditions are prevalent throughout the year. The plant groups that have successfully
survived the barren landscape are evolved to minimize water loss. Typically, they grow in the vicinity of moist stream channels.
Kashmir
The Indian state Jammu and Kashmir
Temperate vegetation of Kashmir: The foothills of the Karakoram ranges were once covered with a luxuriant canopy of thick inhabits diverse and distinct culture. It
forests occupying the valleys and plains. Unfortunately, human settlements have wiped out many stretches of forests for encompasses various lifestyles and habits....
cultivation of food crops. Still, the few remaining patches of forests give us a glimpse of the richness the state possesses. The
valleys are marked by swampy, linear patches of forests delineated on the south by the Pir Panjal range. Cusines
Subtropical Vegetation of Jammu The Indian state Jammu and Kashmir is not
only considered as a paradise for its travelers
Jammu is situated at a much lower elevation than the rest of Jammu and Kashmir. At this altitude, the climate supports dry and but also for its food lovers....
deciduous forests. The monsoon season witnesses widespread inundation of the low lying areas that become breeding grounds
for numerous aquatic plants.
Heaven On Earth Sonamarg
There is saying Heaven Trekking
Aquatic Vegetation is nowhere, b... In Jammu and Kashmir,
The rugged mountainous terrain of the Pir Panjal range is situated at altitudes above 4000 meters.  At such an elevation, the lakes Trekking is the...
of the Kashmir valley do not have appropriate conditions to sustain major plant life. Below the snow line, the lakes are teeming
with aquatic life. These lakes show zonation which is a regular feature. The core of such water bodies harbour plants that are
submerged under the water. Only some parts of the plant, such as the flowers or the fruits float above the surface. The buffer or
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intermediate floral varieties are found in the shallower parts that have floating leaves. The outermost zone of plants is found Travel to Himachal Pradesh to ...
along the fringes of the lakes with the majority of the plant body standing above the water level. Some free floating varieties are Alipore Zoological Gardens in ...
found here, as well.
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Many lakes in Kashmir have floating islands that are artificially created and used for cultivation of crops.
Threatened Plants Travel News
20 Smart Cities to Focus on Th...
The rich flora of Jammu and Kashmir has been subjected to degradation, and many of the species stands on the brink of
extinction. The reasons for this are a subject of intense debate. Tourism Gets 70% Hike in the 2...

The extinction of species can be ascribed to two controlling factors; those that are controlled by natural processes and those View All
created by human activities. In the past, natural processes led to the decline of countless species, culminating in major extinction
events. The evolution of the earth has seen numerous extinction events. These events have their cause root in various climatic
factors and changes in the atmosphere of the earth. In the past, the various extinction events occurred over a long time, allowing
other species to colonize and substitute their place.

The current rates of extinction are alarming because of its sheer magnitude and speed. Throughout the globe, the natural world
has been mutilated and destroyed to enable human requirements to be fulfilled. The burgeoning growth of the population has put
immense pressure on land resources and forests. The destruction of forests has a cascading effect, which in due course of time
threatens entire ecosystems and the population which depend on it.

Jammu and Kashmir’s floral collection are important for sustaining the culture and traditional continuity of the people. Many of
the plants found here have medicinal value, a property that has increased relevance in our combat against deadly diseases.
Jammu and Kashmir is an important portion of India’s biodiversity. The areas of Kashmir, and the slopes of the Himalaya have
been identified as a ‘biodiversity hotspot’, among 26 such identified localities in India. The increasing rate of deforestation has
destabilized the foothills

The Fauna
Jammu and Kashmir is divided into three different parts namely Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Each of these regions has
separate sets of fauna in response to the different conditions prevalent in each of the regions. The state boasts of an impressive
16% of the total faunal species in India. Birds are the primary contributor to this high diversity of chordate species. Apart from
birds, the state has a high diversity of many other forms of organisms such as mammals and reptiles, and lesser-known animals
such as fishes, amphibians and an infinite number of insects. The state is strategically positioned at the confluence of major
climatic zones that account for the high diversity. This factor lends high endemic character to the organisms that are found in the
state.

The diversity of avian species is remarkable. The 358 species of birds that have been recorded in the state can be catalogued into
179 genera and 16 orders. Many of these birds are migratory and navigate treacherous journeys to reach the promising land. The
waters of the state provide habitat for 44 species of fish, categorized into 14 genera. Amphibians, such as frogs have been placed
under 14 genera. The insect collection is infinite, with many of the species yet to be discovered.

Mammals are represented by 75 species. These species themselves are subdivided into subspecies, represented by 54 genera
further classified into 21 families. Among the mammals, it is the carnivores that occupy a chunk of the total mammals.

The abundance of faunal riches Jammu and Kashmir possess is enviable. The state is the last refuge for many threatened
animals and the state is doing the needful to prolong their survival.

The protected areas of the region, its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been established. These provide a safe haven
for these species for visitors to see and appreciate the rich natural heritage the state possess.

Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park is located just 20 kilometers from the state capital Srinagar. It houses a broad range of flora due to the
great differences in the elevation. The high relief feature of the park forms the core of the high diversity in the distribution pattern
of the organisms. The high relief is able to accommodate various types of vegetations from conifers to broad-leaved forests. The
park presents scenic views of the disturbed natural landscape. The 141 square kilometers has been planned to incorporate
surrounding areas into its perimeter. The forest is the natural habitat of one the famous Kashmiri stag or Hangul. Besides, other
animals such as musk deer, leopards, snow leopards and Himalayan bears can be found in this preserve. Numerous species of
birds such as the Monal, Sparrows and Bulbuls can be spotted in this serene surrounding. Dachigam National Park has
remarkable accommodation facilities. It even has a guest house inside the limits of the park to provide for a wild holiday
experience. The spring season is ideal for a visit to the park.
 Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the outskirts of Jammu town. The elevation of the wildlife sanctuary varies between
400 to 600 meters. The reserve is known for its species of deer such as the Nilgai and other mammals. Being close to Jammu
town, it is a favorite getaway for tourists visiting the area. In terms of area, Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary occupies 31 square
kilometers. However, the small size can be deceptive while considering the immense interests it possesses for wildlife
enthusiasts.

Gulmarg Biosphere
Throughout the world, Gulmarg Biosphere reserve is known for its population of the musk deer. The nature reserve consists of
almost 180 square kilometers of a mixed variety of forests providing refuge for some of the rarest species. The vegetation found
here is of alpine type with conifers being the dominating plant type. Besides, shrubs and herbs such as Heterantha cover much of
the forest floor. Apart from the musk deer, the animal population in Gulmarg is represented by Hangul and bears, along with jungle
cats and leopards. The park has two varieties of bears, the brown bear and the black bear. The park boasts of bird species such
as the Monal and the Griffon vulture. The ideal time for visiting the park is winter.

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