Wildlife Department - a Profile

• The Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act, 1978, was enacted to give fillip to the conservation movement for wild species and Habitat in the state. Subsequently, in the year 1982 under the provisions of the Act,  a full fledged Department of Wildlife Protection came into existence with the mandate of conservation, preservation and promotion of the Faunal and Floral heritage of the state.
• Department of Wildlife Protection emerged from Directorate of Games Preservation in the year 1982.
• The Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 modeled on Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act,1972 enacted on 10th of January, 1979.
• The Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 (amended upto 2002).
• State Board for Wildlife provides policy guidance and oversees the functioning of State Wildlife Department.
• State Board for Wildlife being reconstituted under the  Chairmanship  of  Hon’ble Chief Minister

Protected Area Network in J&K

• In order to achieve the basic aim and objective of the Department, the Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir vide various S.R.O’s, and Cabinet decisions, Notifications and Government orders issued from time to time has brought about 15,806.75 sq.km under the Protected Area Network, which comprises of 5 National Parks, 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 37 Conservation Reserves.

• National Parks   : 05
• Wildlife Sanctuaries   : 14
• Conservation Reserves  : 37
• Total Protected Area : 15806 sq.km
• 15.58% of total Geographical area of the State
• 12.73% of total Forest Area of the State

• Besides, tremendous Biodiversity, there are about 60 main species of animals in Jammu & Kashmir.

• State animal  = Hangul
  State Bird   = Black necked crane
  State Tree = Chinar