SRINAGAR: A government notification has declared Tral Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over an area of 154.15 Sq.Km. The Sanctuary falls in District Pulwama and has come into being by merging Changed, Panyar-Shikargah and Khiram wildlife conservation reserves and few forest compartments of Awantipora Forest Division.
Pertinently the area has a distinction of harboring relic population of Hangul that exists outside Dachigam National Park. Besides 15 species of mammals, including some rare ones are found within the limits of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is also home to more than 200 species of birds.
By declaring Tral Wildlife Sanctuary, the sustainable conservation of the flora and fauna of the state will be ensured . The sanctuary will function as a protected wildlife corridor for relic Hangul population present down south in Shikargah-Panyer and Khiram conservation reserves with main population found in Dachigam National park in the north. The sanctuary will also help in creating a buffer around the Dachigam National Park and Overa-Aru wildlife leading to a secure, suitable and viable habitat for the last remnant Hangul population. This area also promises immense tourism potential which will play a significant role in boosting the rural economy by way of eco-tourism.