Follow on Instagram/ Click here



Home
General knowledge of j&k

Flora and Fauna of Jammu and Kashmir jkssb

FLORA ANE FAUNA OF Jammu and Kashmir



 NATURAL VEGETATION – which grows naturally without human aid.

The natural vegetation of J&K is classified under following categories.

A). Subtropical Forests: 


  •  subtropical rain forests are limited to the Siwaliks and lower slopes of the Middle Himalayas.
  •  Having a thick undergrowth of bushes and scrubs.
  • The dominant species of subtropical forests are teak, sal, Shisham, Pipal. 
  • These trees shed their leaves in the months of January – February (before hot weather).

2. Temperate Forest:


  • Found in the slopes of Pir Panjal , Greater Himalayas , Zanskar and Karakoram.
  • The dominant species are deodar, pine, silver fir , cedar , hazel. 
3). Alpine Forests

  •  In the state of Jammu and Kashmir the vegetation, especially grasses belonging to  the higher regions of mountain system is  known as Margs or alpine pastures.  
  •  These Pastures lie on Higher altitudes  between 3600 m to 4000 m above sea level.
  •  The climate is extremely cold. 
  • It is only in the summer months (May to  September) when ice melts at high altitudes  and lush green grasses grow.  
4. Xerophytic Vegetation

  •  This type of vegetation is found in Ladakh. 
  • The absence of rainfall over greater parts of  the year has resulted into xerophytic vegetation. 
  •  The plants of these vegetation have special  characterstics of conserving water . 
  • Eg. Cactus , agaves etc. 

Important Flora of Jammu and Kashmir


1). CHINAR :

  •  GROWS UPTO 25 m.
  •  LOCALLY KNOWN AS “ BOOUNE”
  •  IT IS “KING OF TREES” IN KASHMIR.
  •  ITS FUEL HAS A VERY HIGH CALORIFIC VALUE.
  •  NASEEM BAGH IN SRINAGAR IS FAMOUS FOR CHINAR.
  • Scientific name – Plantanus Orientalis.
  • It is deciduous trees. 
2) PINE TREE :

  •  It is found in Pir Panjal Range.
  •  They thrive in full sun and poor soil.
  •  In recent s these trees become very popular because they are used in ornaments etc. by the  kashmeries. 

3) SILVER FIR:

  • This tree could reach to the height of 60 metres.
  •  Scientific name – Abies Webbiana
  •  It is a tall and everegreen tree having strong branches. 
  •  Its leaves are used to treat mild headache and relieve mental stress. 

4). DEODAR TREE :

  •  Scientific name – Cedrus Deodara. 
  •  It is a large evergreen tree reaching to a height of 40 – 50 m.
  • Its leaves are needle like mostly 2.5 – 5 cm
  • Derives from sanskrit term “ devadaru” which means “ woods of the gods”.
  • Its wood is in great demand as building material because of its durability, rot – resistant character and fine. It is a ideal wood for constructing house boat in Srinagar


Important Fauna of kashmir


HANGUL

  •  Scientific name – Cervus Elaphus Hanglu. 
  •  Known as Kashmiri Stag or Kashmiri Red Deer.
  •  Found in Dachigam National Park.
  •  IUCN status - Critically Endangered .
  • Project Hangul was initiated in 1970.


MUSK DEER

  • Scientific name – Moschus ChrysagasterIUCN status – Endangered
  • Commonly found in kishtwar National Park. 
  • Jammu & Limber Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir.
  • They are Generally Hunted for their Scented glands, which are commonly used in Perfumes.

MARKHOR

  • Scientific Name – Capra falconeri. 
  •  IUCN status -Critically Endangered. 
  • National Animal of Pakistan.It is known as Screw Horn or Screw Horned Goat.
  • Pir Panjal Markhor is the Largest wild goat in the world.
  •  Commonly sighted in Limber , Lachipora and Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary. 


IBEX

  • IUCN status – Least Concern. 
  • Scientific Name – Capra Ibex. 
  •  Ibex are very nimble. They can Jump moret han 6 feet. 
  • A dark Brown Goat with dull white saddle patch.
  • Sighted at kanji Wildlife Sanctuary And Hemis and Kishtwar National Park.
  • Breeding Period for Ibex is known as Rut.


Snow Leopord

  •  IUCN status – Vulnerable. 
  •  Scientific Name – Panthera Uncia or Uncia. 
  • Also known as OUNCE.
  • The tail is very thick due to fat storage. It act as a blanket to protect its face when asleep.

BLACK NECKED CRANE

  •  Scientific Name – Grus Antigone. 
  •  IUCN STATUS - VULNERABLE.
  • Found in and remote parts of India. Tibetian plateau. 
  •  Regularly seen in Tso – moriri Lake ,Ladakh.
  •  Known as Tibetan Crane.

HIMALAYAN TAHR

  • Scientific name – Himitragus Jemlahicus. 
  •  Natural enemies are Snow leopord. 
  •  IUCN status - Near threatened. 
  • It has dense , reddish brown wooly coat with thick undercoat.
  • Ocassionally  found in Kishtwar National Park , Jammu.
Khalij pheasant 

  • Scientific name _ Lophura leucomelanos
  • UT bird of Jammu and kashmir
  • Found in Mansar, Surinsar, Jasrota and Bhaderwah areas of Jammu and Aru & Uri in Kashmir