The insurgency in Kashmir in the last few decades has made the people of Kashmir go through a lot of pain and suffering. But the wildlife in Kashmir seems to have actually benefitted.
The strong presence of army in the state and the fear of being caught in a fire between armed forces and insurgents has kept the poachers indoors in the troubled years in Kashmir. The mammal population in the national parks of Jammu and Kashmir has increased many fold.
According to officials, population of Asian Black Bear population in Kashmir has increased from a mere 700 to 3000 in last two decades. Also flourishing are the birds and animals like leopards, musk deer, black partridge and pheasants.
In a rather curious incidence, bears even mauled terriorists and killed 2 of them in the recent past!
Tourists too have reasons to rejoice. With peace returning to valley, Kashmir is opening its national parks for safaris and other tourist activities(See earlier report on India Explored for details).
More information.
- http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Jammu-Kashmir-wildlife-population-rising-Officials-/articleshow/5240124.cms
- http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE5AG20220091117