Flora And Fauna of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a region that is not only famous for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich biodiversity.

The flora and fauna of Jammu and Kashmir are diverse, unique, and important for several reasons.

The region’s forests, grasslands, wetlands, and alpine meadows are home to a wide range of plant and animal species that are not found anywhere else in the world.

1. Flora of Jammu and Kashmir

Table of Flora found in J&K and their importance.

Flora species	Type	Habitat	Importance
Deodar cedar	Conifer	Himalayan region	Timber, tourism
Blue pine	Conifer	Himalayan region	Timber, ecosystem
Spruce	Conifer	Himalayan region	Timber, ecosystem
Maple	Deciduous	Subtropical and temperate forests	Timber, ecosystem
Oak	Deciduous	Subtropical and temperate forests	Timber, ecosystem
Horse chestnut	Deciduous	Subtropical and temperate forests	Timber, ecosystem
Saussurea costus	Medicinal	Alpine regions	Traditional medicine
Aconitum heterophyllum	Medicinal	Alpine and temperate regions	Traditional medicine
Picrorhiza kurroa	Medicinal	Alpine regions	Traditional medicine

Must Read:- Lakes in J&K

I. Types of forests found in J&K

1. Temperate forests

Temperate forests in Jammu and Kashmir are characterized by a moderate climate, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and 20°C.

They are typically found at elevations between 1500 and 3000 meters above sea level.

These forests are home to a variety of tree species, including oak, maple, deodar, and chinar.

2. Alpine forests

Alpine forests in Jammu and Kashmir are found at high altitudes above 3000 meters and are characterized by low temperatures, strong winds, and harsh climatic conditions.

They consist of hardy trees and shrubs such as juniper, birch, and rhododendron, and are important for soil conservation and as a habitat for wildlife such as the snow leopard and Himalayan black bear.

3. Subtropical forests

Subtropical forests in Jammu and Kashmir are found in the lower altitudes of the region and are characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall.

They consist of broad-leaved evergreen trees such as oak, chestnut, and magnolia, and are rich in biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna such as the Asiatic elephant, sambar deer, and leopard.

These forests provide several ecosystem services such as soil conservation, water regulation, and carbon sequestration, and are also a source of timber and non-timber forest products for local communities.

Related:- Rivers of J&K

II. Plant species found in J&K

Flora types found in Jammu and Kashmir:

Type	Examples
Trees	Deodar, pine, walnut, chinar, apple, pear, cherry, almond, apricot, poplar, willow, oak
Shrubs	Rhododendron, berberis, cotoneaster, spiraea, azalea, dogwood
Herbs	Artemisia, primula, saussurea, balsam, anemone, gentian, thyme, lavender
Grasses	Bluegrass, bentgrass, rye grass, meadow foxtail
Mosses	Sphagnum moss, bristle moss, cushion moss
Ferns	Lady fern, maidenhair fern, polypody, common brake fern

1. Conifers

Conifers are a group of trees and shrubs that produce cones as their reproductive structure.

They are adapted to harsh environmental conditions and are commonly found in mountainous regions such as Jammu and Kashmir.

The conifers in Jammu and Kashmir include species such as deodar cedar, blue pine, and spruce.

These conifers play an important role in the region’s ecosystem by providing habitat for wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and regulating the water cycle.

In addition, they are a source of timber, resin, and other forest products for local communities.

2. Deciduous trees

Deciduous trees in Jammu and Kashmir include species such as maple, oak, and horse chestnut.

These trees shed their leaves seasonally and play an important role in the region’s ecosystem by providing habitat for wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and regulating the water cycle.

They are also a source of timber and non-timber forest products for local communities.

3. Medicinal plants

Jammu and Kashmir is home to a diverse range of medicinal plants that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Some of the commonly found medicinal plants in the region include species such as Saussurea costus, Aconitum heterophyllum, and Picrorhiza kurroa.

These plants have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments such as digestive disorders, respiratory infections, and fever.

Also Read:- Geography of J&K

2. Fauna of Jammu and Kashmir

Fauna found in Jammu and Kashmir:

Fauna species	Type	Habitat	Importance
Asiatic black bear	Mammal	Himalayan region	Ecosystem, tourism
Himalayan brown bear	Mammal	Himalayan region	Ecosystem, tourism
Snow leopard	Mammal	Alpine regions	Ecosystem, Conservation
Tibetan wolf	Mammal	Alpine and temperate regions	Ecosystem
Musk deer	Mammal	Alpine and temperate regions	Traditional medicine
Himalayan monal	Bird	Alpine and temperate regions	Ecosystem, tourism
Koklass pheasant	Bird	Subtropical and temperate forests	Ecosystem, tourism
Western tragopan	Bird	Subtropical and temperate forests	Ecosystem, Conservation
Snow partridge	Bird	Alpine regions	Ecosystem, tourism
Himalayan snowcock	Bird	Alpine regions	Ecosystem, tourism

A. Wildlife found in J&K

1. Mammals

Jammu and Kashmir is home to a rich diversity of mammal species, including several rare and endangered species.

Some of the commonly found mammal species in the region include the Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and musk deer.

These mammals play an important role in the region’s ecosystem by regulating prey populations, controlling plant growth, and dispersing seeds.

• Snow leopard
• Asiatic black bear
• Musk deer

2. Birds

Jammu and Kashmir is a popular destination for birdwatching due to its diverse avifauna.

The region is home to several bird species, including the Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, Western tragopan, snow partridge, and Himalayan snowcock.

These birds play an important role in the region’s ecosystem by controlling insect populations, dispersing seeds, and pollinating plants.

Many of these birds are also economically important, as they attract tourists and provide income for local communities through ecotourism.

• Himalayan monal
• Black-necked crane
• Golden eagle

Flora Region Wise

The wildlife species found in Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh region-wise:-

Kashmir	Jammu	Ladakh
Hangul	Musk Deer	Ibex
Musk Deer	Spotted Deer	Nayan (Tibetan Sheep)
Markhor	Barking Deer	Shapu
Ibex	Markhor	Tibetan Antelope
Serow	Ibex	Tibetan Gazelle
Black Bear	Tahr	Wild Yak
Brown Bear	Goral	Snow Leopard
Common Leopard	Black Bear	Pallas’s Cat
Snow Leopard	Common Leopard	Black-necked Crane

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Wildlife J&K Status

List of important Wildlife Species of J&K and their status as per IUCN’s Red Data Book.

S.No	Species	Region	Status
1)	Snow Leopard	Ladakh, Kashmir & Jammu	Endangered
2)	Common Leopard	Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh	Near Threatened
3)	Black Bear	Kashmir & Jammu	Vulnerable
4)	Brown Bear	Ladakh, Kashmir & Jammu	Least Concern
5)	Ibex	Ladakh, Kashmir & Jammu	Least Concern
6)	Himalayan tahr	Jammu	Near Threatened
7)	Spotted Deer	Jammu	Least Concern
8)	Barking Deer	Jammu	Least Concern
9)	Goral	Jammu	Near Threatened
10)	Markhor	Kashmir & Jammu	Endangered
11)	Serow	Kashmir & Ladakh	Near Threatened
12)	Hangul	Kashmir	Least Concern
13)	Musk Deer	Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh	Endangered
14)	Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)	Ladakh	Endangered
15)	Tibetan gazelle	Ladakh	Near Threatened
17)	Wild Yak	Ladakh	Vulnerable
19)	Black Necked Crane	Ladakh	Vulnerable
20)	Golden Eagle	Kashmir, Ladakh & Jammu	Least Concern

Conclusion: Jammu and Kashmir is a region with rich and diverse flora and fauna, with alpine vegetation at higher altitudes and deciduous forests and plains with oak, maple, and horse chestnut trees.

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