Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir lies Dachigam National Park. Three decades ago, Ghulam Ahmad Bhat became the forest guard here \u2013 a role previously held by his father. His patrols across the park used to feature regular encounters with large herds of the area\u2019s majestic hangul deer, also called the Kashmir stag. But such scenes have become increasingly rare now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the past, we would see large groups of hangul \u2013 quite often 40, 50, even as many as 70,\u201d says Bhat, referring to the 1990s when he began working. Today, he says the herds are much smaller, comprising 10-20 individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n