Wildlife in Kashmir 
Dachigam National Park : It is situated about 21kms North-East of Srinagar. The Dachigam National Park is not just another park it has within it a special unknown factor, in fact it exudes an unusual aura which is neither definable nor describable. It also forms a catchement area for fresh water supply to the Kashmir valley and is situated adjacent to Dal Lake. It served as the private hunting grounds of Maharaja Gulab Singh. Dachigam is divided into two areas the lower and upper Dachigam. The lower Dachigam which is a deep gorge or a valley formed by convergence of two mountains slopes and the Dagwan river divides it into two, the river originates in upper Dachigam or Dagwan valley.

The best time to be in Dachigam is when spring has just arrived with its pastel colors and blossoms of apricots, peaches and plums. This is the time when life starts afresh after drab and dreary winter. Animals can be seen enjoying this much awaited change. The Pheasants along with Snow Partridge are seen investigating nooks and corners or chasing each other and their renewed energy expended in proud joy. The Gray Langur can be seen on tree. By now the Black Himalyan Bear has also woken up from winter hibernation and can be seen in later spring devouring wild fruits. Dachigam has a sizable population of Leopards, extremely shy creatures they live in heavily wooded areas. Within the park at Laribal is a Trout farm, this fish is propagated here for sale or are released in streams through out the valley to supplement their number. As spring moves upwards so do the animals to the upper regions of Dachigam which is even more beautiful. This being the play ground of the Hangul, here we also have the Musk Deer famous all over the world for its musk.

Wintering Migratory Water birds

Kashmir has its importance as a Tourist resort and is also a unique place for wintering Migratory Water birds, which include Duck, Geese and Swans. There are about 151 species and 96 sub-species which makes a family of birds called Antidae.

Out of the species the most common water birds which visit us during winter months are Mallard, Comman Teal, Pintail, redheaded Pochard, Greyleg Goose, Widegeon, Shoveller and Gregney Teal. These water fowls make excellent table birds, and are as such sought by sportsmen.

There are five main Wet Land Reserves.

MIRGUND : The area harbours over 50 birds species, majority  of which are winter settlers e.g. Grey Heron, Little Egret, Night Heron, Little Bittern, Malland, Common Terl, Pintail, Pochard, Moorhen, Bar-headed Goose, Garney, Shoveler, Gadwall.

HYGAM : The area harbours over 50 birds species, majority  of which are winter settlers e.g. Grey Heron, Little Egret, Night Heron, Little Bittern, Malland, Common Terl, Pintail, Pochard, Moorhen, Bar-headed Goose, Garney, Shoveler, Gadwall.

CHATLUM PAMPORE : The area harbours over 50 birds species, majority  of which are winter settlers e.g. Grey Heron, Little Egret, Night Heron, Little Bittern, Malland, Common Terl, Pintail, Pochard, Moorhen, Bar-headed Goose, Garney, Shoveler, Gadwall.

KRANCHOO : The area harbours over 50 birds species, majority  of which are winter settlers e.g. Grey Heron, Little Egret, Night Heron, Little Bittern, Malland, Common Terl, Pintail, Pochard, Moorhen, Bar-headed Goose, Garney, Shoveler, Gadwall.