About Kishtwar High Altitude National Park:
- It is located in the Kishtwar district of union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The area was declared as a Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in 1980.
- It was majorly founded to protect the Snow Leopards that are now slowly vanishing from the nature.
- Physical Features:
- The area lies in the central crystalline belt of the great Himalayas and the tract is situated on the high altitudes i.e., sub-alpine and alpine zone.
- The National Park encompasses the catchment area of Kiber, Nanth and Kiyar Nallas, all of which drain south-west into Marwah River (locally called Mariv Sudir) which later joins Chenab.
- The terrain is generally rugged and steep with narrow valleys bounded by high ridges opening out in their upper glacial parts.
- It encompasses breathtaking alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and lush green forests, serving as a vital ecological corridor for many wildlife species.
- It is renowned for its diverse array of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.
- Flora:
- It has a variety of temperature conifer forests. These include Fir, Himalayan Yew, Deodar, Blue Pine, or Kail and Spruce.
- In the alpine regions of the park extensive alpine scrub and meadows are present.
- Fauna:
- The park is a renowned snow leopard reserve. Besides, it provides a habitat for Brown bear, Himalayan musk deer, Hangul, Ibex, Wild boar, Indian muntjac, Serow Capricornis, Himalayan Tahr, Bharal etc.