Srinagar, Oct 2: Wildlife Week 2026 began in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday with the Wildlife Protection Department calling for stronger habitat protection, scientific management and community participation to conserve the Union Territory’s biodiversity.
The UT-level inaugural function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, marking the start of a week-long programme focused on wildlife conservation and awareness.
Dr Suneesh Buxy, PCCF (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, stressed the importance of connected habitats and wildlife corridors for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife.
He also called for greater efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict through awareness, scientific management and community participation. Addressing students, Buxy urged them to become ambassadors of environmental conservation and adopt environmentally responsible practices under the Mission LiFE initiative.
SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai highlighted the role of universities in generating scientific knowledge, undertaking field-based research and developing human resources for wildlife conservation. He called for closer collaboration between academic institutions and the Wildlife Protection Department.
Prashant Kumar, Administrative Member, CAT Srinagar, emphasised institutional responsibility, public awareness and adherence to the legal framework governing wildlife protection.
Tawheed Ahmad Deva highlighted J&K’s rich wildlife diversity and the need for coordinated field-level conservation efforts, while DrKhursheed Ahmad, Professor and Head, Wildlife Division, SKUAST-K, stressed evidence-based wildlife management and greater interaction among researchers, field officers and students.
A key feature of the programme was the release of several publications, including a Coffee Table Book on Dachigam, Standard Operating Procedures for Management and Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict, the Asian Waterbird Census, Checklist of Mammals of J&K, Recovery of Kashmir Musk Deer and Dynamics of Man-Animal Conflict.
The event also featured a wildlife documentary and jingle, cultural presentations, stalls showcasing conservation initiatives and presentation of plants to guests.
The department said awareness, educational and outreach programmes would be organised throughout Wildlife Week to engage students, communities and other stakeholders.
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