Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department on Friday launched Wildlife Week 2026 with a Union Territory-level inaugural function at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar.
The week-long programme is aimed at promoting awareness about wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection and preservation of the region’s natural heritage.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden J&K, Dr Suneesh Buxy, said connected habitats, wildlife corridors and biodiversity conservation were critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife. He called for greater community participation and scientific management to reduce human-wildlife conflict and urged students to become ambassadors of environmental conservation.
SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai highlighted the role of universities in generating scientific knowledge, conducting field-based research and developing skilled human resources for wildlife conservation. He advocated closer collaboration between academic institutions and the Wildlife Protection Department to support evidence-based conservation efforts.
Administrative Member of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar, Prashant Kumar, emphasised the importance of public awareness, institutional responsibility and adherence to environmental laws for effective wildlife protection.
Other speakers, including Tawheed Ahmad Deva and Dr Khursheed Ahmad, Head of the Wildlife Division at SKUAST-K, stressed the need for habitat protection, coordinated field-level conservation efforts, scientific research and stronger interaction between researchers and wildlife managers.
A major highlight of the event was the release of several books and technical publications related to wildlife conservation and management. These included the coffee table book Dachigam by Pervaiz Ahmad Wani, SOPs for Management and Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict by Rashid Yahya Naqash, the Asian Waterbird Census report, Checklist of Mammals of J&K by Muzafar Kidloo, Recovery of Kashmir Musk Deer by Dr Tanveer of the Wildlife Trust of India and Dynamics of Man-Animal Conflict by Dr Mohsin.
Officials said the publications would serve as valuable reference material for researchers, conservation practitioners and students.
The inaugural programme also featured a wildlife documentary screening, cultural presentations and exhibitions showcasing conservation initiatives.
The department said a series of educational and outreach activities would be conducted during Wildlife Week to engage students, local communities and other stakeholders in conservation efforts.
The event was attended by officers of the Forest and Wildlife departments, faculty members and students from SKUAST-K, the University of Kashmir, colleges and schools, representatives of non-governmental organisations, environmentalists, wildlife enthusiasts and members of the media.
