Salim Ali National Park

Salim Ali National Park In Jammu and Kashmir, India

Salim Ali National Park, located in Jammu and Kashmir, was a small but ecologically significant protected area covering 9.07 square kilometers near Srinagar. Named after Dr. Salim Ali, India’s renowned ornithologist, the park was established to protect the rich avian biodiversity of the region.

It was home to a wide variety of resident and migratory birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
The park was known for housing rare and endangered bird species, including the Himalayan monal, white stork, black-necked stork, and Eurasian eagle-owl. Other wildlife found in the park included leopards, musk deer, and Hangul (Kashmiri stag).

The wetlands and dense forests within the park provided a crucial habitat for many species, especially migratory birds traveling along the Central Asian Flyway. However, in the early 2000s, It was converted into an expansion zone for Srinagar city, and much of its area was developed for urban purposes. Despite this, parts of the wetland ecosystem around the park still exist, supporting local bird populations.

The loss of the national park highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect wildlife-rich habitats in rapidly developing regions. Though Salim Ali National Park no longer exists, its legacy lives on in India’s broader conservation movement, reminding us of the importance of protecting wetlands, bird sanctuaries, and natural ecosystems for future generations.

Flora And Fauna

• Hangul
• Brown Bear
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher