A checklist of the mammals of Jammu & Kashmir, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9989.17.11.27932-27945Keywords:
Biodiversity, checklists, conservation, distribution, mammalian fauna, threatened species, western HimalayaAbstract
Jammu & Kashmir, located at the intersection of the Palearctic and Oriental biogeographic realms, harbors a rich and unique mammalian diversity shaped by its varied topography and climate. Despite extensive faunal studies, a definitive and evidence-based checklist of the region’s mammals has been lacking due to unverified species records. This study presents a comprehensive and critically evaluated checklist of the wild mammals of Jammu & Kashmir, India, compiled through a meticulous collation of specimen collections and media evidence. The checklist documents 111 species across eight orders and 28 families, with 94 species verified by specimens and 70 by photographic records. Chiroptera and Rodentia are the most diverse orders, followed by Carnivora and Artiodactyla. Thirteen species are classified as globally threatened by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with an additional 10 species listed as Near Threatened. By excluding provisional and doubtful records, discussed in Appendix A, this checklist provides a robust foundation for biodiversity monitoring, conservation prioritization, and ecological research in the region. All supporting data are publicly accessible via a dedicated website, enhancing transparency and enabling future updates. This work aims to guide effective management strategies and contribute to the long-term conservation of mammalian fauna in the region.
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