Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora & fauna

Flora and fauna The vegetation of the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary mainly consists of sub-alpine forests of silver fir (Abies pindrow), silver birch (Betula utilis) and blue pine. White and silver fir are restricted to moist aspects and is associated with Pinus griffithii, Taxus wallichiana and Picea smithiana at lower altitudes. Silver birch is spread out in the mountain ridges which borders the alpine pastures between 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) and 3,500 metres (11,500 ft). At lower altitudes, Pinus griffithi are predominant in the blue pine forests that surround the Gulmarg resort. They are mixed with spruce – Picea smithiana, maple – Acer cappadocicum and yew – Taxus wallichiana. The alpine meadows are dominated by the herbaceous flora of different species. These include corydalis, inula, potentilla, primula, gentiana, rumex and iris. Daffodils and jonquils of the genus narcissus, which were introduced have become naturalized. The sanctuary has also valuable resources of medicinal plants such as Saussurea costus (Jogi badshah), Picrorhiza kurroa and Jurinea dolomiaea. The Gulmarg W…

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Terrain & setting

slope & aspect are approximate, estimated from the elevation model.