Syed Basharat SRINAGAR, Jan 7: After successfully commencing a research project on Asiatic black bears in Dachigam National Park, the state wild life department is contemplating to fix the Global Positioning System (GPS)-a space-based radionavigation system on Kashmiri Hangul to monitor all weather reliable information about home ranges, seasonal movements, habitat use, breeding nature and behavioural traits of the chosen species. The department has a few days ago, launched a research programme on Asiatic black bears, studying its seasonal behaviour, ecology, home range, seeding preference, and invasive response. The rangers in the department have fixed radio collars on a single female black bear which costs Rs 70 to 80,000. Among other trends which will be studied under this research programme are the patterns of this animal's interaction with humans and links between food availability (both natural and non-natural such as cooked or processed). "We have fixed a radio collar on a single female bear which is called as radio telemetry. This black bear was captured at Danihama and later we put her under observation in Dachigam National Park. It is being done by the Wild Life Institute of India. This radio transmitter gives constant signals about the animal. We are monitoring this animal on regular basis," said Suhail Ahmed, Wildlife Warden, Dachigam National Park. In case of Hangul , Suhail said that the department will collar upon two to three samples to read its behavioural trends. Among other parameters which will be studied under this programme are the patterns of the Asiatic black bear's interaction with humans, and links between food availability (both natural and non-natural such as cooked or processed). Besides, it also includes documenting age-and sex-specific behavioural, physical and reproductive responses under varying conditions. The Hangul or Kashmir Stag is an endangered species of Red Deer found in Jammu and Kashmir. This large deer seen in the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by the spreading antlers of the adult male and its rich brownish red coat. The Hangul is severely endangered and its population in the Dachigam Wildlife sanctuary is believed to be around 550. Since the total number of Hangul elsewhere in the state is unknown, the department of wild life is planning go for a census in near future, said an official in the department pleading anonymity. Concerned about the vanishing Hangul the wildlife department is now all set to use GPS based radio collars which will be fixed on some samples of this species in order to keep a track on them. "In the first phase, the collars will be fitted on four Hanguls in the Dachigam National Park," said Suhail, adding that the GPS radio technology will help them to monitor the movement of the Hangul. "It is a move towards the preservation of this endangered species," he added further.