<h1>Minister Calls for Innovative Measures to Protect Endangered Species in Pir Panjal; Emphasizes Community Involvement and Conflict Mitigation</h1> The Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment has urged for innovative conservation measures to protect endangered species in the Pir Panjal region. During a visit to Poonch, he discussed conservation strategies with wildlife officials, emphasizing the need to balance human development with wildlife conservation. Recent findings of rare species like Brandt's Hedgehog, smooth-coated Otter, and critically endangered Pangolin highlight the region's biodiversity. The minister stressed the importance of local community involvement and strengthening enforcement mechanisms to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and ensure effective conservation efforts. He also called for population assessments and habitat surveys to inform conservation plans.