Himalayan Ibex Sighted in Gurez Valley, animals seen in groups regularly during winters: Wildlife Officials Anchor:-As dry winter continues across Kashmir valley, the wildlife department in Bandipora have claimed the sighting of Himalayan Ibex near LOC area Chak Nallah in Tulail valley. Local residents confirmed the sightings and said that the animals were found near the local stream on Friday. One of the local residents Mohd Anwar said that in winters usually these animals are found sometimes very close to residential areas. Meanwhile wildlife Block Officer Bandipora Tanveer Ahmad, confirmed the sighting and said that the animal is regularly sighted in Gurez valley during winters near the streams. He also said that the animal is usually seen in groups in Gurez valley more than other parts of North Kashmir. He refused the sightings of Markhor and says the animal was Himalayan Ibex which according to.him is clearly visible in viral footage also. Experts said that the regular sightings of Himaliyan Ibex, increases the hope of snow leopards in the Gurez valley which are an endangered species and are facing threats. However, Wildlife warden North Kashmir Suhail said, "It is normal at this time of the year to sight Ibexes at these locations, as they tend to come down to lower altitudes to avoid harsher weather conditions higher up and to find forage, which is less abundant at higher reaches due to snow and frosty conditions." He also said that such sightings do confirm that the areas harbour viable wildlife populations, particularly ungulate species like Ibex and Musk Deer. "As far as Snow Leopard is considered, Gurez is the only place in Kashmir Valley, where there are confirmed reports (a single photograph) of its presence. However, we are still not sure of the numbers (of Snowleopard)we have there. Presence of abundant prey at a particular place does imply that predators would also be flourishing. However, in Kashmir I would say that the Common Leopard and to some extent, the Brown Bear are the prime predators of Ibex rather than the Snow Leopard."