In Kashmir, it is found primarily in the Dachigam National Park where it receives protection, and elsewhere it is more at risk. In the 1941s, the population was between 3000 and 5000 individuals, but since then habitat destruction, over-grazing by domestic livestock and poaching have reduced population dramatically. Earlier believed to be a subspecies of red deer (Cervus elaphus), a number of mitochondrial DNA genetic studies later had the hangul as a part of the Asian clade of the elk (Cervus canadensis).
In Kashmir, the hangul is primarily found in Dachigam National Park, which provides protection. However, it faces greater risk elsewhere. The population was estimated to be between 3000 and 5000 individuals in the 1940s but has drastically declined due to habitat destruction, overgrazing by livestock, and poaching.  Previously thought to be a subspecies of red deer (Cervus elaphus), genetic studies have classified it as part of the Asian clade of elk (Cervus canadensis).