Chitral Gol National Park FACT FILE: Geographical Location: 35*56'N-71'40*E Physical Location: Northwest in the N.W.F.P province of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan in the Hindukush Range Total Area: 7750 hectares Date Established: 1984 Best Time to Visit: May to September Maps: Click Here   Photo Credit: Ahmad Khan   Chitral Gol National Park is situated in the beautiful valley of Chitral. Chitral Gol is a narrow valley, its gorge running for some 18km before broadening out into a basin surrounded by high peaks. Numerous tributaries drain into the Chitral Gol, which flows southwards into the Kunar River. Visitors and Visitor Facilities Include two hunting lodges, originally built by the Mehtars.   Wildlife: This park is famous for its Markhor goats, estimated 100-125 in 1970, and 225 in 1975. A more recent estimate indicates a population size of 650. Other ungulates, such as Siberian ibex and Ladakh urial (Shapu), occur in very small numbers, as do black bear. The status of snow leopard changed from tenuous security in 1970 to seriously threatened by 1974. The species does not appear to be resident, visiting the park occasionally. Wolves are seen less frequently following restrictions on grazing by livestock.   Mammals:  Mammals in the park include---Snow leopard (T), Kashmir Markhor (V), Siberian ibex (V), Ladakh urial (T), Black bear (T), Tibetan Wolf (V), Red fox (C), Yellow throated martin (C) and Himalayan otter (V).   Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown.   Birds: Common bird in the park are---- Lammergier vulture, Himalayan Griffon vulture, Golden eagle, Demosille crane (Passage migrant), Peregrine falcon, Himalayan snowcock, Himalayan monal, Snow partridge and rock Partridge.   Credits: UNEP-WCMC Protected Areas Programme Picture Credits: Ahmad Khan   ©1997-2002 Wildife of Pakistan-All Rights Reserved.