Hingol National Park
FACT FILE: |
Geographical Location: |
25*30'N-65*30'E |
Physical Location: |
Makran coast,
Baluchistan province. Approximately 190 km
west of Karachi |
Total Area: |
610,
043 hectares |
Date Established: |
1988
and 1997 (includes Dhrun Wildlife
Sanctuary) |
Best Time to Visit: |
Mid
October to November and December to mid
March |
Maps: |
Click
Here
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Covering
about 610,043 ha, Hingol National Park, the largest National
Park in Pakistan, lies on the Makran coast approximately 190 km
from Karachi. The area was for the first time declared reserved
in 1988.
The
park area covers parts of the three districts, namely; Lasbela,
Gawader and Owaran of Baluchistan province containing a variety of topographical features
and vegetation, varying from arid sub tropical forest in the
north to arid montane
in the west. Large tracts of the NP are covered with drift sand
and can be classified as coastal semi desert. The National Park
includes the
estuary of the Hingol river which supports a significant
diversity of bird and fish species.
Currently,
20 staff members including 18 game watchers, two deputy rangers are
responsible for the management of the Park under the guidance of the
park Manager who reports to the Conservator and the Secretary
Wildlife, Forest, Livestock, Environment and Tourism.
Wildlife:
Although
no detailed inventories of
wildlife
have been undertaken, Hingol is known to support threatened invertebrates
in addition to a variety of bird species. One reliable
source informed that the
park has been an excellent habitat to wild animals including over
3000 ibexes, and 1500
Urials and more than 1200 Chinkara, besides number of resident and
migratory birds. The Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata),
Dalmatian and Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis)
are regular visitors to the area.
The
River Hingol has been nurturing crocodiles for centuries .
The Marsh Crocodile
(Crocodylus palustris), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys
olivacea) and Green Marine Turtles (Cheloniamydas),
endemic and threatened
species
of fish, such as the Mahasheer occur and schools of Plumbeous Dolphins (Sousa
plumbea) are known from close in-shore areas.
Mammals:
Mammals in the park include--------Sindh
leopard (T), Indian Fox
(R), Jungle cat (C),
Jackal (C),
Sind Wildgoat
(V), Blandford's Urial
(T),
Chinkara Gazelle (T),
Honey Badger (R), Indian Pangolin (R),
Hedgehog (C),
Porcupine (C), Indian Grey Mongoose (C), Cairo
Spiny mouse (?) and the Rock Mouse (C).
Note:
T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown.
Birds:
Birds in the park are-------Houbara Bustard,
Dalmatian and Spot-billed Pelican ,
Bonnelli's eagle, Imperial eagle, Tawny eagle, Golden eagle,
Eurasian griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, Cinereous vulture,
Lagger falcon, Red-headed merlin, Kestrel, Close-Barred sandgrouse,
Grey partridge, See See partridge, Stone Curlew,
Indian sand grouse, Coronetted sand grouse, Painted sand grouse,
Eagle owl , Sind pied woodpecker, Hume's chat, Brown rock pipit,
Striped buning, Finche larks, Hoopoe, Shrikes and Wheatears.
Reptiles:
The Marsh Crocodile, Olive Ridley and Green Marine Turtles ,
Desert Monitor lizard,
Yellow Monitor lizard, and
different species of lizard and chameleon.
Credits:
GEF/UNDP
Picture
Credits: 4x4
Offroaders Club Karachi
(http://offroadpakistan.com)
©1997-200 4
Wildlife of Pakistan-All Rights Reserved.
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