Kirthar National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: Sind Wildlife Management Board
Wildlife of Pakistan
Kirthar National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: Sind Wildlife Management Board
Intro:Geographical location: 25*42'N-67*35'E
Physical location: South-western part of the province of Sind, north east of Karachi
Date Established: 1974
Best time to visit: Mid October to November and December to mid March
Total area: 308,733 hectares
Maps: Click here to see map
Kirthar National Park is Pakistan's second biggest National Park (Hingol National Park being the biggest now). It is also the first National Park from Pakistan to be included in the 1975 United Nation's list of National Parks around the world. Kirthar is an area of outstanding beauty and cultural heritage which provides important habitat for a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles characteristic of the arid subtropics Approximately one third of the park lies in the north of Karachi district and two thirds in the south-west of Dadu district. The park is part of a 447,161ha protected areas complex, being contiguous with Mahal Kohistan Wildlife Sanctuary (70,577ha) to the south and Hab Dam Wildlife Sanctuary (27,219ha) to the south-west. Surjan, Sumbak, Eri and Hothiano Game Reserve (40,632ha) lies just to the east of the park. In 1977, 1,480 wild goat and 430 urial were counted in the park and 2,141 chinkara in the park and adjacent Surjan, Sumbak, Eri and Hothiano Game Reserve. There are now over 5,000 wild goat, about 1,250 urial and less than 150 chinkara in the park, and a further 400 wild goat and 70 urial in the game reserve . A helicopter survey conducted in November 2000 yielded estimates of the total populations of the three large indigenous ungulates in the park. The Sindh ibex population was estimated at 13,155 � 2460, and concentrated on the Khirthar Range, with lower concentrations on Khambu and Dumbar and small numbers elsewhere; higher elevations appear critical to this species. The Sindh urial population was estimated at 10,425 � 675 and concentrated on rocky sites with characteristic vegetation mainly near Khar and at Dumbar, with small numbers elsewhere. The chinkara population was estimated at 1060 � 580 and concentrated in the lowlands, sharing much of its habitat with farming. The KNP populations of all three species are of conservation importance. In October 1984, 15 blackbuck from the USA were brought to Khar visitor centre for captive propagation . It is planned to introduce the species to the park There are two tourist centers in the Park managed by Sind Wildlife Management Board, namely Khar and Karchat. The centres offer cottage and dormitory accommodation and guides are available. There are some 671km of unmetalled roads within the park, most of which are negotiable only by four-wheel drive vehicle
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Wildlife:
Mammals:
Total species: 34Mammals in the park include--------Asiatic leopard (T), Stripped Hyena (T), Desert Wolf (T), Indian Fox (C), Sind Wild Goat (Ibex ) (C), Urial (Gad ) (V), Honey Badger (R), Indian Pangolin (R), Caracal (T), Jungle cat (C), Jackal (C), Chinkara Gazelle (C), Black Buck ( Reintroduced ) (R), Hedgehog (C), Porcupine (C), Indian Grey Mongoose (C), Cairo Spiny mouse (?) and the Rock Mouse (?).
Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown
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Birds:
Total species: 58Birds in the park are-------Lammegier vulture ( Winter Migrant ), 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, Houbara bustard, 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 bunting, Finche larks, Hoopoe, Shrikes and Wheatears.
Reptiles:
The Rock python, Sind cobra, Russell's viper, Saw-scaled viper, Sind krait, Royal rat snake, Tortoises, Desert Monitor lizard, Yellow Monitor lizard, Sind Crocodile (possibly extinct) and different species of lizard and chameleon.
Khunjerab National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: WWF-Pakistan
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Intro:
Geographical location: 34*44'N-75*17'E
Physical location: Karakoram Range Mountains on Pakistan/China border in upper Hunza/Gojal
Date Established: 1975
Best time to visit: March to September
Total area: 226,913 hectares
Maps: Click here to see maps
Khunjerab National Park is Pakistan's third largest National Park. The park is adjacent to Taxkorgan Natural Reserve (1,400,000ha) in China. This park was created on 29 April 1975 by the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on the recommendation of Wildlife biologist Dr. George Schaller. Over half of the park is above 4,000m. Khunjerab Pass, the gateway to China via the Karakoram Highway, is at 4,934m.
The primary purpose of setting up of this park was to provide protection to the endangered Marco polo sheep, which is only found in this area in Pakistan. According to the Mir of Hunza, the population was around 400 but had dropped to below 180 by the time of the completion of the Karakoram Highway. A herd of almost 75 Marco Polo sheep was recorded in the spring of 1984 and park staff saw at least 50 crossing the Pass in May 1989. The park is also famous for its Snow Leopards. Some reports say that it might contain the highest density of these beautiful cats in the total Himalayan ecosystem which is the natural habitat of these cats. Over 2,000 Siberian ibex, widely distributed and abundant in the park but absent from neighbouring China are also present here.
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Wildlife:
Mammals:
Total species: 16Mammals in the park include------- Snow leopard (V), Himalayan Ibex (C), Brown bear (T), Tibetan red fox (C), Tibetan wolf (T), Blue Sheep (in Shimshal area only) (V), Marcopolo Sheep (T), Tibetan wild ass( Kiang ) (T), Ermine (C), Alpine weasle (?), Stone Martin (C), Golden Marmot (C), Lynx (Unconfirmed reports) (?), Large-eared Pika (C), Dhole (Unconfirmed reports) (?), Cape hare (C), Common field mouse (C), Royle's mountain vole (C), Lesser shrew (C) and Migratory hamster (C).
Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown
Birds:
Total species: 66Common birds in the park are---- Lammegier vulture, Golden eagle, Himalayan griffon vulture, Eurasian black vulture, Marsh harrier, Eurasian sparrow hawk, Eurasian kestrel, Lesser kestrel, Saker falcon, Peregrine falcon, Himalayan Snow cock, Snow partridge, Chukar, Grey heron, Common sandpiper, Hill pigeon, Snow pigeon, Northern eagle owl, Eurasian cuckoo, Common swallow, Magpie, Alpine cough and Raven.
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Chitral Gol National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: John Mock �
Intro:
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
Date Established: 1984
Best time to visit: May to September
Total area: 7750 hectares
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. 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. Visitors and Visitor Facilities Include two hunting lodges, originally built by the Mehtars.
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Wildlife:
Mammals:
Mammals in the park include---Snow leopard (E), 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 (In rivers streams) (V).Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown
Birds:
Common bird in the park are---- Lammergier vulture, Griffon vulture, Golden eagle, Demosille crane (Passage migrant), Peregrine falcon, Himalayan snowcock, Himalayan monal, Snow partridge and rock Partridge.�
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Lal Suhanra National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: WWF-Pakistan
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Intro:
Geographical location: 29*24'N-72*01'E
Physical location: 36 km to the east of Bahawalpur in the province of Punjab
Date Established: 1972
Best time to visit: October to March
Total area: 87,426 hectares
Lal Suhanra Nartional park was declared a national park on 26 October 1972, following recommendations made by the Wildlife Enquiry Committee in 1971. Originally, the park comprised an area of 31,355ha, of which 20,932ha were desert, 8,488ha irrigated forest plantation and 1,934ha reservoir; it was due to be enlarged by 22,680ha. It is crossed by the dried-up bed of the Hakra River and features an important wetland, Patisar Lake. Blackbuck became virtually extinct in the Cholistan Desert but the species has been re-introduced in Lal Suhanra within large enclosures, together with Chinkara gazelle, Nilgai antelope, Hog deer and Indian rhinoceros. There is big lake in the center of the park called Patisar Lake, which is ideal for bird watching. Patisar Lake regularly holds between 10,000 and 30,000 ducks and common coot in mid-winter. Over 13,00 waterfowl were present in January 1987. The park also supports a large population of birds of prey. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation(PTDC) has 6 A/C bedroom resorts in the park. Beside this camping can also be done in selected campsites.
Wildlife:
Mammals:
Mammals in the park include--Long-eared Hedgehog (C), Nilgai antelope (T), Black buck (T), Chinkara gazelle (V), Hog deer (T), Red fox (C), Bengal Fox (V), Golden Jackal (C), Porcupine (C), Caracal cat (R), Moongoose (C), Jungle cat (C), Indian Wolf (R), Wild boar (C), Honey Badger or Ratel (?), Little Civet (?), Indian (Black-naped) Hare (C), Smooth-coated Otter (V) and Indian rhino (introduced) (T).Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown
Birds:
Total species: 160Birds in the park are--Houbara bustard, Griffon vulture, Honey buzzard, Marsh harrier, Hen harrier, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow hawk, Egyptian vulture, Larks, Shrikes, Wheatears and Barn Owl.
Reptiles:
Reptiles in the park are-- Monitor lizard, Russell's viper, Indian cobra, Saw scaled viper, Wolf snake, John's sand boa and Spiny tailed lizard.�
Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: WWF-Pakistan
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Intro:
Geographical location: 30'17'N-67*13'E
Physical location: 20 south-west of Quetta in the province of Baluchistan
Date Established: 1980
Best time to visit: March to September
Total area: 15,555 hectares
Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, is another beautiful national park of Pakistan. The area is mountainous with precipitous slopes divided by ravines. The Chiltan Hills and Hazar Ganji Range lie west and east, respectively, of the north-south Chiltan divide.This park was primarily establised to provide refuge to the endangered Chiltan wild goat or Markhor. In the 1950s it was said to exceed 1,200, but in November 1970 the population was estimated to number about 200, based on a total count of 107 individuals. At present the total population of the Chiltan wild goat is estimated to be about 800. The Suleiman markhor is also present in the northern part of the Chiltan Range and a few urial still survive on the western slopes between 1,500m and 2,100m. Carnivores include Stripped hyaena and Red fox. It can easily be reached from the provincial capital Quetta and attracts many visitors. Facilities include a museum, picnic spots and accommodation in rest houses.
Wildlife:
Mammals:
Mammals in the park include--Chiltan wildgoat or Markhor (V), Suleiman Markhor (V), Urial sheep (Gad) (V), Indian wolf (?), Stripped hyaena (V), Leopard�(?), Caracal (?), Jackal (C), Red fox (C), Porcupine (C) and Desert hare (C).Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown
Birds:
Birds in the park are--Houbara bustard, Griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, Honey buzzard, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow hawk, Scops owl, Common cuckoo, European bee-eater, Rock partridge, European nightjar, Long-billed pipit, Orphean warbler, Variable wheatear, Blue rock thrush, Stonechat, and Lichtenstein's desert finch.Reptiles:
Reptiles in the park are-- Monitor lizard, Russell's viper, Saw scaled viper and Spiny tailed lizard.�
Margalla Hills National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: Pakistan Nature Photo Gallery (M. Faisal Choudry)
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Intro:
Geographical location: 33*43'N/72*55'E
Physical location: North east of the national capital Islamabad, in the province of Punjab
Date Established: 1980
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Total area: 17,386 hectares.
Margalla Hills National Park, is located in the foothills of the Himalayan range. The topography is rugged, with numerous valleys and many steep and even precipitous slopes. The area is drained by the River Kurang and its tributaries, which flow into the River Soan. Margalla Hills are unique in Pakistan, being rich in Sinohimalayan fauna, some species (especially birds) of which are at the western extremity of their distribution. It is an extention of the Islamabad wildlife sanctuary, which includes the Shakar Parian Hills and the Rawal Lake. The park was setup to provide refugee to the Gray Goral, Barking deer and the Leopard. Protection to these animals have benefitted other unusual and interesting smaller animal as well. Margalla Hills Park provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching. A Cheer Pheasant hatchery has been established at Chak Jabri and Dhok Jewan to raise captive Cheer pheasants that have become extinct in the hills. These are then released in the wild. This park is the most accessible park in Pakistan due to its close proximity to the national capital, Islamabad. A visitor centre is planned for Daman-E-Koh, providing lounge accommodation and an information service. Lodges, camping grounds and picnic sites are also planned and the provision of a chair lift may be considered.
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Wildlife:
Mammals:
Mammals in the park include--Asiatic leopard (T), Wild boar (C), Jackal (C), Rhesus Macaque (V), Leopard cat (R), Gray Goral sheep (V), Barking deer (V), Chinkara gazelle(T), Red fox (C), Pangolin (R), Porcupine (C), Yellow throated marten (R) and Fruit bats (C).Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown
Birds:
Birds in the park are--Griffon vulture, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow hawk, Egyptian vulture, White cheeked bulbul, yellow vented bulbul, Paradise flycatcher, Black partridge, Cheer pheasant, Khalij pheasant, Golden oriole, Spotted dove, Collared dove, Larks, Shrikes, Wheatears and buntings.Reptiles:
Reptiles in the park are--Russell's viper, Indian cobra, Himalayan pit viper and Saw scaled viper.�
Deosai National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: Pakistan Nature Photo Gallery (M. Faisal Choudry)
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Intro:
Geographical location: Lat:****---Lon:****
Physical location: South east of Skardu in the Karakoram range bordering India..
Best time to visit: March to September.
Total area: 3,58,400 hectares.
Above the tree line and at an average height of 13,500 feet above sea level, the Deosai Plains are among the highest plateaus in the world. The Deosai Plains cover an area of almost 3,000 square kilometers. For just over half the year - between November and May - Deosai is snow-bound. In the summer months when the snow clears up, Deosai is accessible from Skardu in the north and the Astore Valley in the west. Deosai Plains make up one of the last frontiers of natural habitat for the Himalayan brown bear, a creature that once roamed the mountains freely. The park currently has inbetween 20-28 Brown bears. This park was establised to protect these endangered bears. Recently a research project has started by Himalayan Wildlife Foundation (HWF) and the Northern Areas Forests, Parks, and Wildlife Department to secure the survival of the brown bear in the Deosai Plains and to monitor their population. The Deosai Plains are aslo home to the ibex, red fox, golden marmot, wolf, the Ladakh urial, the snow leopard, and a number of resident and migratory birds.
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Wildlife:
Mammals:
Mammals in the park include--Brown bear (T), Snow leopard (T), Himalayan Musk deer (V) Golden marmot (C), Pika (C), Migratery hamster (?) and Ermine (C).Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown
Birds:
Birds in the park are--Golden eagle, Lammagier vulture, Griffon vulture, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow hawk and Snow cock.�
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Ayubia National Park
PHOTO CREDIT: The Review (Dawn Newspaper)
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Intro:
Geographical location: 33*52'N-73*09'E
Physical location: North of Murree in the Himalayan range mountains
Date Established: 1984
Best time to visit: March to September
Total area: 1,684 hectares
Ayubia National Park is a small national park in the Murree hills. The initial area of the park was 1684 ha, expanded through a northern extension in 1998 to make a total of 3312 ha. The park supports one of the best remaining examples of moist Himalayan temperate forest in Pakistan and is surrounded by seven major villages and three small towns (Nathiagali, Ayubia and Khanspur). The national park consists entirely of reserve forests, which spill out of the park area on the west and south sides This park provides refuge to the elusive leopard and the black bear. Bird watching is excellent here. Some of the bird species pass through the park on migration. The population of the Koklass Pheasant and the rare Kalij Pheasant are the highest known for Pakistan. Only 30 individuals of the Kalij Pheasant are known to exist in the park. The scenery is superb with huge pine forests covering the hills and providing shelter to the larger and smaller mammals. Ayubia National Park is a major recreation area visited by large numbers of local tourists, mostly from Islamabad and Abottabad. No official figures are available, but local estimates suggest that there are about 100,000 visitors per year
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Wildlife:
Mammals:
Mammals in the park include--Asiatic leopard (V), Black bear (T), Yellow throated marten (R), Kashmir hill fox (C), Red Flying squirrel (C), Himalayan palm civet (R), Masked civet (R) and Rhesus Macaque�(C).Note: T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown
Birds:
Birds in the park are--Golden eagle, Himalayan Griffon vulture, Honey buzzard, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow hawk, Hill pigeon, Spotted dove and Collared dove.�
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