National Parks of Pakistan.
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Hingol National Park
Pakistan’s largest national park extends hundreds of miles along the Makran Coast. While Hingol National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife—Sindh leopards, chinkaras, honey badgers, and Indian pangolins–it is perhaps best known for its cluster of active mud volcanoes. A mix of hot spring activity, gas, and water react chemically with the surrounding rocks to form a boiling mud. When the mud is expelled, it continuously rebuilds the cones, which are easily eroded.
One of the most famous mud volcanoes is Chandragup, a sacred annual pilgrimage site for thousands of Hindus, along with the nearby Hinglaj temple.
PHOTOGRAPH BY BASHIR OSMAN
Pakistan’s largest national park extends hundreds of miles along the Makran Coast. While Hingol National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife—Sindh leopards, chinkaras, honey badgers, and Indian pangolins–it is perhaps best known for its cluster of active mud volcanoes. A mix of hot spring activity, gas, and water react chemically with the surrounding rocks to form a boiling mud. When the mud is expelled, it continuously rebuilds the cones, which are easily eroded.
One of the most famous mud volcanoes is Chandragup, a sacred annual pilgrimage site for thousands of Hindus, along with the nearby Hinglaj temple.
PHOTOGRAPH BY BASHIR OSMAN
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Kunjerab National Park, Pakistan 2019
A large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because the global population is estimated to number less than 10,000 mature individuals and is expected to decline about 10% by 2040. It is threatened by poaching and habitat destruction following infrastructural developments. It inhabits alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m (9,800 to 14,800 ft), ranging from eastern Afghanistan to Mongolia and western China. In the northern range countries, it also occurs at lower elevations.
The snow leopard's vocalizations include meowing, grunting, prusten, and moaning. It can purr when exhaling. It cannot roar, despite possessing partial ossification of the hyoid bone. This partial ossification was previously thought to be essential for allowing the Panthera cats to roar, but new studies show that the ability to roar is due to other morphological features, especially of the larynx, which are absent in the snow leopard.
Snow leopards are solitary animals, but share a common space. They are active mostly at dawn until early morning and again in afternoons and early evenings. They mostly rest near cliffs and ridges that provide vantage points and shade. In Nepal's Shey-Phoksundo National Park, the home ranges of five adult radio-collared snow leopards overlapped to a large extent, though they rarely met. Their individual home ranges ranged in size from 12 to 39 km2 (4.6 to 15.1 sq mi). Males moved between 0.5 and 5.45 km (0.31 and 3.39 mi) per day, and females between 0.2 and 2.25 km (0.12 and 1.40 mi), measured in straight lines between survey points, but they often zigzagged in the precipitous terrain. However, they also covered up to 7 km (4.3 mi) in a single night.
In Nepal's Shey Phoksundo National Park, up to 10 individuals inhabit an area of 100 km2 (40 sq mi); in habitats with sparse prey, though, an area of 1,000 km2 (400 sq mi) supports only five individuals. A study in the Gobi Desert lasting from 2008 to 2014 revealed that adult male snow leopards used a mean home range of 144–270 km2 (56–104 sq mi), while adult females ranged in areas of 83–165 km2 (32–64 sq mi). Their home ranges overlapped less than 20%. These results indicate that about 40% of the 170 protected areas in snow leopard range countries are smaller than the home range of a single male snow leopard.
Like other cats, snow leopards use scent marks to indicate their territories and common travel routes. These are most commonly produced by scraping the ground with the hind feet before depositing urine or scat, but they also spray urine onto sheltered patches of rock. Females with her cubs usually stay together, and they rear them in dens in the mountains for extended periods.
Hunting and diet
The snow leopard is a carnivore and actively hunts its prey. It is an opportunistic hunter and also eats carrion. Its preferred wild prey species are Himalayan blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), argali (Ovis ammon), markhor (Capra falconeri) and wild goat (C. aegagrus). It also preys on domestic livestock. It prefers prey ranging in weight from 36 to 76 kg (79 to 168 lb), but also hunts smaller mammals such as marmot, pika and vole species. The diet of the snow leopard varies across its range and with the time of year, and depends on prey availability. In the Himalayas, it preys mostly on Himalayan blue sheep and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica). In the Karakoram, Tian Shan, Altai and Mongolia's Tost Mountains, its main prey consists of Siberian ibex, Thorold's deer (Cervus albirostris), Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) and argali. Other species hunted when available include red panda, wild boar, langur monkey, snow cock and chukar partridge.
Snow leopards prefer to ambush prey from above, using broken terrain to conceal their approach. They will actively pursue prey down steep mountainsides, using the momentum of their initial leap to chase animals for up to 300 m (980 ft). They kill with a bite to the neck, and may drag the prey to a safe location before feeding. They consume all edible parts of the carcass, and can survive on a single Himalayan blue sheep for two weeks before hunting again. Annual prey needs appears to be 20–30 adult blue sheep.
The snow leopard is capable of killing most animals in its range, with the probable exception of the adult male yak. It also eats a significant amount of vegetation, including grass and twigs. Snow leopards have been recorded to hunt in pairs successfully, especially mating pairs.
Where snow leopards prey on domestic livestock, they are subject to conflict with humans. However, even in Mongolia, where wild prey has been reduced, and interactions with humans are common, domestic livestock, mainly domestic sheep, comprises less than 20% of snow leopard diet. Herders kill snow leopards to prevent them from taking their livestock. The loss of prey animals due to overgrazing by domestic livestock, poaching, and defense of livestock are the major drivers for the decreasing population of the snow leopard. The snow leopard has not been reported to attack humans, and appears to be the least aggressive to humans of all big cats. As a result, they are easily driven away from livestock; they readily abandon their kills when threatened, and may not even defend themselves when attacked.
Reproduction and life cycle
Snow leopards become sexually mature at two to three years, and normally live for 15–18 years in the wild. In captivity they can live for up to 25 years. Oestrus typically lasts from five to eight days, and males tend not to seek out another partner after mating, probably because the short mating season does not allow sufficient time. Paired snow leopards mate in the usual felid posture, from 12 to 36 times a day. They are unusual among large cats in that they have a well-defined birth peak. They usually mate in late winter, marked by a noticeable increase in marking and calling. Females have a gestation period of 90–100 days, so the cubs are born between April and June.
Generation length of the snow leopard is eight years.
The mother gives birth in a rocky den or crevice lined with fur shed from her underside. Litter sizes vary from one to five cubs, but the average is 2.2. The cubs are blind and helpless at birth, although already with a thick coat of fur, and weigh from 320 to 567 g (11.3 to 20.0 oz). Their eyes open at around seven days, and the cubs can walk at five weeks and are fully weaned by 10 weeks.[24] Also when they are born, they have full black spots which turn into rosettes as they grow to adolescence.[citation needed]
The cubs leave the den when they are around two to four months of age, but remain with their mother until they become independent after around 18–22 months. Once independent, they disperse over considerable distances, even crossing wide expanses of flat terrain to seek out new hunting grounds. This likely helps reduce the inbreeding that would otherwise be common in their relatively isolated environments.
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Mash’Allah superb click
Photo Credit: Awais Ali Sheikh
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ghazi52
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Deosai National Park : The Land of Giants.
Deosai Plains are situated at an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level and considered as the second highest plateaus in the world.DeoSai is accessible from Astore side through a black top road for most part, with some dirt road, but easy to tackle, or from Skardu, through another wide road.
It is an almost flat plain, with a beautiful lake called Sheo Sar which means Blind Lake, because the exiting water is not visible to the eyes. There are two flowing streams.... beautiful areas to camp.
There are no permanenet hotels on the Deo Sai, but tent hotels are cropping up, and tourists could pitch their own tents.
DeoSai has some wildlife, and there are brown grizzly bears, but they stay away from the tourist areas, and are not a risk to man.
The plain is surrounded by more than 20,000 feet high mountain peaks on all sides that are snow-covered all year round. These are real giants. It is difficult to describe the awe and the inspiration one feels being in the company of such giants.
Deosai Plains are situated at an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level and considered as the second highest plateaus in the world.DeoSai is accessible from Astore side through a black top road for most part, with some dirt road, but easy to tackle, or from Skardu, through another wide road.
It is an almost flat plain, with a beautiful lake called Sheo Sar which means Blind Lake, because the exiting water is not visible to the eyes. There are two flowing streams.... beautiful areas to camp.
There are no permanenet hotels on the Deo Sai, but tent hotels are cropping up, and tourists could pitch their own tents.
DeoSai has some wildlife, and there are brown grizzly bears, but they stay away from the tourist areas, and are not a risk to man.
The plain is surrounded by more than 20,000 feet high mountain peaks on all sides that are snow-covered all year round. These are real giants. It is difficult to describe the awe and the inspiration one feels being in the company of such giants.
ghazi52
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Sindh to establish second national park after 46 years
The Sindh government has decided to establish a second national park in the province, 46 years after it set up the first one, Kirthar National Park, in 1974.
The decision was finalised after the Ministry of Climate Change approved a proposal for establishing the park sent couple of months ago and agreed to sponsor the project.
To be named Takkar National Park, the second park will sprawl over 17,540 acres of land in Kot Diji taluka, Sukkur district, with topographical features comprising mountains, plains and deserts.
Moreover, the site chosen for establishing the park is rich in biodiversity, inhabited by foxes, jackals, jungle cats, chinkara deer, houbara bustard, falcons, among other animal species, besides abounding in vegetation.
According to Sindh wildlife department (SWD) deputy conservator Adnan Khan, the site for Takkar National Park was identified the same year when Kirthar National Park was established near Karachi.
“There is no human settlement near the site of the park,” added Khan, explaining that it was likely to help with the population growth of animals by a significant margin in the region, once the site was declared protected land.
“It will also help in boosting the growth of vegetation, and eventually tourism,” he went on. “It is one of the most beautiful sites featuring [natural] landscape [in the province].”
The Sindh government has decided to establish a second national park in the province, 46 years after it set up the first one, Kirthar National Park, in 1974.
The decision was finalised after the Ministry of Climate Change approved a proposal for establishing the park sent couple of months ago and agreed to sponsor the project.
To be named Takkar National Park, the second park will sprawl over 17,540 acres of land in Kot Diji taluka, Sukkur district, with topographical features comprising mountains, plains and deserts.
Moreover, the site chosen for establishing the park is rich in biodiversity, inhabited by foxes, jackals, jungle cats, chinkara deer, houbara bustard, falcons, among other animal species, besides abounding in vegetation.
According to Sindh wildlife department (SWD) deputy conservator Adnan Khan, the site for Takkar National Park was identified the same year when Kirthar National Park was established near Karachi.
“There is no human settlement near the site of the park,” added Khan, explaining that it was likely to help with the population growth of animals by a significant margin in the region, once the site was declared protected land.
“It will also help in boosting the growth of vegetation, and eventually tourism,” he went on. “It is one of the most beautiful sites featuring [natural] landscape [in the province].”
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Can we visit it?
ghazi52
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July 2, 2020
PM Imran says national parks 'big step' for future
ISLAMABAD: Establishment of national parks is a 'big step' for future generations, said Prime Minister Imran Khan, stressing on the importance of involving the local youth in their maintenance to ensure parks are preserved.
The prime minister said this at a ceremony held at the PM House today (Thursday), where Adviser to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Ameen Aslam gave a briefing to the attendees about the national parks projects.
PM Imran said that the initiative will create employment opportunities for people across all provinces, especially the youth. He cited the example of Chitral where the local population had gotten involved and preserved ibexes, which in turn, helped them secure jobs.
The prime minister lamented that he had witnessed the destruction of Murree and other green areas which were present during his days as a youth, due to an increase in population.
"Pakistan faces a big danger from climate changes and global warming," he said, adding that the government aims to plant 10 billion trees to protect and preserve the environment.
He called on his aide Ameen Aslam to study the way national parks were preserved and maintained in the US and implement the same in Pakistan.
PM Imran said that the Pakistan government will issue guidelines on how to preserve parks and until then, the parks will not be open for the public.
What is the Protected Area Initiative all about?
Under the scheme, called Protected Area Initiative, a national park will be made in each province.
The national parks will also have separate National Parks’ Services, and the scheme will also ensure the protection and preservation of the earlier established parks across the country.
With the initiative, the government aims to provide direct employment to 5,000 people and ensure th protection of the wildlife. To turn the areas into tourist spots, the project will also invite investment.
PM Imran says national parks 'big step' for future
ISLAMABAD: Establishment of national parks is a 'big step' for future generations, said Prime Minister Imran Khan, stressing on the importance of involving the local youth in their maintenance to ensure parks are preserved.
The prime minister said this at a ceremony held at the PM House today (Thursday), where Adviser to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Ameen Aslam gave a briefing to the attendees about the national parks projects.
PM Imran said that the initiative will create employment opportunities for people across all provinces, especially the youth. He cited the example of Chitral where the local population had gotten involved and preserved ibexes, which in turn, helped them secure jobs.
The prime minister lamented that he had witnessed the destruction of Murree and other green areas which were present during his days as a youth, due to an increase in population.
"Pakistan faces a big danger from climate changes and global warming," he said, adding that the government aims to plant 10 billion trees to protect and preserve the environment.
He called on his aide Ameen Aslam to study the way national parks were preserved and maintained in the US and implement the same in Pakistan.
PM Imran said that the Pakistan government will issue guidelines on how to preserve parks and until then, the parks will not be open for the public.
What is the Protected Area Initiative all about?
Under the scheme, called Protected Area Initiative, a national park will be made in each province.
The national parks will also have separate National Parks’ Services, and the scheme will also ensure the protection and preservation of the earlier established parks across the country.
With the initiative, the government aims to provide direct employment to 5,000 people and ensure th protection of the wildlife. To turn the areas into tourist spots, the project will also invite investment.
ghazi52
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the establishment of 15 national parks in all federating units of the country while launching the 'Protective Area Initiative' in Islamabad on Thursday.
Out of these 15 National Parks, nine are new and recently declared NPs while six others were notified, but never protected. All will be made fully functional NPs with proper ecological management and governance, according to the Centre.
Under the initiative, the coverage of the protected area in the country will be enhanced to 15 per cent of the country’s land area from the current 13 per cent. The project, part of the 'Green Stimulus' vision, is to cover a land area of over 7,300 sq km, spanning to the mountains in the north to the scrub forests in the plains and a marine protected area in the south of the country.
In the initial phase, almost 5,000 direct nature jobs will be generated for the youth, claims the government.
The premier pointed out that global warming and climate change pose serious threats to Pakistan. Guidelines will be issued to provinces for the preservation of these parks. This a major initiative which will benefit future generations, said PM Imran.
He expressed satisfaction at the participation of all provinces in this project, which he claimed will also offer job opportunities for the youth.
Protecting green areas and parks will add to Pakistan's efforts of addressing the threat of climate change, according to the PM. He referred to the 10 billion trees plantation programme launched by his government as another initiative as part of the efforts thus far.
He asked the provinces to take the threat of climate change seriously and take the required steps for the protection of green areas.
Pakistan has a diverse landscape with 12 ecological climatic zones, said PM Imran, while regretting that nothing has been done in the past 70 years to protect forest cover in the country.
He also lamented the hunting of ibex, snow leapords and other endangered species, which need to be protected with the support of local people.
Highlighting the potential of eco-tourism in the country, PM Imran said that areas are being opened for tourism. However, he asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to frame bylaws before opening tourist spots.
Besides, he urged on master planning for cities while pointing at the lack of town planning in the country. Protection of green areas needs to be a basic component of town planning, he added. "Our cities are growing, but we are failing to provide sewerage, electricity, gas, waste disposal etc. We need master plans and town planning."
Out of these 15 National Parks, nine are new and recently declared NPs while six others were notified, but never protected. All will be made fully functional NPs with proper ecological management and governance, according to the Centre.
Under the initiative, the coverage of the protected area in the country will be enhanced to 15 per cent of the country’s land area from the current 13 per cent. The project, part of the 'Green Stimulus' vision, is to cover a land area of over 7,300 sq km, spanning to the mountains in the north to the scrub forests in the plains and a marine protected area in the south of the country.
In the initial phase, almost 5,000 direct nature jobs will be generated for the youth, claims the government.
The premier pointed out that global warming and climate change pose serious threats to Pakistan. Guidelines will be issued to provinces for the preservation of these parks. This a major initiative which will benefit future generations, said PM Imran.
He expressed satisfaction at the participation of all provinces in this project, which he claimed will also offer job opportunities for the youth.
Protecting green areas and parks will add to Pakistan's efforts of addressing the threat of climate change, according to the PM. He referred to the 10 billion trees plantation programme launched by his government as another initiative as part of the efforts thus far.
He asked the provinces to take the threat of climate change seriously and take the required steps for the protection of green areas.
Pakistan has a diverse landscape with 12 ecological climatic zones, said PM Imran, while regretting that nothing has been done in the past 70 years to protect forest cover in the country.
He also lamented the hunting of ibex, snow leapords and other endangered species, which need to be protected with the support of local people.
Highlighting the potential of eco-tourism in the country, PM Imran said that areas are being opened for tourism. However, he asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to frame bylaws before opening tourist spots.
Besides, he urged on master planning for cities while pointing at the lack of town planning in the country. Protection of green areas needs to be a basic component of town planning, he added. "Our cities are growing, but we are failing to provide sewerage, electricity, gas, waste disposal etc. We need master plans and town planning."
ghazi52
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PM inaugurates two national parks in Gilgit Baltistan
Prime Minister Imran Khan has inaugurated Himalaya and Nanga Parbat National Parks, spanning a huge area of 3,600 square kilometres in Gilgit-Baltistan, to protect endangered wildlife and promote eco-tourism in the area.
This was stated by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.
He said these parks will comprise 5% area of Gilgit-Baltistan, adding that they will will form a nature corridor between Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said the newly notified Himalaya National Park and the Nanga Parbat NP comprise unique ecological areas with very rich high altitude biodiversity as well as precious flora and fauna which include snow leopards, Himalayan brown bear, Laddakh Urial, ibex, markhor and blue sheep.
The two national parks have been announced under the PMs ‘Protected Areas Initiative’ which aims to ensure the protection and preservation of Pakistan’s natural assets through designation and management of national parks, he added
Prime Minister Imran Khan has inaugurated Himalaya and Nanga Parbat National Parks, spanning a huge area of 3,600 square kilometres in Gilgit-Baltistan, to protect endangered wildlife and promote eco-tourism in the area.
This was stated by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.
He said these parks will comprise 5% area of Gilgit-Baltistan, adding that they will will form a nature corridor between Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said the newly notified Himalaya National Park and the Nanga Parbat NP comprise unique ecological areas with very rich high altitude biodiversity as well as precious flora and fauna which include snow leopards, Himalayan brown bear, Laddakh Urial, ibex, markhor and blue sheep.
The two national parks have been announced under the PMs ‘Protected Areas Initiative’ which aims to ensure the protection and preservation of Pakistan’s natural assets through designation and management of national parks, he added
ghazi52
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Carthage National Park: Wildlife Sanctuary
Haba Moin
01 July 2021
With Corona virus restrictions and a reduction in out-of-town flights, tourism is no less of a luxury than in the past, leaving us with few options for holidaymakers.
A few days ago, access to the beaches was impossible for the people of Karachi. Books and movies can go hand in hand in lockdown to some extent, but after a while the wandering soul awakens the desire to share in the loneliness of nature.
Many of us are not even aware of the places around Karachi that are worth seeing. But the curious mind of the traveler is always looking for new places and also looking for safe alternatives in the current situation.
If you are interested in birds like me, then you must be waiting for the right weather and place to document bird scenes and migratory and resident species. When birdwatchers like us smell the return of exotic birds, we immediately start preparing for the journey.
Eurasian eagle owl
This time our destination was Carthage National Park. Strict implementation of the agreed travel plan was deemed necessary. The journey started early in the morning. We set out at 4:30 in the morning to capture the birds in the park. Despite the rise in temperature, the trip largely met expectations.
Carthage National Park is one of the largest national parks in Pakistan. The 3,000-square-kilometer area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1972. Later, in 1974, due to considerable efforts and the efforts of bureaucrat Wahajuddin Ahmed Kirmani, it was declared a National Park. Wahajuddin Ahmed Kirmani also set up the Sindh Wildlife Department.
It is the first park in Pakistan to be listed as a National Park by the United Nations. Besides, it is the only national park in Sindh province, while it is the third largest national park in the country after Karakoram and Dewasi.
A few hours away from Karachi, Kirthar National Park stretches from Hub Dam in the north of the city to Rani Kot in Jamshoro. This wildlife sanctuary is one of the nearest places in the city where interesting and unique views of nature can be seen up close. The stunning expanse of rocky ground is also a feature of this park and the name of the park is also attributed to a famous mountain.
Mount Kirthar is 160 km from Karachi which is the highest mountain peak in the region. It would be appropriate to use a reliable four-by-four vehicle (4x4) to reach this peak. If you cross Mount Caritas from the base camp of Karchaat, you may find yourself alone there, so be sure to bring the right amount of fuel and food with you.
"Carthage National Park is a great place to relax. For me, it is a piece of paradise that offers unique landscapes, spectacular mountains and unique wildlife views, ”said Ahmar Ali Rizvi, who has a keen interest in wildlife and has developed many based on wildlife. He has also made documentaries.
He adds that "Carthage National Park is a national park and sanctuary is a relatively safe haven for some unique species of birds, animals and reptiles." I want to see Sindh ibex (mountain goat) here again and again.
After the rains, when the green landscape is full of green treasures, then this place is really worth seeing. By the way, all kinds of mammals and birds can be seen in this mountain range, but the eyes of the visitors are often looking for ibex or wild goat. The wild goat also easily climbs the narrow rocky valleys. But the search for water forces him to come down every now and then, and on the lower hill he can be seen with a flock.
White-footed fox........ Khurram Asim Kalimi
In this rocky area you can also see squirrels, blackbucks and red-tailed wild sheep with long legs and long curly horns. Many ground-dwelling Chico trees provide umbrella-like shades around nearby farms, and a large number of wild peacocks, jackals, red foxes, and white-footed foxes can be seen among these trees.
There is a place called Gree Jabal in the limits of Kirthar (about 70 km from Karachi). Getting there is no less of a challenge, so a four-by-four vehicle is recommended, and yes, it would be nice to get out before sunrise for a panoramic view and bird watching.
Don't forget to get permission from the Sindh Wildlife Department to access this area, as it falls under their jurisdiction. I suggest having a local guide with you.
Capturing wildlife in the picture and bird watching requires extraordinary attention, good observation skills and patience, which is not just for everyone, but it does pay off anyway. For this purpose, you have to hide yourself among the plants and sit motionless, so go there wearing neutral colored clothes. There must be complete silence so that the wildlife does not feel your presence.
The hidden treasure of nature is scattered here for the bird watchers, because here you can also see the insectivorous Liechtenstein butt partridge which is a rare bird and because of its khaki feathers it blends in with the colors of the earth Not visible. There are very few people who find them on Carthage's land and capture their image.
A large number of medium-sized bodies with clear lines and sweet-speaking gray partridges can be seen flocking to the dry grass field. This vast land is also home to nocturnal animals such as the wheel, and you may even see a black-naped rabbit of the Leporidi breed with the help of a car foglight moving down the road at night. If you get a chance to spend the night in a tent here, the howls of wolves will surely make your hair stand on end. They also live in the same area. A few leopards have also been spotted here, the last time a leopard was spotted was in 2019.
Liechtenstein Bhatt Partar; Ahmar Rizvi
Aerial view of Ker Thar Park
Once upon a time there were light brown and gray vultures on the hills of the park, but now only a few are seen flying. In the past, vultures were present where dead chickens from poultry farms were dumped.
The park is a natural and national treasure but currently faces numerous threats such as encroachment and lack of resources. In addition, the lack of vegetables and excessive drought have created a threat to wildlife.
On the other hand, the people living in the surrounding areas are deprived of basic amenities like potable water, electricity and health, due to which they have to move to urban areas.
The weather conditions in the area are not different from other parts of the province but Carthage can feel a little warmer in summer and a little colder in winter. After the monsoon, greenery grows everywhere and flowers bloom, making the view of the park even more attractive.
Although Carthage National Park varies from season to season, it is advisable to plan a visit between August and February to avoid extreme weather and enjoy the scenery.
Khurram Asim Klimi is an entrepreneur and wildlife photographer,
This article appeared in Dawn's EOS Magazine on June 20, 2021.
The author is a blogger and paints, photographs and travels of wildlife
Haba Moin
01 July 2021
With Corona virus restrictions and a reduction in out-of-town flights, tourism is no less of a luxury than in the past, leaving us with few options for holidaymakers.
A few days ago, access to the beaches was impossible for the people of Karachi. Books and movies can go hand in hand in lockdown to some extent, but after a while the wandering soul awakens the desire to share in the loneliness of nature.
Many of us are not even aware of the places around Karachi that are worth seeing. But the curious mind of the traveler is always looking for new places and also looking for safe alternatives in the current situation.
If you are interested in birds like me, then you must be waiting for the right weather and place to document bird scenes and migratory and resident species. When birdwatchers like us smell the return of exotic birds, we immediately start preparing for the journey.
Eurasian eagle owl
This time our destination was Carthage National Park. Strict implementation of the agreed travel plan was deemed necessary. The journey started early in the morning. We set out at 4:30 in the morning to capture the birds in the park. Despite the rise in temperature, the trip largely met expectations.
Carthage National Park is one of the largest national parks in Pakistan. The 3,000-square-kilometer area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1972. Later, in 1974, due to considerable efforts and the efforts of bureaucrat Wahajuddin Ahmed Kirmani, it was declared a National Park. Wahajuddin Ahmed Kirmani also set up the Sindh Wildlife Department.
It is the first park in Pakistan to be listed as a National Park by the United Nations. Besides, it is the only national park in Sindh province, while it is the third largest national park in the country after Karakoram and Dewasi.
A few hours away from Karachi, Kirthar National Park stretches from Hub Dam in the north of the city to Rani Kot in Jamshoro. This wildlife sanctuary is one of the nearest places in the city where interesting and unique views of nature can be seen up close. The stunning expanse of rocky ground is also a feature of this park and the name of the park is also attributed to a famous mountain.
Mount Kirthar is 160 km from Karachi which is the highest mountain peak in the region. It would be appropriate to use a reliable four-by-four vehicle (4x4) to reach this peak. If you cross Mount Caritas from the base camp of Karchaat, you may find yourself alone there, so be sure to bring the right amount of fuel and food with you.
"Carthage National Park is a great place to relax. For me, it is a piece of paradise that offers unique landscapes, spectacular mountains and unique wildlife views, ”said Ahmar Ali Rizvi, who has a keen interest in wildlife and has developed many based on wildlife. He has also made documentaries.
He adds that "Carthage National Park is a national park and sanctuary is a relatively safe haven for some unique species of birds, animals and reptiles." I want to see Sindh ibex (mountain goat) here again and again.
After the rains, when the green landscape is full of green treasures, then this place is really worth seeing. By the way, all kinds of mammals and birds can be seen in this mountain range, but the eyes of the visitors are often looking for ibex or wild goat. The wild goat also easily climbs the narrow rocky valleys. But the search for water forces him to come down every now and then, and on the lower hill he can be seen with a flock.
White-footed fox........ Khurram Asim Kalimi
In this rocky area you can also see squirrels, blackbucks and red-tailed wild sheep with long legs and long curly horns. Many ground-dwelling Chico trees provide umbrella-like shades around nearby farms, and a large number of wild peacocks, jackals, red foxes, and white-footed foxes can be seen among these trees.
There is a place called Gree Jabal in the limits of Kirthar (about 70 km from Karachi). Getting there is no less of a challenge, so a four-by-four vehicle is recommended, and yes, it would be nice to get out before sunrise for a panoramic view and bird watching.
Don't forget to get permission from the Sindh Wildlife Department to access this area, as it falls under their jurisdiction. I suggest having a local guide with you.
Capturing wildlife in the picture and bird watching requires extraordinary attention, good observation skills and patience, which is not just for everyone, but it does pay off anyway. For this purpose, you have to hide yourself among the plants and sit motionless, so go there wearing neutral colored clothes. There must be complete silence so that the wildlife does not feel your presence.
The hidden treasure of nature is scattered here for the bird watchers, because here you can also see the insectivorous Liechtenstein butt partridge which is a rare bird and because of its khaki feathers it blends in with the colors of the earth Not visible. There are very few people who find them on Carthage's land and capture their image.
A large number of medium-sized bodies with clear lines and sweet-speaking gray partridges can be seen flocking to the dry grass field. This vast land is also home to nocturnal animals such as the wheel, and you may even see a black-naped rabbit of the Leporidi breed with the help of a car foglight moving down the road at night. If you get a chance to spend the night in a tent here, the howls of wolves will surely make your hair stand on end. They also live in the same area. A few leopards have also been spotted here, the last time a leopard was spotted was in 2019.
Liechtenstein Bhatt Partar; Ahmar Rizvi
Aerial view of Ker Thar Park
Once upon a time there were light brown and gray vultures on the hills of the park, but now only a few are seen flying. In the past, vultures were present where dead chickens from poultry farms were dumped.
The park is a natural and national treasure but currently faces numerous threats such as encroachment and lack of resources. In addition, the lack of vegetables and excessive drought have created a threat to wildlife.
On the other hand, the people living in the surrounding areas are deprived of basic amenities like potable water, electricity and health, due to which they have to move to urban areas.
The weather conditions in the area are not different from other parts of the province but Carthage can feel a little warmer in summer and a little colder in winter. After the monsoon, greenery grows everywhere and flowers bloom, making the view of the park even more attractive.
Although Carthage National Park varies from season to season, it is advisable to plan a visit between August and February to avoid extreme weather and enjoy the scenery.
Khurram Asim Klimi is an entrepreneur and wildlife photographer,
This article appeared in Dawn's EOS Magazine on June 20, 2021.
The author is a blogger and paints, photographs and travels of wildlife
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