National parks which are present in Pakistan.docx

This document is about national parks that are present in pakistan to conserve biodiversity.A btief explanation is given in this document about the topic.

1. National Parks
National parks are protected areas established by governments to conserve the natural
environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage. There are total 36 national parks in pakistan.

Purposes of national parks:
National parks are made for following functions and purposes.
Conservation:
National parks protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and endangered species. They preserve natural
landscapes and habitats, ensuring that flora and fauna can thrive without human interference.
Recreation:
These parks provide spaces for public enjoyment and activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife
viewing. They offer a natural retreat for people to relax and engage in outdoor activities.
Education:
National parks offer educational programs and opportunities for visitors to learn about the natural
world, history, and cultural heritage. They serve as outdoor classrooms where people can gain
knowledge about conservation and the environment.
Scientific Research:

2. These parks support scientific research by providing natural laboratories where scientists can study
ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental processes. Research conducted in national parks can lead to
important discoveries and advancements in environmental science1.
Cultural Preservation:
Many national parks protect historical and archaeological sites, preserving important cultural and
historical landmarks for future generations. They help maintain the cultural heritage of a region.
National Parks in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to several national parks, each with unique features and significance. Some of them
are following.
1.Hingol National Park:
Location: Balochistan, Pakistan
Area: Approximately 6,100 square kilometers
Established: 1988
Features:
Geological Wonders: Hingol National Park is renowned for its unique rock formations,
including the famous Balochistan Sphinx and the Princess of Hope.

3. Diverse Ecosystems: The park contains six distinct ecosystems, ranging from desert and plains
to coastal areas.
Wildlife: Home to about 257 plant species and 289 animal species, including 35 mammals, aquatic
animals, amphibians, reptiles, and migratory birds1. Notable wildlife includes the Sindh ibex,
chinkara gazelle, marsh crocodiles, and various species of turtles.
Hingol River: The park is named after the Hingol River, which flows through it and supports a rich
variety of aquatic life.
Significance:
Largest National Park: Hingol is the largest national park in Pakistan, making it a crucial area
for conservation and biodiversity1.
Tourism: The park attracts tourists with its dramatic landscapes and natural beauty, especially
since the completion of the Makran Coastal Highway1.
Conservation Efforts:
Wildlife Protection: Efforts are ongoing to protect the diverse species within the park,
including endangered species like the marsh crocodile and various migratory birds1.
Pollution Control: Measures are being taken to address issues like plastic pollution, which
affects the nesting of turtles on the beaches1.
Hingol National Park is a vital natural sanctuary in Pakistan, offering a unique blend of geological,
ecological, and cultural significance.
2.Chitral Gol National Park:
Location: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Area: About 7,750 hectares
Features: High peaks of the Hindukush range, rich flora, and fauna including the snow leopard,
ibex, and markhor.
Significance: Important habitat for endangered species like the snow leopard and a key area for
biodiversity conservation2.
3.Khunjerab National Park:
Location: Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Area: Approximately 2,269 square kilometers
Established: 1975
Elevation: Around 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level

4. Fe atures:
High-Altitude Landscapes:
Khunjerab National Park is one of the
highest altitude parks in the world, located
in the Karakoram Range near the Pakistan-
China border1.
Khunjerab Pass: The park includes the
Khunjerab Pass, which is the highest paved
international border crossing in the
world1.
Diverse Flora and Fauna: The park
is home to a variety of wildlife, including
the endangered Marco Polo sheep, snow
leopards, Himalayan ibex, and blue
sheep2.
Significance:
Conservation: The primary purpose of establishing Khunjerab National Park was to protect the
endangered Marco Polo sheep and other high-altitude wildlife1.
Biodiversity: The park supports a rich biodiversity, including 66 species of birds such as the
golden eagle, Himalayan snowcock, and Himalayan griffon vulture2.
Tourism: It attracts tourists with its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, offering
opportunities for wildlife viewing and high-altitude trekking3.
Conservation Efforts:
Wildlife Protection: Efforts are ongoing to protect the endangered species within the park,
including anti-poaching measures and habitat preservation1.
Community Involvement: Local communities are involved in conservation efforts, reporting
poaching activities and participating in wildlife monitoring
4.Kirthar National Park:
Location: Sindh
Area: Approximately 3,087 square kilometers
Features: Historic Ranikot Fort, diverse landscapes including rugged mountains and valleys.
Significance: Known for its cultural heritage and wildlife, including the Sindh ibex, urial, and
chinkara.
5.Central Karakoram National Park:

5. Location: Gilgit-Baltistan
Area: Approximately 10,000 square kilometers
Features: Home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, and a paradise for
mountaineers and trekkers.
Significance: One of the largest protected areas in Pakistan, crucial for the conservation of high-
altitude ecosystems2.
6.Ayub National Park:
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab
Area: Covers 313 acres
Features: Amusement park, zoo, and
beautiful lawns.
Significance: Largest park in Asia,
offering recreational and educational
opportunities.
Wildlife Protection Efforts
Jungle World: This section of Ayub
National Park includes an animal-themed
amusement park and a zoo. The zoo houses
a diverse collection of animals, including
species transferred from the Islamabad Zoo.
Species Conservation: The zoo plays a significant role in the conservation of various animal
species. It provides a safe habitat for animals like wolves, black bulls, blue bulls, urials, rabbits,
monkeys, and more.
Animal Welfare: The park ensures proper care and welfare of the animals, with efforts to
provide adequate facilities and environments that mimic their natural habitats.
Environmental Initiatives:
Waste Recycling Plant: Ayub National Park has implemented a waste recycling plant to
promote environmental sustainability and reduce pollution.
Green Spaces: The park maintains extensive green spaces, including lawns and gardens, which
contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem and provide habitats for various species.
Educational Programs: The park offers educational programs and activities to raise awareness
about wildlife conservation and environmental protection among visitors.

6. Public Engagement: Local communities and visitors are encouraged to participate in
conservation efforts, such as reporting illegal activities and supporting wildlife protection initiatives.
7.Margalla Hills National Park:
Location: Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Area: Approximately 17,386 hectares (42,960 acres)
Established: 1980
Features:
Geographical Significance: The Margalla Hills form the foothills of the Himalayas and are
located on the northern edge of Islamabad. The park includes the Margalla Hills, Shakarparian Park,
and Rawal Lake.
Highest Peak: Tilla Charouni, with an elevation of 1,604 meters (5,262 feet), is the highest peak
in the park.
Biodiversity: The park is rich in biodiversity, home to around 600 plant species, 402 bird
varieties, 38 mammals, and 27 species of reptiles. Notable wildlife includes the gray goral, barking
deer, and the leopard.
Significance:

7. Conservation: Margalla Hills National Park plays a crucial role in conserving the natural
environment and biodiversity of the region. It supports various species of flora and fauna, some of
which are endangered.
Recreation: The park is a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. Daman-e-
Koh and Pir Sohawa are well-known hill stations within the park, offering panoramic views of
Islamabad.