Fauna of Pakistan

Flora and fauna of Pakistan

Pakistan has many different animals, and its wildlife shows the many climates in the country. The north of Pakistan, including places like northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan, is very special for nature. This area is part of two important places full of many kinds of plants and animals, known as biodiversity hotspots. These areas include the Mountains of Central Asia and the Himalayas, making northern Pakistan a key place for many unique animals to live.

Distribution

The northern highlands of Pakistan include areas such as the Potohar Plateau and the foothills of the Himalayan, Karakorum, Pamir, and Hindukush mountain ranges. This area has many interesting animals. Mammals you might see here include the bharal, Eurasian lynx, Himalayan goral, Indian leopard, Marco Polo sheep, Kiang, marmot, and yellow-throated marten. Birds such as the chukar partridge, Eurasian eagle-owl, Himalayan monal, and Himalayan snowcock also live here. Some animals that need extra protection include the Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, Indian wolf, Kashmir gray langur, Kashmir red deer, markhor, rhesus macaque, Siberian ibex, smooth-coated otter, and white-bellied musk deer. Bird species such as the cheer pheasant, peregrine falcon, and western tragopan are also threatened.

The Indus plains and deserts of Sindh have animals like the nilgai, chinkara, red fox, and wild boar. Birds such as the Alexandrine parakeet, barn owl, black kite, myna, hoopoe, Indian peafowl, red-vented bulbul, rock pigeon, shelduck, and shikra live here too. Reptiles include the Indian cobra, Indian star tortoise, and yellow monitor. Threatened species in this area include the sambar deer, Indian hog deer, blackbuck, Punjab urial, and Sindh ibex. Birds such as the white-backed vulture are also at risk.

The western highlands, plains, and deserts of Pakistan, mainly in Balochistan, have animals such as the caracal, Balochistan leopard, Balochistan forest dormouse, Blanford's fox, goitered gazelle, Indian crested porporcupine, long-eared hedgehog, and striped hyena. Birds like the bearded vulture and houbara bustard are present.

Pakistan's wetlands, coastal regions, and marine areas are important for many animals. These wetlands support migratory birds and cats near the coast. The Chashma and Taunsa Barrage Dolphin Sanctuary protects the Indus river dolphins. Pakistan's coastline supports many fish species and other sea life. The beaches of Balochistan and Sindh are nesting sites for several types of sea turtles.

Cultural significance

The animals and plants in Pakistan are important to the country's culture. Many people in Pakistan see these natural parts of their land as special and valuable. This helps people understand and care for the environment around them.

Title	Symbol	Picture
National animal	Markhor (Capra falconeri)
State animal	Snow leopard (Uncia uncia)
National bird	Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)
State bird	Shaheen falcon or Shaheen (Falco peregrinus peregrinator)
National aquatic animal	Indus dolphin or Bhulan (Platanista minor)
National butterfly	Indian purple emperor (Mimathyma ambica)
National fish	Mahseer (Tor putitora)
National reptile	Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
National amphibian	Indus Valley toad (Bufo stomaticus)

Taxonomic classification

Pakistan has many different kinds of animals. These animals are grouped into three main types: molluscs, arthropods, and chordates.

Some examples include:

• Molluscs: Both land and water molluscs
• Arthropods: Ants, dragonflies, moths, butterflies, spiders, and small water animals
• Chordates: Fish, frogs, lizards, birds, and mammals