Pakistan Forest Institute
Peshawar, Pakistan

Wildlife Mangement

Research in wildlife management in Pakistan Forest Institute was started with the appointment of a Wildlife Management Specialist in 1974. Since the field was absolutely new the work had to be started right from a scratch. In order to develop base data, the work carried out during the past decade and a half centered around surveys and population dynamics of various wildlife species including mammals, birds and reptiles. Beside Wildlife Management Specialist, the Branch has four Field Assistants.

Significant Achievements:

  • Waterfowl counts: In order to record annual fluctuation in population of migratory waterfowls passing through Pakistan different bird species were counted in Chashma Barrage, Mangla Dam, Head Marala, Ochali lake, Rasul lake, Head Qaderabad, Kalar Kahar lake, Khabbeki lake, Jailar lake, and Namal lake. The data are collected for I.W.R.B. to determine the status of the endangered species in this part of the world.
  • Population Dynamics of Chiltan Markhor: Chiltan Markhor is a rare species available in Pakistan and now confined only to Chiltan Hazarganji range in Balochistan. In order to study its population and identify various factors affecting its population census has been conducted yearly in November. Various factors affecting population of Chiltan Markhor are:
  • Predators like wolves and golden eagles have been known for predation upon young animals.
  • Increase in population of parcopines and Indian Hares in the park has adversely affected the Markhor habitat by damaging the shrubs and ground flora.
  • Heavy snow and accidents have reduced population of young ones.
  • Poachers kill 2/4 animal each year.
  • It was observed that corrective measures could help increase markhor population to a considerable extent.
  • Distribution and population of Musk deer: Musk deer is an endangered animal in Pakistan. Studies on its occurrence and population at various locations in the country were undertaken. Based on the population results and behavioural studies corrective measures were formulated for the augmentation of musk deer population.
  • Ecological studies of Crocodile: Crocodiles are favoured for farming the world over. Ecological studies were conducted to record population and behaviour of the animal in Hingol and Hub river, covering about 200 km2 area. Population increase along 8 km stretch of river Hingol was recorded and possibilities of farming of crocodile were determined.
  • Floral and faunal characteristics of Hingol and Dhrum National parks: On the request of the Balochistan Forest Department, studies were carried out in the newly established National Parks and a list of mammals, birds and reptiles as well as plants found in these parks was prepared.
  • Survey of Endangered animals in Khunjerab National Park: A survey of the endangered mammals especially the Marcopolo sheep, Snow leopard and Wild Ass was carried out in the Khunjerab National Park for which survey methodology was initially developed.
  • Sindh Ibex in Raskoh Mountains: Population studies were conducted on ibex in Wara, Toot-alvop, Wazzard, Siah Pochaini, Chankor, Gandhaf, Tawoonia, Sakh, Murgan Reet, Mehshak and Banckan in Raskoh.
  • Mountains: While surveying for the animals in Lus area indication of heavy hunting and poaching were recorded. It was estimated that at the present rate of decrease in its population, the ibex will disappear from this part of Balochistan in a decade.
  • Problem of Re-introduced Black Buck in Lal Sohanra National Park: Black buck was once native to Cholistan desert but became extinct by 1967 due to ruthless hunting. To introduce the species back 10 animals were donated by W.W.F. in 1970 which were kept in an enclosure over 518 ha area. Causes for slow rate of increase were found to be disturbance of habitat, shortage of food, snake bites diseases and predators like caracal cat.
  • Population Dynamics of Kashmir Markhor: A study was started to determine the population dynamics and habitat characteristics of Markhor. Periodical observation showed that the maximum population is observed in January and December when the animals occupy lower ranges and minimum in May, June when the animal occupy high grazing ground.