Fauna of Pakistan

Pakistan is home to a wide variety of animals, and its wildlife reflects the many different climates found in the country. The north of Pakistan, including areas like northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan, has a special place in the world of nature. This region is part of two important areas rich in different 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 and thrive.

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 region is home to many interesting animals. Mammals you might find 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. Amphibians like the Himalayan toad and Muree Hills frog can be found as well. 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, along with reptiles like the mugger crocodile.

The Indus plains and deserts of Sindh are home to 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, Sindh krait, and yellow monitor, while amphibians like the Indus Valley bullfrog and Indus Valley toad are also present. 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, as are reptiles like the black pond turtle and gharial. The Grey partridge can be found in the Cholistan desert, and the chinkara lives in the Tharparkar desert.

The western highlands, plains, and deserts of Pakistan, mainly in Balochistan, host animals such as the caracal, Balochistan leopard, Balochistan forest dormouse, Blanford's fox, goitered gazelle, Indian crested porporcupine, long-eared hedgehog, markhor, ratel, and striped hyena. Birds like the bearded vulture, houbara bustard, and merlin are present, along with reptiles such as the leopard gecko and saw-scaled viper. Amphibians like the Balochistan toad can also be found here.

Pakistan's wetlands, coastal regions, and marine areas are important for many animals. These wetlands support migratory birds such as Dalmatian pelicans and demoiselle crane, as well as predatory birds and cats near the coast. The Chashma and Taunsa Barrage Dolphin Sanctuary protects the Indus river dolphins. Pakistan's coastline, stretching over 1,050 km, supports many fish species and other sea life. Greater flamingos come to breed in the Great Rann of Kutch area, and the Indus River Delta provides nesting grounds for many fish species. The beaches of Balochistan and Sindh are nesting sites for several types of sea turtles. Sea snakes can also be found in the ocean waters. Wetlands are also home to endangered species like the gharial and mugger crocodile, which prefer freshwater habitats.

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 is home to many different kinds of animals, 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