Bio-diversity

Margallah Hills National Park (MHNP) was established in 1980 for protection, conservation and management of its biodiversity. It spans over 15,883 ha, comprising Margallah hills, Rawal lake and Shakarparian area. Ecologically MHNP is blend of three ecozones; subtropical pine forest, tropical deciduous forest, and tropical thorn forest. In addition to the fauna of these three ecozones, it also host urban biodiversity of Islamabad city. It is also transitional zone between faunal communities of the mountains and the plain areas. The park provides refuge to many indigenous species locally migrating from northern parts of the country during winter season when these areas are packed with snow. Despite its smaller size, the park s geomorphology provides rich habitat diversity. Thick vegetation cover, steep slopes and gorges offer escape terrain to elusive and shy species. The Rawal lake provides a good waterfowl habitat and serves as refuge for many fish species. The dominant tree species in MHNP are chir pine Pinus roxburgii, white oak Quercus incana, Kanger Pistacia intergerrima, black plum Syzygium cuminii, wild pear Pyrus pashia, Kachnar Bauchina shorea, wild fig Ficus spp, and amaltas Casia fistula. Mammalian species are barking deer, goral, rhesus monkey, jackal, red fox, yellow-throated marten, palm civet, and gray wolf. Common leopard is also vagrant to the area. Bird diversity of the park is particularly remarkable, around one-third of the countries species are expected in MHNP. Some of the bird species are the short-toed eagle, sparrow hawk, booted eagle, kestrel, hobby, and the kalij pheasant. Contrary to the legal status, MHNP is facing many threats from illegal activities. Human settlements, mining and stone crushing, forest fires, tree harvesting, hunting, grazing, commercial activities and roads, and pollution are the factors deteriorating ecosystem health and landscape beauty of the area.

Pakistan