Pakistani Wild Life2

Local name:
Bandar (Urdu)
Description and Biology:
APPEARANCE: Rhesus macaques are brown and adults have a red face and rump.
The underparts are lighter brown. The tail is medium lenght and the hair on the top of
the head is short. The locomotion is quadrupedal.
SIZE: Rhesus monkeys weigh 5.6-10.9kg (males), 4-10.9kg (females), and the body
length is 470-531mm for females and 483-635mm for males.
REPRODUCTION: The mating season is variable, usually March-Jun. The female's

bright red bottom indicates estrus. Subadults males have a pink scrotum: adult males
have a red scrotum. The monkeys reach sexual maturity at 48-72months and the
gestation period is 164 days.
SOCIAL SYSTEM: The Rhesus monkey has a multimale-multifemale social

structure. They usually have a 2-tiered class system. A female associates with and
supports the family and class in a strict female-bonded matrilineal hierarchy. Males
are dominant to females but are peripheral to the group and change groups every few
years. The group size varies from 10-50.
The Rhesus monkeys are diurnal, mostly terrestrial, and partly arboreal. Rhesus
monkeys often reconcile after and aggressive interaction by lip smacking and
embracing. Often when treatened by a dominant, subordinates redirect their
aggression by threatening low-ranking bystanders.These monkeys spend about 10-
13% of their daily activity on grooming. Thy feed at heights to 10 meters above the
ground. In Pakistan some 45% of the day is spend feeding. Rhesus monkeys are quiet
tolerant of human disturbances and are found quiet close to cities.
DIET: The main diet is fruits, seeds, leaves, gums, buds, grass, clover, roots, bark,
resin, and small invertebrates. Rhesus monkeys raid crops. In the dry season they
drink 3-4 times per day ( all above information from "The Pictorial Guide to The Living Primates,"
Pagonias Press, Newyork).
Habitat and Distribution:
This species of primate can live in a variety of habitats. This animal mostly inhabits mountainous
regions of the moist temperate forest and also found in dry temperate forest. The characteristic
vegetation of the habitat of this animal is given below:
Picea smithiana, pinus wallichiana, Cedrus deodara, pinus roxburghii, pinus geradiana, Quercus
dilatata, Acer caesium, populus ciliata, Taxus baccata, Abies pindrow, Indigofera gerardiana,
sambucus ebulus, Sobaria tomentosa, Plectranthus rugosus, Berberis ceratophyalla, B. Quercus
incana, Berberis Iycium, Carissa spp, Cotoneaster spp.
Rhesus monkeys are mainly found in the northern hill regions of Murree, Swat,
Khagan, Azad Kashmir and Chitral. This animal occurs throughout the high hills of Hazara
and Malakand civil divisions. It is also found in Sakra mountain range in Mardan civil
division. They are also found in the Margalla Hills. The Rhesus monkey is still
common in Pakistan, but it is trapped by local people and sold to local gypsies or
"Kalanders" to entertain people in big cities. It also comes into conflict with farmers,
due to its nature of raiding crops.
Recent Sightings and Population Surveys:
Surveys:
N.W.F.P Wildlife Department 1997 survey of Wildlife. Results for Rhesus

Monkey in the Province
District Place No. of animals recorded

Mardan Sakra Hills 60
Sudham Game Reserve 10
Swat Alpuri 420
Matta, Beha, Roringar 310
Babuzai, Malam Jabba, 100
Marghuzar, Islampur 130
Najigram 170
Kalam Block, Mahodand Game 460
Reserve
Buner Nan seer/Kingar Gali, Mehr Dara, 565
Karakar, pribaba, Gokand etc.
Amazi Block 70
Chamala Block 85
Changharzi and Gagra Block 295
Dir Sheringal 692
DirBlock 343
Abbottabad Traawal 600
Birnagali-silkot 410
Namli Maira-Bagnotar 315
Nathiagali-kalabagh 245
Ayubia national park 412
Kuza Gali-Barian 275
Mansehara Battal -Balija 320
Massar - kund 360
Hillan Battagram 192
Lachi Khan- Khashian 200
Shogran -Malakandi 423
Manshi wilidlife sancturay 245
Nagan-Nadi-Musala 225
Kamal Ban-Kaghan 270
Bhunja - Kalah 192
Bichal Manur 210
Gangwal (Allai) 292
Beari Chor 281
Pashto 193
Ganthar (Allai) 100
Kohistan Pattan -Keyal 219
Pallas 395
Bankud- dubair 142
Jalkot 227
Haripur Khanpur Range 45
Makhnial Range 345
Total: 10843
Hanuman or Grey Langur

( Semnopithecus Entellus)
PHOTO CREDIT: Brimingham Zoo
Local name: Langur (Urdu)
APPEARANCE: The Hanuman Langur's coloration varies across subspecies, from

gray to dark brown to golden, with varying amounts of black. The locomotion is
quadrupedal.
SIZE: Langurs weigh 18.3kg (males), 11.2kg (females), and the body length is 406-
680mm for females and 510-780mm for males.
REPRODUCTION: The monkeys reach sexual maturity at 46.5-47 months and the

gestation period is 168-200 days.
SOCIAL SYSTEM: Langurs have variable socail structure. 1-male-multifemale,
multimale-mutifemale. Larger groups may break into subgroups in some seasons. The
male defends his mates: females defend their resources. Average group size is 11-64
individuals.
The Langurs are diurnal, terrestial and arboreal. Hanuman Langurs are the most
terrestial of any colobine. They spend up to 80% of the day on the ground, and almost
all feeding is within 5 meters of the ground. In 1-male groups the alpha male's tenure
is usually less than 2 years. When a new male takes over a troop, he systematically
kills infants sired by the previous alpha male. This reproductive strategy was first
documented in this species. Juvenile males leave when a new male takes over.
Allomothering is also documented in this monkey .
DIET: The Hanuman Langur eats mature leaves, fruit, buds, flowers, young leaves,
animal prey, exudates, bark, soil, herbs. The Himalayan subspecies rely on pinecones,
bark and twigs during snowy winter months These langurs will raid gardens and
crops ( all above information from "The Pictorial Guide to The Living Primates," Pagonias Press, Newyork) .
The Hanuman Langur prefers tropical, subtropical, pine, alpine forests and urban
areas. This animal is very adaptable species and is distributed in dry savannah country and
tropical rain forests in different parts of the sub-continent. In Pakistan, however, it is confined to
Azad Kashmir and Siran Valleys of Mansehra and Kohistan districts
This monkey is very rare in Pakistan. It has only been sighted in Azad Kashmir and in
Khagan, In Sharan forest reserve and in Shogaran. It is not found in Murree or Swat
hills. Excluding Azad Kashmir, the total population is less than 200 (T.J Roberts,
"Mammals of Pakistan"). However, a survey by N.W.F.P Wildlife Department in 1997
found that the numbers were much higher than 200 as reported by Roberts (see below).
Surveys:
N.W.F.P Wildlife Department 1997 survey of Wildlife. Results for Hanuman or

Grey Langur in the Province
District Place No of animals

recorded
Mansehara Shogran-Malkandi 220
Manshi wilidlife sanctuary 220
Nagan-Nadi-Musala
118
Kalam Ban- Kaghan 16
Bhunja Kalah 80
Beari-Chor 189
Kohistan Pallas
160
Bankad Dubair 70
Pattan/Keyal 210
Total: 1283
Grey Wolf
(Canis lupus)

PHOTO CREDIT: Rajpal Singh
Local name: Bhaghyar (Urdu)
Discription and Biology:
Description: The largest wild canid. Fur is thick and usually grey, but can vary from
nearly pure white, red, or brown to black. Head-and-body length: 100- 150 cm. Tail
length: 31-51 cm. Shoulder height: 66-81 cm. Weight: 16-60 kg, males heavier than
females.
Reproduction: Time of mating: January-April. Gestation: 6 1 63 days. Litter size: 1-1

1, mean 6. Duration of lactation: 8-10 weeks. Age at sexual maturity: 22-46 months,
occasionally 10 months. Longevity: up to 13 years in the wild, 16 years in captivity.
Social Behavior: A pack-living animal with a complex social organization. Packs are
primarily family groups. The dominant pair breeds, with sub-dominant females under
behaviourally induced reproductive suppression. Packs include up to 30 individuals,
but smaller sizes (8-12) are more common.
Diet: Extremely variable, but the majority of the diet is large ungulates. Grey wolves
will also eat smaller prey items, livestock, carrion, and garbage (all above information from
Iucn's Canid Specialist Group).

There are two subspecies of the Grey Wolf in Pakistan. In the northern mountanious
regions, the Tibetan Wolf (Canis Lupus Campestris) is found. The Tibetan Wolf
inhabits the barren rocky mountanious valleys of Baltistan, Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral,
Upper Swat and Khunjerab National Park. In the south of the country the Indian Wolf
(Canis Lupus Pallipes) is found. Here the wolf inhabits the deserts of Cholistan and
Thar. Further West the wolf inhabits the lower hills of the Baluchistan pleatue where
it is widespread. The wolf is also found in N.W.F.P, but it is rare in this region.
The wolf has declined greatly in numbers during the last few decades. Local people
kill the wolf because it is considered destructive to livestock. The wolf may became
extinct in the east of the country if hunting is not stopped and it is not protected. Its
survival in Baluchistan and the northern areas is slightly better. There is no
information about the exact number of wolves in Pakistan.
Golden Jackal or Asiatic Jackal

(Canis Aureus)

PHOTO CREDIT: Bedi Sons (Indian Wildlife)
Local name: Gheedhar (Urdu)

Description: Coat varies with season and region, but is usually a pale gold-brown, or
brown tipped yellow. Fur is coarse, and not very long. Dorsal area is black and grey;
head, ears, and sides can be rufous. Underside is frequently ginger or nearly white.
The tip of the tail is black. There is sexual dimorphism of approximately 15% in body
weight. Head-and-body length: 60-106 cm. Tail length: 20-30 cm. Shoulder height:
38-50 cm. Weight: 7-15 kg.
Social Behaviour: Usually in mated pairs, territorial, territory size 0.5 to 2.5 km2
Helpers (last year's young) can increase reproductive success. In many areas, C.
aureus is nocturnal and diurnal, but it becomes strictly nocturnal in areas inhabited by
humans. Deviation from usual social organization is found in areas where food is
abundant, with up to 20 members in a group and with home range areas of 0.11 km2.
Diet: Omnivorous: fruits; invertebrates; reptiles; amphibia; birds; small mammals;

carrion. Opportunistic foragers, but cooperation between mated pairs can greatly
increase hunting success. In areas around human habitation, it can subsist on
garbage (all above information from Iucn's Canid Specialist Group).
The Golden Jackal is found in open country with trees and brush, grass and copse.
This is a very common animal in Pakistan and is usually seen around human
settlements. It is widespread and is found throughout much of the country, except the
northern most mountanious regions.
Dhole
(Cuon Alpinus)

PHOTO CREDIT: Arun Venkataraman
Local name: Jungli-kuta (Balti: Baltistan)
Description: A fairly large, doglike canid, with rounded ears and a long, moderately
bushy tail. Legs are rather short, pelage is evenly tawny or dark red with a slightly
darker tail and lighter underparts. Head-and-body length: 90 cm. Tail length: 40-45
cm. Shoulder height: 50 cm. Weight: 15 -20 kg; female 10- 13 kg.
Reproduction: Litter size: 8-9, but 3-4 common. Lactation: At least 8 weeks. Age at
sexual maturity: 1 year. Longevity: 10 years, up to 16 years in captivity.
Social Behavior: Dholes live in packs which are an extended family unit of usually 5-
12 animals with aggregations of up to 25 animals occasionally noted. Packs are
territorial. In a study in Bandipur, southern India, more than three adults took part in
feeding both the lactating mother and the pups. Pack continues to care for pups after
they leave the den, by regurgitating meat and allowing them access at kills.
Diet: The primary component of the diet is other vertebrates, particularly medium-

sized ungulates. The dhole will also include berries and reptiles in its diet (all above
information from Iucn's Canid Specialist Group).

There is no confirmed report of Dholes ocuuring in Pakistan, but it is thought that they
migrate from Chinese Turkestan to the Shimshal area in Northern Pakistan. It has not
been observed in Pakistan for 15 years.

Red Fox
(Vulpes Vulpes)
PHOTO CREDIT: Wildlife Ring
Local name: Loomari (Urdu)
Description: A medium-sized canid, the largest fox in the genus Vulpes. Large bushy
tail, often tipped in white. Ranges in colour from greyish and rust red to a flame red,
usually reddish-brown. Black backs to ears; lower limbs often black. Enormous
geographical range and corresponding wide variation in all measurements. Measures
given here are ranges with selected European averages. Head-and-body length: 58-90
cm, males 67 cm, females 63 cm. Tail length: 32-49 cm, males 45 cm, females 38 cm.
Shoulder height: 35-40 cm. Weight: 3-11 kg, males 6.7 kg, females 5.4 kg.
Reproduction: Time of mating: variable with latitude and habitat, usually in late

winter/early spring. Gestation: 49-55 days, usually 51-52. Litter size: 3-12. Lactation:
4 weeks, completely weaned at 6-8 weeks. Age at sexual maturity: 9-10 months.
Longevity: 10- 12 years in captivity.
Social Behaviour: Variable with habitat, but generally territorial with basic social
unit the monogamous pair, which may or may not be share territory with non-breeding
kin. Mainly crepuscular/nocturnal, but more diurnal where undisturbed. Pups are
cared for by both parents, and remain in or near the den for the first three months of
their lives. Communal denning, with more than one litter and/or adopted pups have
been reported, but a single pair with pups is the most common breeding unit. The
breeding pair is often associated with non-breeding family members. These are
usually female and may act as helpers. Almost all males and a variable proportion of
females disperse at 6 to l0 months, however males tend to disperse earlier and move
greater distances. Mean dispersal distance varies widely between populations, and is
positively correlated with home range size.
Diet: Extremely varied, including invertebrates (particularly beetles and earthworms),

small mammals (rodents and lagomorphs), birds (including game species), and fruit
along with garbage and carrion. Generally caches food surplus to requirements, and
has highly developed memory for locations of hoards (all above information from Iucn's Canid
Specialist Group).
The natural habitat of the Red Fox is dry, mixed landscape, with abundant 'edge' of
scrub and woodland. It is also found in uplands, mountains (crosses alpine passes),
deserts, sand dunes, and farmland. The Red Fox flourishes especially in affluent
suburbs and, in many habitats, appears to be closely associated with humans. In
Pakistan the Red Fox is widespread and common throughout most of the country. In
the hill ranges like Murree and Azad Kashmir, is found a subspecie of the Red Fox,
the Kashmir Hill Fox. Further north in the high mountanious regions such as the
Karakoram and Hindukush is found another subspecie the Tibetan Red Fox. The Red
Fox is killed in enormous numbers each year for its valuable pelt and because it is
considered destructive to poultry, but it has survived this persecution and still survives
in good numbers where ever it is found.
Bengal Fox
(Vulpes bengalensis)

PHOTO CREDIT: Image not avaliable
Local name: Loomari (Urdu)
Description: Sandy-orange coat with black-tipped tail. Skull typically foxlike with

long sharply pointed canines and well-developed molar teeth. Head-and-body length:
45-60 cm. Tail length: 25-35 cm. Shoulder height: unknown. Weight: 1.8-3.2 kg.
Reproduction: Time of mating: unknown. Gestation: 53 days, equivalent to average

for vulpine foxes. Litter size: 2-4. Lactation: unknown. Age at sexual maturity:
unknown. Longevity: unknown.
Social Behavior: The Bengal fox is believed to live in long-term monogamous pairs,

but this is based on little evidence. The fox hunts solitarily, probably as a result of the
prey it favours. Usually crepuscular and nocturnal, in mild temperatures hunting may
be pursued during the day. This behaviour is especially common following rain and in
cloudy weather. Two types of dens have been described: simple short dens with two
openings used for brief periods of rest, and complex cavernous dens with many
entrances used. The entrances to dens are littered with droppings.
Diet: The Bengal fox feeds opportunistically on insects, ground nesting birds, and
smaller mammals. When in season, melons, shoots, and pods of Cicer arietum are
eaten. V. bengalensis also eats winged termites, grasshoppers, crabs, and rodents (all
above information from Iucn's Canid Specialist Group).
The Bengal Fox inhabits open country, thorny scrub or semi-desert, up to 1,350 m. It
has a very local distribution in Pakistan. The Bengal Fox is found in Lahore district
and Cholistan deserts in Punjab. It si also found in Kasur. Futher south it is found in
the Thar desert in Sind and the Dadu and Thatta districts. It has not been recorded in
Baluchistan or N.W.F.P. The major threat is killing for sport and for the alleged
medicinal properties of its flesh. The great majority of foxes are killed for sport and
not because they pose any threat to domestic livestock.
Blanford's Fox
(Vulpes Cana)
PHOTO CREDIT: BBC (Wild Facts)
Local name: Siah Rubah (Farsi: Iran)
Description: A small fox with very large ears and long tail which appears very bushy
due to long dark guard hairs. Its appearance is very cat-like and its gait and
demeanour are also rather feline. The colouring is variable, usually blotchy black,
grey and white. The tail often has a dark tip, but is sometimes white. Some skins
examined in the British Museum have white tips as do specimens in the wild. It has an
almost black mid-dorsal line; the hind legs may be dark and the underparts are almost
white. In Israel, colouring is light brown, grey, and yellow, and mid-dorsal line is
sometimes absent. Head-and-body length: 42 cm. Tail length: 30 cm. Shoulder height:
28-30 cm. Weight: 0.9-1.3 kg in Israel (these data and most of what follows, are based
on Geffen 1990).
Reproduction: Time of mating: Dec.-Jan. Gestation: 50-60 days. Litter size: 1-3

pups. Lactation: 60 days. Age at sexual maturity: 8-12 months. Longevity: 4-5 years.
All data on reproduction is for animals from Israel.
Social Behavior: Monogamous, solitary hunter. Strictly nocturnal. Diet: Reportedly

more frugivorous than other foxes. When eating domestic crops, the fox appears to
prefer ripe melons, seedless grapes. It has also been observed eating insects, including
locusts (all above information from Iucn's Canid Specialist Group).
Blanford's fox is usually found in mountainous regions and prefers cliffs. The species
is known from barren mountain steppes and rocky hills bordering low valleys,
cultivation and plains. The species is found to an altitude of approximately 2,000 m.
This canid is found only in western Baluchistan. The Blandford's Fox is found in the
hill ranges around Quetta, where it appears to be uncommon. It is also found in
Chaman and the Chagai desert. Despite its being rare it is hunted for its valuable fur.
Ruppell's Fox
( Vulpes rueppelli)

PHOTO CREDIT: Dubai Zoo
Local name: Unknown
Description: A pale sandy coloured coat with black patches on the face. The tip of the
tail tip is conspicuously white. The fur is soft and dense, and the animal's frame is
slighter than the red fox with short legs and broad ears. Head-and body length: 40-52
cm. Tail length: 25-39 cm. Shoulder height: 30 cm. Weight: 1.2-3.6 kg.
Reproduction: Time of mating: unknown. Gestation: unknown. Litter size: 2-3.

Lactation: unknown. Age at sexual maturity: unknown. Longevity: 6.5 years in
captivity.
Social Behaviour: Little is known, but reports indicate that the species may be
gregarious, having been sighted in groups of 3-15 . These may represent extended
family groups. Grouping may be incidental, caused by close aggregation of dens in
the few areas where denning sites are available. The species is crepuscular/nocturnal.
Diet: Reports suggest an omnivorous diet with a substantial insectivorous

component (all above information from Iucn's Canid Specialist Group).
The Ruppells Fox inhabits deserts, either stony or sandy. This is the rarest Vulpes in
Pakistan. It has only been recorded from two places in Baluchistan. One sighting was
in Southern Mekran and the other was in western Baluchistan, near Chaman (T.J
Roberts, "Mammals of Pakistan). Other than these two records it has not been sighted
anywhere else in Pakistan.
Common Leopard
( Panthera Pardus )
PHOTO CREDIT: Sri Lanka: Jungle Profile
Video:
NOTE: Above Video from the BBC (Wildfacts)
Local name: Guldar, Teendwa, Chita (Urdu)
The leopard is most easily recognised by its rosette patterned coat and extremely long,
darker tail. This large cat is sometimes confused in appearance with the South
American Jaguar - the leopard though is less stocky and unlike the jaguar, its rosette
markings are generally smaller and have no internal spots. The overall size of the
leopard depends very much on the subspecies and location, with the largest animals
growing to a length of nearly 5 feet with an additional tail length of some 3 feet -
generally the male is between 20-40% larger than the female. The base coloration of
the coat also varies greatly depending upon location, ranging from golden/yellow in
open grasslands, through yellow/cream in desert areas to deep gold in mountain and
forest regions. All black or melanistic leopards, sometimes commonly called ‘Black
Panthers", are born in the same litter as normally marked cats and also carry the
rosette markings, although these are masked by the darkness of the fur. It has been
observed that the melantistic leopard is most generally found in the dense, wet
forested areas of India and south east Asia, where the coloration advantages the cat in
its hunting. The leopard is a versatile hunter and generally nocturnal in its pursuit of
prey - however the increased frequency of hunting found in the female raising young
often leads to more opportunist hunting during daylight hours (information from Big Cats
Online). The main prey in Pakistan is Rhesus Monkey, Wild boar, Chinkara, Urial, Sind
Wild Goat and Porcupines. Average litter size is 2-3 cubs which are born after a
gestation period of 4 months.
The common leopard frequents Himalayan mountains upto the tree limit in the forest of chir,
kail, deodar and fir. It also inhabits broken arid mountainous country in association with scrub
and thorn forest.
The Leopards in Pakistan are mainly found in the highlands of Baluchistan and Sind,
and the mountain forests of Punjab, N.W.F.P and Azad Kashmir. The leopard is found
in the Kirthar Mountain Range of Sind and the Toba Kakar, the Mekran and the
Sulaiman Range of Baluchistan. In the northern mountanious region it is found in the
Murree Hills, Swat Kohistan, Dir, Chitral, Abbotabad and Lower Gilgit. It is also
found in the Kaghan valley and the Margalla Hills. In Azad Kaashmir it is found
around the hill ranges of Muzaffarabad and the Neelum Valley. Its survival in the Salt
Range in Punjab is not clear, though they still do exist in very small numbers. The
leopard sparsely inhabits the Kala Chita hills as well.
The total population in Pakistan is unknown. A study on the common leopard to

estimate its population, distribution pattern and habitat preferences was done from
1998-1999 in Rawalpindi District by M. Anwar Maan and A. Aleem Chaudhry(Tiger
Paper Vol. 27:No.4 Oct-Dec 2000).. The study period was carried out in four sessions. The
first session was conducted in May-June 1998. The second in October, the third in
November, and the fourth in February 1999. Population estimates for common
leopard, density over square km, distribution pattern and preference for particular
habitat were studied. The habitat was surveyed to determine the population of
common leopard following the strip census method. Transects three to four km long
and 100m wide were studied. Indirect evidence such as droppings, pugmarks and
wildlife and livestock species preyed upon by leopard were searched out during the
study. During the study 74 transects were studied covering an area of 40-60 square
km. In one transect, only pugmarks were observed, which were transformed into
population estimates. Three goats preyed upon by leopards were also witnessed. On
the basis of indirect information(i.e. pugmarks) the per square km density of 0.018 -+
0.016 leopards was assessed. The overall population estimate within a 281 square km
habitat was 5.058 -+ 4.496, indicating that 1-9 leopards survive in its distribution
range. On the basis of observations recorded during the study period, it was concluded
that the population of common leopard was randomly distributed, showing no
preference for a particular habitat.
Squardon Leader, Mr. Zulfikar Ahmed reports the sighting of a leopard in the year
1995 when a leopard was sighted at the top of Mount Sakesar in the Salt Range. The
animal was seen by a number of people from close range in broad daylight. The
mammal remained there for three days (as confirmed by multiple sightings),
whichspread a wave of terror amongst the local inhabitants. Just a couple of months
back an animal descended from the mountains (probably because of starvation) and
entered into the town of Quaidabad, where it was shot dead. During the same time
frame a calf was killed by Leopard near the Sakesar top (as reported by calf owner)
The remains of the calf were poisoned by the locals. However the results of poisoning
are not known. Quite recently (summer of 2000) a sighting of a female Leopard along
with two cubs has been reported in the Western Salt Range . This female and the two
cubs were later captured by the N.W.F.P Wildlife Department from Manglot National
Park near Nizampur (CONSERVATION OF WILD LIFE AND ITS HABITAT IN
SOAN VALLEY, Zulfikar Ahmed, November 2000).
The N.W.F.P wildlife department carried out a census in the province in 1997 and has
put the number of leopards in that province at 76 (Distribution and Status of Wildlife in the
N.W.F.P, 1997. N.W.F.P Wildlife Department). Further there might be ( a guess) 40-50 in the
forests of Azad Kashmir. Sind Wildlife Department reported 7 leopards occuring in
the Kirthar National Park in Sind in 1982. The total population of this beautiful cat in
Pakistan may be inbetween 150-250.
Click here for a map of leopard distribution in Pakistan and recent sightings
Sightings:
1998: Female leopard and two cub seen in Azad Kashmir, near Muzaffarabad town.
Female is shot. Cubs are captured by a local villager. Female cub ends at Islamabad
Zoo. Male cub with Azad Kashmir Wildlife Department.
1999: Male leopard enters Abottabad city in Malik Pura area, from the surrounding
hills. Leopard is captured. Released later.
2000: A female leopard is caught in Manglot Wildlife Park in Nizampur area in

N.W.F.P. The leopard is released later by the N.W.F.P Wildlife Department. Reports
of two more leopards from the same area are also made by the Wildlife Department.
2001: On March 27, The wildlife department of NWFP captures a leopard from
Biran Gali and shifts it to Peshawar for protection and care. The one-year-old had
injured at least two female goats and as many sheep. It was decided to release the
leopard in the Galyat areas of NWFP.
On February 14th, the Abbottabad police killed a leopard that was hiding in a house in
Malik Pura area (same area as in 1998 (see above). Wildlife officials fail to capture it
alive and is shot 15 times. It was reported to be a captive specimen owned by FFR
Center of the Pakistan Army.
Surveys:
1998-1999: Study on the common leopard to estimate its population, distribution

pattern and habitat preferences was done from 1998-1999 in Rawalpindi District by
M. Anwar Maan and A. Aleem Chaudhry (Tigerpaper Vol.27:No 4 Oct.-Dec.2000).
2000-2001: IUCN reports good evidence of leopards surviving in Baluchistan, south

of Siahan Mountain Range, during the cheetah survey. No, actual sighting.
N.W.F.P Wildlife Department 1997 survey of Wildlife. Results for Common

Leopard in the Province
District Place No. of animals recorded
Abbottabad Tanawal 2
Birangali- Sialkot 5
Namli Maira –Bagnotar 3
Nathiagali- Kalabagh 3
Ayubia National Park 6
Kuzagali –Barian 5
Mansehra Pashto 3
Lassan Nawab 3
Massar kund 5
Battal Balija 2
Hillan- Batagram 2
Lachi Khan –Malkandi 1
Shogran- Malkandi 1
Manshi wilidlife Sanctuary 3
Nagan –Nadi –Musala 3
Kalam Ban –Kaghan 2
Bhunja –Kalam 2
Beari Chor 3
Radhang 1
Swat Kalma Block and Mahodhand 3
Haripur Khanpur Range 3
Ghazi gangar Hills 1
Sokasarai Namat Khan 2
Makhnial Range 2
Kohistan Pattan 3
Bankad –Dubair 1
Jalkot 3
Harban- Basha 2
Kandia – Uthor 1
Total: 76
Snow Leopard or Ounce

( Uncia Uncia )
PHOTO CREDIT: Bret Larwick
Video:
Local name: Barfani Chita (Urdu), Ikar (Balti: Baltistan)

Although sharing its name with the common leopard, the snow leopard is not believed
to be closely related to the Leopard or the other members of the Pantherine group and
is classified as the sole member of the genus Uncia uncia. Due to the under-
development of the fibro-elastic tissue that forms part of the vocal apparatus the snow
leopard cannot give a full, deep roar and this along with differences in skull
characteristics help to separate it from its fellow ‘big cats’. In appearance, the snow
leopard is strikingly different from the common leopard. Although it has similar
rosettes and broken-spot markings, they appear less well defined and are spaced
further apart. The fur is long and woolly and helps protect the cat from the extreme
cold of its generally mountainous habitat. The general ground coloration of the cat is
predominantly grey with brownish/yellow tinges on its flanks and lighter, often white
fur on its belly, chest and chin. The head, which sports small ears and a distinctive
heavy brow, is rounded and comparatively small for its body size, which can be up to
1.3 meters length and weigh up to around 70kg. The long tail, which can measure as
much as 900cm, helps the cat balance as it moves over rugged and often snowy
terrain. The powerful limbs of the snow leopard are relatively short for its body size
and are supported by large, powerful paws.
Generally crepuscular in its hunting activities, the snow leopards main prey is that of
wild sheep such as Bharal (Blue Sheep) and Argali, goats, including Markhor and
Ibex. Other prey taken includes Musk Deer, marmots, various species of hare and
birds. The cat often uses the natural protection of the terrain to stalk its prey, keeping
low below the skyline and pouncing down onto its victim. Commonly the animal is a
solitary hunter but may share the task with its mate during its breeding season. It has
been know that one animal will stalk the prey while the other lies in wait to make the
kill. With larger prey, it is common that the snow leopard will remain close to its kill
and return over a period of three to four days to feed. his well built, muscular cat can
bring down prey more than two to three times its size, as is the case with the native
Yak. However, unlike its distant neighbours the Tiger and Leopard, the snow leopard
is generally not aggressive toward man. Where human habitation does come close to
the range of the snow leopard, it is common, during the harsh winter months for the
cat to take domestic livestock. Some conservation organisations are now working with
local inhabitants to help educate in the need for conservation management and to
supply financial reparation for the loss of domestic stock. Due to the often-harsh
weather conditions that prevail cubs are always born in the spring, with mating taking
place some three months earlier in late winter. This ensures that a food source is
abundant and less effort is needed to secure a kill. The litter size is usually between 1-
4 (typically two) cubs and they are born after a gestation period of approximately 98
days. The cubs weigh between 320-708g at birth -have a daily average weight gain of
approximately 48g per day and stay with their mothers until they are over 18 months
old (all above information from Big Cats Online).
The snow leopard generally inhabits elevations between 2000-4000 meters although it
can occasionally be found at lower altitudes to the north of its range and as high as
5500 meters in Himalayan regions. The cat is generally associated with generally
rocky terrain such as high valley ridges, rocky outcrops and mountain passes. As
summer gives way to winter, the snow leopard will follow its migrating prey down
below the tree line to the lowland forests that cover much of its habitat-however the
cat is rarely associated with dense forestation.
In summer it is found in alpine pastures upto 5100 m, evelation while in winter it

descends to lower altitudes. In the alpine pasture snow the following vegetation
characterizes snow leopard habitat:
Primula macrophylla, Sibbaldia cuneata, sedhm recticaule, Cerastium, cerastiodies,

Oxytropis immersa
In Pakistan the Snow Leopard is found in the high mountains of the Karakoram and
the Hindukush. There are mainly found in Baltistan, Chitral, Gilgit, Upper Swat
Valley, the Slopes of Nanga Parbat, Khunjerab National Park and the Chitral Gol
National Park. The total population of the snow leopards in Pakistan is 100-
200 ( IUCN's Cats Specialist Group).
Sightings:
1998: Female sub adult snow leopard captured by a local villager after it is seen
eating domestic goats in Jamalabad, Hunza. Later released in Khunjerab National
Park.
1999: 7 snow leopards seen in Chitral Gol National Park in N.W.F.P in January. 4 at
one place and pug marks of 3 others.
1999: Snow leopard pug marks seen in Chitral Gol National Park in N.W.F.P in
November, by Mr. Ahmed Khan.
Surveys:

N.W.F.P Wildlife Department 1997 survey of Wildlife. Results for Snow Leopard
in the Province
District Place No.of animals recorded

Chitral Chitral Gol National Park 1
Gollen Gol 2
Chmar-Khan/Pasoom/Dodorgaz 2
Ziwar Gol 2
Ujno Gol 2
Shah junali 2
Kesin Gol 1
Lasht/Chitisar Gol 2
Bashqar Gol/ shandur 2
Loon Gol/Mrighash Gol 1
Wasoom/Govir Gol 1
Bang Gol/power Gol 2
Booni Gol 1
Rosh Gol/Atrack Gol 3
Agram Besti 1
Broghi 2
Khotan 2
Masehra Hillan Batagram 5
Manshi Wilidlifew Sancturay 2
Nagan-Nadi-Musala 1
Bhunja Kalan 1
Bichla Munur 1
Naran-Babusar 3
Burawai Babusar 1
Beari Chor 2
Kohistan Pallas 5
Bankad-Dubair 3
Jalkot 2
Harban-Basha 2
Kandia-Uthor 5
Total: 62
Asiatic Cheetah
( Acinonyx Jubatus Venaticus )
PHOTO CREDIT: Unknown
Local name: Yeoz (Brahui: Baluchistan) , Gurk (Mekrani: Baluchistan)
Cheetahs are pale yellow with white underbellies, covered all over with small round
black spots. They are readily distinguished from theispotted relatives by their "tear
lines": heavy black lines extending fromthe inner corner of each eye to the outer
corner of the mouth. The cheetah weighs around 45-65 (kg) on average and their total
body length is 1100-1600 (mm). The cheetah is built for speed, with a deep chest,
wasp waist, and proportionately longer limbs than the other big cats. Flexion of the
elongated spine has been measured as increasing the cheetah’s stride length by 11% at
speeds of 56 kph. The canines are small relative to other felids: a reduction in the size
of roots of the upper canines allows a larger nasal aperture for increased air intake,
which is critical for allowing the cheetah to recover from its sprint while it suffocates
its prey by throttling it. Its claws remain exposed, lacking the skin sheaths found in
most other felids, and thus provide additional traction like a sprinter's cleats. The foot
shows several other modifications: the digital pads and also the metacarpal pad are
extremely hard and pointed at the front, possibly as an adaption to sudden braking,
and the palmar pads bear a pair of longitudinal ridges instead of the more usual slight
depressions -- the functional equivalent of tire treads, serving as anti-skid devices. The
prominent dew claws are used as hooks to trip up fast-running prey. Its long tail helps
the cheetah’s balance as it swerves during a chase. Finally, the cheetah has enlarged
bronchi, lungs, heart and adrenals.
A captive cheetah was accurately clocked at 112 kph over a short distance. In the
wild, out of 78 chases measured and timed by G. Frame (Frame and Frame 1981: 181), the
top speed was 87 kph. Antelopes, the main prey of cheetah, reach top speeds of 80-97
kph, so peak speeds reached at some portion of a cheetah’s sprint probably do exceed
the oft-quoted, but seldom documented, 110 kph. Cheetah sprints rarely last longer
than 200-300 m, while most antelope can run much further. Heat builds up rapidly
during a sprint, and cheetahs have not evolved the evaporative heat release
mechanisms of gazelles and goats, even though their energetic cost of running is
equivalent. Despite its refinements, the cheetah, like the other cats, is a sprinter rather
than a courser. Once the kill has been made the cheetah however will often pause to
regain its strength before eating - at this time the cheetah itself is vulnerable and can
often lose its prey to packs of hyenas or to other scavengers.
There is little information available on the ecology of Asiatic cheetahs. Gazelles are
generally indicated as the main prey species. In India, cheetahs took primarily
blackbuck antelopes and chinkara gazelles, but were also known to attack nilgai
antelope and domestic goats and sheep. In Turkmenistan, cheetahs primarily took
goitered gazelles, and their disappearance from this area is strongly associated with
the decline of gazelles in the mid-1900s. In Iran, cheetahs outside protected areas with
gazelle populations are reported to prey mainly on hares A greater degree of sociality
has been observed among cheetahs than for most felids, with the exception of the lion.
The cheetah will hunt alone or in family groups, usually comprising of adult male
relatives - such groups usually have much larger territories than the lone female
hunter who must stay close to here young. Average litter size is 3-5 cubs and average
life span is 12-14 years (all above information from Big Cats Online and IUCN's Cats Specialist Group ).
It was long thought that Asiatic cheetahs were extinct in the Indian sub-continent.
However there is increasing evidence that there are still few cheetahs found in south
western Baluchistan along the Iranian border. During this decade there have been
some sightings in Kharan district of Baluchistan and on some ocassions fresh tracks
have been seen. Recently, four cheetah skins believed to be of the Asiatic cheetah
have materialized from Baluchistan (Nautra magazine: WWF-Pakistan). One was shot two
years ago (1996-97) 50 km from the Iranian border, south of Chagai, and the skin was
presented to an army general. Skins said to come from Balochistan have been found in
Islamabad markets,` but they could have come from Iran, or even Africa. However,
biological studies have shown that these are infact Asiatic Cheetahs. Furthermore,
anecdotal evidence indicates that local people in Makran are familiar with the cheetah,
and that there is adequate prey (Chinkara gazelle and Goitered gazelle) there. It must
be noted that Asiatic cheetahs are found in relatively higher numbers in Iran, where
they were widespread during the start of this century and spread right across the
Indian Subcontinent, from Pakistan in the west to the east of India. In India, the
Moghul Emperor, Akbar, is reputed to have collected some 9,000 animals in his
lifetime. The animals were better captured adult for this purpose, after having learned
to hunt from their mother. By the early 1900s, however, Indian cheetahs had become
so scarce that imports of African animals were required to sustain the princes’ stables,
as there was no success breeding them in captivity . In Iran they are found mainly in
the central shrub steppe, a broad zone of bush and grassland where most of Iran’s
cities are located. In Iran, B. Dareshuri estimates the Iranian population to be fewer
than 50, with the north-eastern province of Khorasan being the stronghold. The
population has declined steeply in recent years; there were said to be over 200
cheetahs in Iran in the mid-1970s. As it is one of the most endangered cat specie in the
world, it is hoped that they will be fully protected in Pakistan, if there is a small
population in Baluchistan. Currently, there is an exploratory expedition going to south
western Balushistan to find more evidence about their occurance. IUCN's Cats
Specialist Group and WWF-Pakistan are cooperating ( all above information from IUCN's Cats
Specialist Group, Natura Magazine WWF-Pakistan and "Mammals of Pakistan", by T.J Roberts. Additional
distribution information from National Geographic Magazine, Dec 1999).
Sightings:
1998: Asiatic cheetah skins confiscated. Illeged to have come from Baluchistan.
1999-2000: IUCN's Asiatic cheetah survey under way to find cheetah population in

Baluchistan
2000-2001: IUCN's Asiatic cheetah survey finds no evidence of Asiatic Cheetah south

of Siahan Range in Baluchistan. First phase completed.
Eurasian Lynx
(Lynx Lynx)
PHOTO CREDIT: Konrad Wothe (Iucn Cats Specialist Group)
Video:
Local name: tsogde (Balti: Baltistan)
The Eurasian lynx is the largest of the lynxes. Adult males weigh on average 21.6 kg
(n=103), while females are slightly smaller at 18.1 kg (n=93). The Eurasian lynx has
relatively long legs, and large feet which provide a “snowshoe effect”, allowing for
more efficient travel through deep snow. In winter, the fur grows very densely on the
bottom of the feet . The coat is greyish, with tint varying from rusty to yellowish. A
bright reddish tint, with profuse spotting, is seen most frequently in the south-western
part of the lynx’s range (southern Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus: Heptner and
Sludskii 1972). Eurasian lynx have long, prominent black ear tufts, and short black-
tipped tails. Lynx activity peaks in the evening and morning hours, with resting
mainly around mid-day and midnight. Eurasian Lynx are capable of killing prey 3-4
times the size of their own weight (all above information from Iucn's Cats Specialist Group). In
pakistan the main prey of Lynx is the young of Ibex, Markhor and the Marcopolo
Sheep, Musk deer, Marmots, Red Fox, Pikas and ground birds.
Lynx are probably found throughout the northern slopes of the Himalayas, and have
been reported both from thick scrub woodland and barren, rocky areas above the
treeline (Roberts 1977). In Pakistan the Eurasian Lynx is found in remote mountanious
regions of the North. It is found in Baltistan, Gilgit, Northern Hunza and Chitral. It is
relatively common in Baltistan, elsewhere is is rare.
Caracal
(Caracal Caracal)
PHOTO CREDIT: Gordon/Howletts and Port Lympne Zoo, Kent
Video:
Local name: Siah Goosh (Urdu), Caracal (Farsi)
The Caracal in appearance resembles the Lynx in having characteristic dark tufts on
its large, pointed ears and is indeed often referred to as the African Lynx or Desert
Lynx, however the caracal is not closely related to the true lynx species. Extending the
visual comparison, the body of the caracal is slimmer and less stocky, its legs are
thinner and its tail longer than the Lynx. It can grow up to 3 feet in body length and
sport a tail about a third of its body size. Its coloration is generally yellowish brown to
a darker red/brown, with the undersides of the cat, areas around the eyes and under the
chin being white. The backs of its ears are black – the name Caracal is derived from
the Turkish word ‘karakulak’, meaning ‘black ear’. Melanistic or all black caracal
have also been reported.
In hunting, the caracal is mainly nocturnal, but will also use the twilight hours to
search out its prey. Diurnal activity has also been observed, specially in the hunting of
bird. For its size the caracal is strong and fast, and as well as taking smaller prey such
as jerboas, sand rat, ground squirrel and rock hyrax, it can also bring down the larger
reedbuck and duiker. Much in the way of the Leopard, the caracal will sometimes
cache its larger prey up in the lower limbs of trees and return to feed on its kill over
several days. The caracal is also well known for using its agility and superior jumping
ability to catch birds just after take-off – here prey species include pidgeons and
guineafowl.
The litter size is usually between 1-6 kittens and they are born after a gestation period
of approximately 71 days. The kittens have a daily weight gain of approximately 21g
per day and although they reach maturity at about 16-18 months of age they are often
independent from about 12 months (All above information from Big Cats Online).
The cat is found in dry savanna and woodland areas, scrubland and rugged terrain in
mountainous regions, where it is known to live up to 3000 metres. Like other cats
found in dry, arid or semi-dessert locations the caracal can survive for long periods
without water, instead obtaining its requirement form the metabolic moisture of its
prey.
In Pakistan the Caracal is rarely seen, because it is rare and nocturnal. The caracal
inhabits the broken hills of Baluchistan and the Deserts of Sind and Punjab. It is found
in the Thal desert, the Cholistan desert in Punjab and the Thar desert in Sind. It is
found in the lower hill ranges of Baluchistan. The Caracal is also found in Attock and
might still be found in Kala Chita hills and the Salt Range.
Jungle Cat
(Felis Chaus)
PHOTO CREDIT: Iucn's Cats Specialist Group
Local name: Jangli Billi (Urdu)
The jungle cat has long legs and a slender build. The fur is generally sandy brown,
reddish or grey, and is unpatterned except for stripes on the legs and occasionally the
throat, which are very light in the south of its range and darker in the north. The
winter coat is darker and denser than in summer. Melanistic individuals are
occasionally reported. Jungle cats have black ear tufts. The tail is relatively short,
averaging about 40% of head-body length. Males are markedly larger than
females (6.1±1.5 kg [n=20] vs. 4.2±1.1 kg [n=12]: Pocock 1951). In captivity, males are very
protective of the cubs, even more so than females, and sexual dimorphism may be
linked to this behavior. Family groups -- male, female and cubs - have been seen in
the wild.
Jungle cats are frequently observed in the daytime. They feed primarily on rodents,
including large rodents. Jungle cats also take hares, birds, reptiles, amphibians,
insects, and the young of larger mammals such as wild pig . They are strong
swimmers, and will dive to catch fish, or to escape when chased by man or dog. One
cat in India, observed hiding in a bush while stalking a group of grey jungle fowl,
appeared to make deliberate clockwise movements of its head, rustling leaves and
attracting the curiousity of the birds (All above information from Iucn's Cats Specialist Group).

The jungle cat, despite its name, is not strongly associated with closed forest, but
rather with water and dense vegetative cover, especially reed swamps, marsh, and
littoral and riparian environments. It is able to satisfy these requirements in a variety
of habitats across a wide geographic area. In sandy and stony desert country
(sometimes with only very sparse shrub cover: Roberts 1977), it occurs along riverbeds.
Jungle cats have adapted well to irrigated cultivation, having been observed in many
different types of agricultural and forest plantations throughout their range, with
sugarcane frequently mentioned in Tropical Asia. Jungle cats are often spotted amidst
human settlement (and are frequently reported to take chickens). Jungle cats have
adapted well to irrigated cultivation, having been observed in many different types of
agricultural and forest plantations in Pakistan. This cat is found through out the
riverine tracts of the Indus and the cultivated and irrigated lands of Punjab and Sind.
This is the most common wild cat in Pakistan.
Fishing Cat
(Prionailurus Viverrinus)
Local name: Mach Billi (Sindhi: Sind)

The fishing cat, with its stocky, powerful build and short legs, was given its Latin
name on account of its rather viverrine or civet-like appearance. Its pelt is olive grey,
and is patterned with rows of parallel solid black spots which often form stripes along
the spine. Its tail is very short for a felid, less than half the body length (TL = 23-21 cm,
37% of head-body length (n=5): Pocock 1939a). Females are markedly smaller (6-7 kg) than
males (11-12 kg). Despite its fishing habits, the fishing cat does not show marked
morphological adaptations to capturing or eating fish. Its claw sheaths are shortened,
so that the claws are not completely enveloped when retracted.
Fishing cats are good swimmers, and have been observed to dive into water after fish,
as well as attempt to scoop them out of water with their paws. Other water-associated
prey are probably taken as well, ranging from crustaceans and molluscs to frogs and
snakes. Fishing cats also prey on rodents, small Indian civet, and wild pig, as well as
domestic goats, calves, dogs and poultry. Roberts (1977) reports that in Pakistan fishing
cats have been seen to catch waterfowl by swimming up to them while fully
submerged and seizing their legs from underneath (all above information from Iucn's Cats
Specialist Group).
Average litter size is 2-3 cubs.
Fishing cats are strongly associated with wetlands. They are typically found in
swamps and marshy areas, oxbow lakes, reed beds, tidal creeks and mangrove areas.
In Pakistan, it is mainly found along the lower reaches of the Indus River, although a
few stragglers penetrate the northeast of the country along the Ravi and and Sutlej
rivers (Roberts 1977). It is found around the swamps and reed beds of Haleji and Kalri
lakes in Lower Sind. In the Indus river basin in Pakistan, fishing cats are probably on
the verge of extinction.
Indian Desert Cat or Wild Cat

(Felis Silvestris Ornata)
Local name: Unknown
The Asiatic Wildcat - also commonly known as the Indian Desert or Asiatic Steppe
Cat - is often thought a closer relation to the African wildcat than to its eastern
neighbour the European wildcat. In coloration the Asiatic cat resembles its African
relation in having lighter coloured greyish yellow fur, although depending on its
location it can sometimes take on more of a sandy/red appearance. The markings,
which usually consist of small dark brown or muddy red spots, sometimes coalescing
into stripes along the back and flanks, are more distinct. In common with other
wildcat species the chin and chest are often white and the tail banded with dark rings
and tipped with black. In size, the Asiatic wildcat is similar to the African species,
although in some areas notably to the east of its range, it is often smaller than its
relatives. . In common with the African wildcat the Asiatic species depends on rodents
to supply the largest proportion of its diet - sand rat and desert gerbil are a common
source of prey which is supplemented by Tolai hare, birds such as sandgrouse and
peafowl (all above information from Big Cat's Online).
The diet also includes hares, young ungulates, birds, insects, lizards and snakes.
Asiatic wildcats rest and den in burrows. They are frequently observed in the daytime.
The average litter size is 2-6 individuals.

Asiatic wildcats are most typically associated with scrub desert. They range up to
2,000-3,000 m in mountain areas with sufficient dense vegetation. Wildcats can be
found near cultivated areas and human settlement. They usually occur in close
proximity to water sources, but are also able to live year-round in waterless desert.
In Pakistan this cat is found in the dry zones of Lower Sind, such as Dadu and Thatta
districts. Further west it is found in Lasbela and Merkan areas. This cat is very rare in
Pakistan. The main threat to this cat is hybridization with domestic cats.
Pakistan Sand Cat

(Felis Margarita Scheffeli)
PHOTO CREDIT: Allan Dregasco (Iucn's Cats Specialist Group)
Video:
Local name: Gorbeh Sheni (Farsi: Iran)
The Sand cat is one of the smallest of all the wild cat species. Its body which is about
the size of a small domestic cat - a male measures up to 57cm and weighs only 3kg.
The coat varies in colour from grey to sandy yellow and is marked irregularly with
indistinct stripy markings - the legs are often banded with horizontal dark stripes.
Characteristic dark reddish/drown markings appear on the cheeks and to the side of
the eyes as well as covering the rear of the ears - the chin and throat of the sand cat are
white.
The sand cat’s body is well adapted to cope with the extremes of its environment - its
thick fur is of medium length and acts as insulation against the extreme cold of the
desert nights and its feet and pads are covered with long hair which protect them from
the heat of the desert surface and give it extra support needed in moving across the
soft, shifting sands. The distinctive triangular ears of the sand cat, which are large in
proportion to the rest of the cats head are particularly sensitive. Sound does not travel
well across vast expanses of sandy terrain and it is thought that an enlarged auditory
bulla (part of the inner ear) and over sized pinnae (ear flaps) aid the cat in hearing the
movements of its common prey both above and below ground. The sand cats acute
hearing may also play a part in communication between male and female prior to
mating and in establishing territoriality - the male has a particularly loud barking call
which may well serve to advertise the males position across large expanses of desert
terrain.
The sand cat is solitary and nocturnal in its hunting. During the extreme heat of the
day the cat will often sleep under rough scrub vegetation or more commonly in a
shallow burrow dug into the sand or in a hollow in between rocks or sandy boulders.
At sunset the cat will become active, moving away from its den in search of prey at
the onset of darkness. The extent of the sand cats prey species is uncertain, however
its is known to include small rodents such as gerbil and jerboas, insects, reptiles,
including venomous desert snakes and birds. Caching of larger prey has been
observed - the sand cat using loose sand to cover its kill. It is probable that as well as
taking prey on the surface, sand cats may also use there strong fore limbs to dig into
the burrows of certain species of diurnal gerbil. Interestingly, and again by way of
adapting to its environment the sand cat can live without drinking water, instead
obtaining all the fluid it requires from its prey.
In the wild it has been observed that the young sand cat develops rapidly and become
independent at a relatively early age. The litter size can range between 1-8 kittens
(normally 4-5) and are born after a gestation period of approximately 62 days. The
kittens have a daily weight gain of approximately 12g per day and reaches maturity at
about 14 months of age (all above information from Big Cats Online).

As its name implies the sand cat is commonly found in sandy desert areas. Despite
early reports that the sand cat population of Baluchistan’s Chagai desert was
devastated by commercial collectors within 10 years after foreign collectors became
aware of its existence (Roberts 1977, Hemmer 1977), more recent information indicates that
the sand cat still occurs widely in the area (above information from Iucn). But, still the Sand
Cat is rare in Pakistan and is only found in the Chagai desert in South west
Baluchistan. The Pakistan Sand Cat is considered endangered and will not survive
until stronger wildlife laws are put in to place to stop it's export from Pakistan.
Leopard Cat
(Prionailurus bengalensis)
PHOTO CREDIT: Shigeki Yasuma
Local name: Chita Billi (Urdu)
Broadly speaking the leopard cat is a little larger than a big domestic cat and has a
base fur colour that ranges from yellow/brown to grey/brown, found mostly in the
north of its range. The underparts, chest and lower head are usually white as is a large
spot which is commonly found on the back of the otherwise black ears. In varying
intensity, depending on the sub-species the leopard cat is covered with medium to
large dark brown to black spots which often coalesce into solid stripes on the top of
the back and thin stripe markings on the top and side of the head ( all above information
from Big Cats Online).
Rodents form the principal prey. The diet also includes young ungulates, hares, birds,
reptiles, insects, eels and fish, as well as occasional carrion. Although often described
as primarily nocturnal, Leopard Cats are active in the day time as well (all above
information from Iucn's Cats Specialist Group) .
The average litter size is 2-3 individuals.
The Leopard Cat occurs in a broad spectrum of habitats, from tropical rainforest to
temperate broadleaf and, marginally, coniferous forest, as well as shrub forest and
successional grasslands. The northern boundaries of its range are limited by snow
cover; the leopard cat avoids areas where snow is more than 10 cm deep. It is not
found in the cold steppe grasslands, and generally does not occur in arid zones,
although there are a few records from relatively dry and treeless areas in
Pakistan(Roberts 1977). Leopard cats usually live in proximity to a water source, and can
occupy refuge strips of riverine forest in areas. Leopard cats can live close to rural
settlements, occasionally raiding poultry.
In Pakistan this cat is found in the Murree hills and the Kaghan valley. It is also found
in Azad Kashmir. Further West it is found in Swat, Dir, and lower Gilgit. It might be
found in Chitral as well.
Pallas Cat
(Otocolobus Manul)
PHOTO CREDIT: Birmingham Zoo
Video:
Local name: psk kuhey (Dari: Afghanistan)
Peter Pallas, who first described the manul, erroneously suggested that it was the
ancestor of the long-haired Persian breeds of domestic cat, because of its long fur,
stocky build and flattened face. The hair on its underparts and tail is nearly twice as
long as on the top and sides. Like the snow leopard, this presumably helps keep the
animal warm when it hunts on snow, cold rock or frozen ground. The background
color of its fur varies from grey in the north of its range to fox-red in some parts of the
south (Roberts 1977), although greyish animals are also found in the south. The hairs
have white tips, producing a silvery, frosted appearance in all but the reddest
specimens. The body is compact, with short legs marked with indistinct black bands,
and a thick, short, black-tipped tail. Weight ranges from 2-4.5 kg. The forehead is
patterned with small black spots. Its ears are small and rounded and set low on the
sides of the head. The auditory bullae are enlarged, similar to those of the sand cat.
The barking call of the manul is similar also to that of the sand cat and, likewise, the
low profile of its head is an adaptation to hunting in open country where there is little
cover.
One cat in Baluchistan, Pakistan, was found feeding on chukor partridge (Roberts 1977).
Other prey includes Gerbils, Voles, Pikas and small birds. Manuls are generally
crepuscular, being most frequently encountered at dusk or in early morning,. They den
in small caves and rock crevices, and may take refuge in the burrows of other animals
such as marmots, foxes and badgers. Tame manuls hunting for rodents caught not
only animals running on the surface, but also successfully ambushed them by hiding
near exits of burrows, using their paws to fish out the inhabitants when the holes were
shallow enough (all above information from Iucn's Cats Specialist Group).
The manul is adapted to cold arid environments, but is relatively specialized in its
habitat requirements. It is found in stony alpine desert and grassland habitats, but is
generally absent from lowland sandy desert basins, although it may penetrate these
areas along river courses. The small southern populations in Baluchistan, isolated
from the main population, occur in montane juniper steppe (Roberts 1977). This cat is
also found in Baltistan, but there is no information about its status there. This cat is
rare in Pakistan.
( Hyaena Hyaena )
PHOTO CREDIT: Nirmal Gosh
Local name: Lhagar Bhagar, Charag (Urdu)
Size:
Body Length: 1 meter

Shoulder Height: 65-80 cm
Weight: 25 to 45 kg
Description: Stripped Hyena are a long-haired hyena with large, pointed ears. They
are gray to straw-colored with a black muzzle and black stripes on their head, torso,
and legs. The striped hyena can erect the long hair on its mane and appear 38%
bigger, which it does when it feels threatened. Males and females do not differ in
average height or length, but males do tend to be slightly heavier.
Reproduction: Breeding is nonseasonal, beginning at two to three years. One to six

cubs are born per litter, after a 88-92 day gestation. No detailed studies of sexual
behavior in the striped hyena have been published. Based on observations in captivity,
estrus lasts one day, with the female mating several times at 15-25 minute intervals
throughout the day. The mother brings food to the den for her cubs after they are one
month old, but continues to nurse for approximately 12 months.
Social Behavior: The striped hyena is generally considered solitary, but has some
social organization. It forages individually and is rarely seen in groups. It does,
however, associate in small family groups at the den. Immature family members will
help feed younger siblings by bringing food back to the den. Vocal communication is
not highly developed. It consists mainly of soft growls and other sounds used during
intraspecific encounters. Territoriality is not a prominent feature in striped hyena
behavior, but does exist to some extent. Dens are often used merely for short periods
of time, and therefore rarely need to be defended. In some areas, however, anal-gland
marks and latrines have been found near feeding sites and well-used pathways.
Submissiveness in a social encounter is shown by presentation of the anal gland. First,
the hyenas sniff noses, followed by anogenital sniffing. Immature young display
submission to adults, and one adult will often display to another upon meeting, with
the second adult reciprocating. Fighting consists of ritualized wrestling matches, each
hyena attempting to grab the other around the cheek region while attempting to evade
or break the other's cheek hold. The loser of the competition displays submission by
the anal presentation. The striped hyena is not a favored prey species of any predator.
Diet: The striped hyena is predominantly a scavenger; its diet consisting mainly of

carrion and human refuse. It scavenges large and medium-sized mammals, such as
zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and impalas, even eating bones from carcasses if the
meat has been picked off. It supplements its diet with fruit, insects, and occasionally
by killing small animals like hare, rodents, reptiles, and birds. The striped hyena
forages principally at night,individually travelling throughout its home range
searching for food in no apparent pattern. Travelling speeds average 2-4 km/h,
occasionall increasing to 8 km/h when trotting. Wind direction is not used to
determine direction of travel, but the striped hyena will respond quickly to the scent of
carrion brought by the wind. It also visits established food sites, such as garbage
dumps around human settlements, fruit trees, and temporary site of large kills. Water
is consumed every night if it is available, but the striped hyena can survive without
water for long periods and live under desert conditions (all above information from "Animal
Diversity Web," University of Michigan).

The Stripped Hyena lives in arid, mountainous regions with scrub woodland. It dens
in rocky hills, ravines, and crevices. In Pakistan the Stripped Hyena is mainly found in
all the major hill ranges of Baluchistan and Sind Kohistan. It appears to be uncommon
in Baluchistan and rare in Sind. The Stripped Hyena definitely occurs in the Kirthar
mountain range in Sind, but is is considered rare. It is considered common around the
hill ranges surrounding Quetta city in Baluchistan. The Stripped Hyena is extremely
rare in Punjab, with only a couple of sightings around Lahore and the border with
India. It was considered common in Dera Ghazi Khan and Dera Ismail Khan, but is
now very rare in these regions. In N.W.F.P, the Stripped Hyena occurs in Attock
district and is also found in Mardan (all above information from "The Mammals of Pakistan," T.J.
Roberts).

The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, did a study in 2001 to determine the
abundance and distribution of the striped hyena in the Kirthar National Park (KNP),
Pakistan. Very little is known about this species, its population and ecological
requirements, with the last recorded sighting of these animals in Kirthar, Pakistan
being in 1977. This paucity of knowledge is likely to hamper any attempt to conserve
it.
The KNP in southern Pakistan covers an area of approximately 3078 km2 providing
refuge to a range of rare and endangered fauna as well as housing a human population
of 10,500 people. The eastern half of the park was surveyed in three sections through
the use of: baited soil plots, road soil plots, bait aided spotlighting, night observations,
tracking spoor and direct observations. Anecdotal information about the hyena was
also obtained from talking with local villagers.
Over a four-week study period, from the 10/01/2001 till 9/02/2001, no animals were
seen, however baited and road soil plots proved successful with both spoor size and
direction of travel being recorded. Hyenas unlike other canids have four toes on both
front and hind feet. The front foot is also distinctly larger than the hind foot making
their spoor easily distinguishable from other large carnivores such as the caracal (Felis
caracal) or Asiatic jackal (Canis aureus) in the area. Through these recordings and the
tracking of spoor, the abundance of the striped hyenas was determined for the eastern
half of the KNP.
The results indicate that approximately eight hyenas were found on the eastern side of
the KNP. Anecdotal information given by the villagers indicates that poaching of
hyenas was still ongoing and that the population was decreasing in size within the
boundaries of the national park. There is no current management plan for the striped
hyena in Pakistan. It is therefore critical that a management plan be developed and
implemented as soon as possible to preserve the remaining population of striped
hyena in the KNP.

Judging from the information available, this scavenger should be considered
uncommon in Pakistan ( Conservation of the Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena)in the Khirthar National
Park: A Pilot Study, Sylvie Veninga University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, PO Box 909, Gatton, QLD4343.) .
Markhor
( Capra Falconeri )

PHOTO CREDIT: www.SAMWONLINE.com
Local name: Markhor (Urdu)
4 Subspecies:
Flared horned Markhor:
 C. f. cashmirensis (Pir Panjal or Kashmir markhor),
 C. f. falconeri (Astor markhor)
Straight horned Markhor:
 C. f. jerdoni (Suleiman or straight-horned markhor)

 C. f. megaceros (Kabul or Kabal markhor)
Size:
Body Length: 132-186 cm / 4.4-6.2 ft.
Shoulder Height: 65-115 cm / 2.1-3.8 ft.
Tail Length: 8-20 cm / 3.2-8 in.
Weight: 32-110 kg / 70-242 lb.
Description: The most distinctively-horned member of the genus Capra, the markhor

was officially described in 1839 by Wagner. In Pakistan 4 distinct subspecies are
found. These are the Kashmir Markhor (C. f. cashmirensis) , Astor Markhor (C. f. falconeri ),
The Kabul Markhor ( C. f. megaceros) and The Suleiman Markhor (C. f. jerdoni ). These are
differentiated mainly by the shape of their horns. The Kashmir and Astor Markhor
have flared spiral horns, while the Suleiman and Kabul Markhor have straight spiral
horns. The grizzled light brown to black coat is smooth and short in summer, growing
longer and thicker in winter. Males have long hair on the chin, throat, chest, and
shanks, while females have smaller fringes. The lower legs have a black and white
pattern. The tightly curled, corkscrew-like horns are present in both sexes,starting
close together at the head, but spreading towards the tips. In males, they can grow up
to 160 cm /64 inches long, and up to 25 cm / 10 inches in females.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 135-170 days. Young per Birth: 1 or 2, rarely 3.

Mating occurs during winter, with the subsequent births occuring from late April to
early June. Sexual Maturity: At 18-30 months.
Social Behavior: The markhor is mainly active in the early morning and late
afternoon. During the spring and summer months it is a grazer, while in the winter it
turns to browse for nourishment. Markhor often stand on their hind legs in order to
reach high vegetation. Population densities in Pakistan range from 1-9 animals per
square kilometer. During the rut males fight for breeding rights. These competitions
involve lunging and locking the horns, followed by the combatants twisting and
pushing in an attempt to make the other lose his balance. The markhor's alarm call
resembles the nasal "a" populalarized by the common domestic goat. Females and
young live in herds of around 9 animals, adult males are usually solitary.
Diet: Grasses, leaves. The name markhor is derived from the Persian mar, a snake,
and khor, eating. This is a very peculiar name, as they are vegetarians, though they
have been known to kill snakes. (all above information from "The Ultimate Ungulate Page" by Brent
Huffman, WWF/WCMC and "Mammals of Pakistan," T.J Roberts).
The Markhor mainly inhabits the sparsely wooded mountainous regions in Northern
and Western Pakistan, at an elevation of 600-3,600 m / 1,900-11,500 ft. The total
world population is mainly found in Pakistan. Today, Markhor are present in around
20 of Pakistan's protected areas. In the northern mountanious regions is found the
Kashmir and Astor Markhor. The Kashmir Markhor (C. f. cashmirensis ) is mainly
confined to Chitral Gol National Park and presents the biggest population in Pakistan.
Poaching has been successfully controlled and now there are over 500 Markhor in
Chitral Gol National Park. The Kashmir Markhor is also found in areas of Gilgit and
Azad Kashmir. The Astor Markhor (C. f. falconeri) is mainly confined to the higher hill
ranges of Gilgit, Hunza and Nanga Parbat. The only good population is in the Kargah
Nullah and Naltar, near Gilgit. The Kargah Nullah might have a total population of 50
Markhors. Current population estimates are less than 2,500 to 3,000 for the flared
horned markhor in Pakistan (Hess et al. 1997).
Further south in the higher hill ranges of N.W.F.P and Baluchistan are found the
Kabul and Sulaiman Markhor. Both these subspecies have straight spiral horns. The
Kabul Markhor is critically endangered and is mainly confined to some hills around
Peshawar and the border with Afghanistan. The population is mainly in the low 100s.
The Sulaiman Markhor is confined to the Sulaiman hill range in Baluchistan. The
Torghar Reserve (an area of approximately 1,500 square kilometers (sq. km.)) is
privately owned by Sardar Naseer Tareen, and contains the main population of the
Sulaiman Markhor. Results of field surveys conducted in 1985, 1994 and 1997
indicate that the Torghar Hills population of straight-horned markhor has increased
substantially since the mid-1980s when fewer than 100 animals were thought to be
present. In 1994 the markhor population was estimated to be approximately 700
animals (Johnson 1997), and in 1997 the population was estimated to be
approximately 1,300 animals (Frisina et al. 1998). This population increase has been
due to a virtual elimination of unauthorized hunting that has been accomplished
through a private conservation initiative, the Torghar Conservation Project (the
Project), which was started in 1985. This subspecies is also found around the hill
ranges of Quetta and Ziarat.
The Markhor is a highly-valued trophy species. A single trophy license is sold for as
much as $18, 000. Recently, the Pakistani Government has started issuing 2-3 licenses
each year for trophy hunting. Money from this trophy hunting goes for the welfare of
the local community. Despite this illegal hunting goes unchecked. The decade long
war and civil war in Afghanistan has resulted in the influx of sophisticated weapons in
Pakistan. Abundance of weapons available under these circumstances has led to many
populations being hunted to extinction or near extinction. Because the cliffs the
species inhabits are scattered throughout its range, the Markhor has probably always
had a discontinuous distribution. As populations are exterminated or severely reduced
by man, there is little chance of these areas being recolonised by other Markhor. The
populations become ever more scattered and diminished. In parts of their range the
Markhor also face competition from domestic goats and other livestock for limited
food supplies. Much of the region where they live has been degraded by overgrazing,
leading to a serious risk of erosion. There is also the possibility that the Markhor will
hybridise with feral goats, leading to dilution of stock and the loss of pure-bred
populations of the species.
Himalayan or Siberian Ibex

( Capra Ibex Sibirica )

PHOTO CREDIT: Feng Gang

Local name: unknown (Urdu)
Size:
Shoulder Height: 95cm-101.7cm
Weight: 85-88 kg / 188-193 lb.
Description: The Ibex are somewhat heavy bodied and thick set even when compared
to the other wild goat species, and have short sturdy legs. Mature males have a much
paler body colouring with predominantly white or creamy hairs on the flank and rump
when in winter coat. Females and young males are a reddish-tan or almost a golden
colour in summer coat with a greyer-brown appearance in winter, due to an admixture
of white hairs. Older males have a rich chocolate-brown colour in summer with
circular patches of yellowish-white hair in the mid-dorsal and rump regions. The
winter coat is dense thick and whoolly and cracks like the fleece of domestic seep.
The underwool of the Ibex, has long been prized for producing the softest and most
luxurious quality of wool called "Pashm". In both sexes there is a thick woolly beard.
Both sexes have a mid dorsal dark brown stripe running from the shoulder to the tip of
the tail. The Himalayan Ibex can be seperated from the Alpine population by the horn
shape which, in adult males, grows much longer, curving round to form three-quarters
of a complete arc and tapering to relatively slender points. The horns of an adult male
are large and impressive despite the bulk of the animal and measure average 101.6cm
(40 in). Unlike other wild goats there is no distinct white carpal patch on the fore-leg.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 155 to 170 days. Young per Birth: 1, but twins are
also common. The young are born from May or early June. Weaning: Between four
and five months of age. Life span:10-12 years.
Social Behavior: The Himalayan Ibex is gregarious like all wild goats. Young males,
females and their followers normally associate in small herds varying from seven or
eight upto thirty individuals. Feeding activity appears to be confined largely to early
morning and late afternoon even in fairly remote regions.
Diet: Winter feeding conditions are harsh due to heavy rainfall and Ibex have to dig
for grasses, bushes, mosses (all above information from "The Mammals of Pakistan" by T.J Roberts).

Confined to the relatively arid mountain ranges of the inner-Himalayas, living well
above the tree line only in the higher more precipitous regions. They occur from about
3,660m to over 5,000m in Pakistan, but are sometimes seen crossing valleys below
2,135m. The Himalayan Ibex is widespread in the higher mountain ranges of Baltistan
in Karakoram Range, the Harmosh Range, and the Deosai. They are considered
plentiful in Khunjerab National Park, Gilgit, Yasin and Hunza. Wegge (1998), who
surveyed the Khunjerab National Park for IUCN, estimated the total population of
ibex within the area to be more than 2,000 animals, which works out at about one
animal per sq. km. Himalayan Ibex are also found in Northern Chitral. Small
populations are also found in Chilas and the slopes of Malika Parbat in Hazara. Some
are also found in Azad Kashmir. Baltistan and Hunza are undoubtly the strongholds of
the Himalayan Ibex in the region today. The survival of the Himalayan Ibex is not so
threatened in Pakistan largely due to the inaccessibility of its habit provided by the
very extensive concentration of high mountain ranges where it lives . (all above
information from "The Mammals of Pakistan" by T.J Roberts).

Sind Wild Goat or Persian Pasang

( Capra Hircus Aegagrus )

PHOTO CREDIT: Sindh Wildlife Department

Local name: Sarah (Sindhi: Sind)
Size:
Body Length: 1.3-1.4m / 52in from nose to tip of tail.
Shoulder Height: 85-95cm / 33.5-37.5in.
Tail Length: 12-15cm / 4.75-5.75in.
Weight: 45-90kg / 99-200lb.
Description: Sind Ibex are rather stocky animals with thick-set bodies and strong
limbs terminating in broad hooves. Female and young males, till their second winter,
are yellowish-brown variying to reddish-grey with a darker brown mid-dorsal line
extending from between the shoulders to the base of the tail. Mature males are
spectacularly beautiful, with long sweeping scimitar shaped horns over 102cm (40in)
in length and almost silver white bodies offset by a sooty grey chest, throat and face.
The extent of white hairs in the hind neck and body region of males increases with
age. The hair in summer coat is short and coarse and even in adult males is more
reddish-buff in colour. Males have shorth beards, but females lack any beard. The
belly and outside of the lower limbs, beard annd forepart of the face vary from balck
to deep chestnut-brown in mature males. There is also a conspicuous black stripe in
adult males, running from the wothers down the front of the shoulders and merging
with the black chest. Older males have a dark face pattern. The horns are strongly
keeled in front, sweeping upwards and outwards witht the tips generally diverging.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 150 to 155 days. Young per Birth: 1, but twins are
common. Mating occurs between October and December, with the young being born
from April to May. Weaning: After seven to eight months. Sexual Maturity: At 3
years.
Social Behavior: This wild goat is gregarious, and if undisturbed will congregate in

fairly large herds. The older male associate with such herds but generally keep
together, often on the periphery of the main band. Where disturbed, they are much
more wary and ascend into inaccessible crags very early in the morning, emerging
again just before dusk. During the hottest part of the year, they lie up more
extensively during the day and may graze a considerable part of the night. Wild goats
have a wonderfull sense of balance and can make a standing leap 1.75m (5-6ft)
upwards on a seemingly vertical rock surface. They appear almost slow and deliberate
when traversing rock faces but can slide without injury down almost perpendicular
rock faces with drops as much as 4-6m. When challenging another male these wild
goats frequently stand up on their hind legs and at the same time bend their head to
one side before charging forward and clashing their horns.
Diet: The will browse the leaves and bushes as well as small shrubs and forbes. Many
observers believe that they can exist indefinitely without drinking water (all above
information from " The Mammals of Pakistan" by T.J Roberts).
Wild goats can survive almost at sea level and in fact do so in some of the remorter
cliffs around Ormara. They inhabit mountain crests up to 3, 350m. Wild goats are
found in all the higher and more extensive mountian ranges of southern Baluchistan
from the Mekran coastal range at Pasni right across Sindh Kohistan and the Kirthar
Range in the east. They are also found in Kalat. There is a game reserve for ibex in the
Hingol Range in central Mekran. The biggest population of this wild goat is in Kirthar
National Park in southern Sind. There have been many census carried out and Sind
Wildlife Department puts the total number in Kirthar National Park at around 4,000
( Kirthar National Park guidebook ). A helicopter survey conducted in November 2000 by the
staff of the Sindh Wildlife Department, Zoological Survey Department and the
University of Melbourne yielded estimates of the total populations of the Sindh ibex
at 13,155 ± 2460, and concentrated on the Khirthar Range, with lower concentrations
on Khambu and Dumbar and small numbers elsewhere. (all above information from " The
Mammals of Pakistan" by T.J Roberts and "Baseline Environmental Study of Kirthar National Park", Sind
Wildlife Department ).
Chiltan Wild Goat

( Capra Aegagrus Chialtanensis )
PHOTO CREDIT: Zeeshan Mirza (WWF-Pakistan)
Local name: Chiltan Markhor (Urdu)
Description: Described as a distinct subspecies by Lydekker in 1913, this wild goat

was well known to local hunters and sportsmen even before this date and several
writers had suggested that it might be a hybrid between the Straight-Horned Markhor
and the Persian Pasang. This proposed classification was based upon the unique
twisted shape of the horns with flattened keel flaring outwards in older males. Schaller
(1975 and 1980) studied the Chiltan population and considered that it was not a
Markhor but a Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus) based upon the following evidence 1) The
horns of the Chiltan Goat have a sharp keel in front as in C.aegagrus, not at the back
as in the Markhor. 2) The pelage of adult males lacks any chest ruff with a tendency to
silvery grey hairs on the body and a darker mid-dorsal line and also darker sternum
with dark shoulder stripes, all features resembling C.aegagrus not C.falconeri. 3) A
cross section of the bony horn core of the Chiltan Goat resembles that of C.aegagrus,
not of C.falconeri.
The females of Chiltan Wild Goats are more or less indistinguishable from female
Markhor of the C.f.jerdoni population. They are reddish-grey in color with a dark
brown mid-dorsal stripe from shoulder to rump and creamy-white legs bearing
conspicuous dark brown pattern on the fore part of the shank with a white knee
(carpal) patch, and the dark brown spreading around the base of the fetlock. The
males, as they reach their third or fourth winter, have an increasing amount of white
and grey hairs in the mid dorsal and shoulder regions. Some adult males show varying
amounts of black hairs on the lower chest or sternum, as well as a darker shoulder
stripe as in C.aegagrus. They also lack any ruff of hairs on the chest, but so does the
Baluchistan population of C.falconeri jerdoni. Such a marking lends support to the
argument that the Chiltan Goat has a closer relationship with C.aegagrus than
C.f.jerdoni. The horns are the most striking feature in adult males. Quite unlike the
adjacent population of C.f.jerdoni with its tightly twisted corkscrew spiral, they are
intermediate in shape between those of the Markhor and Wild Goat (Persian Pasang).
They normally have just under one complete spiral, being strongly keeled and
flattened in cross section like the horns of C.aegagrus. A good head of the Chiltan
Markhor rarely measures more than 73.6cm(29in) measured over the curve.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 160 days. Young per Birth: Twins appear to occur
quite frequently. The rut starts slightly earlier however, commencing from mid-
October and females probably come into oestrus at the beginning of November, with
the young being born from the end of March to early April.
Social Behavior: This wild goat is gregarious and diurnal in feeding and have similar
habits to the Straight-horned Markhor.
Diet: They will browse the leaves and bushes as well as small shrubs and forbes. (all
above information from " The Mammals of Pakistan" by T.J Roberts) .
The Chiltan Wild Goat is endemic to Pakistan and is listed as critically endangered in
the IUCN Red Data book. The Chiltan Goat was restricted in the early 1970s to four
or five populations around Quetta, the main one being on the Chiltan range itself. This
population was estimated to number about 200 in 1975 by Schaller and Mirza, who
actually counted 168 individuals. The Hazar Ganji National Park was established in
1980 and rigid protection for the first decade enabled the wild goats to increase to an
estimated 480 animals in 1990. Recent population estimates done by WWF-Pakistan
in 1997 have put the number of the Chiltan Goat at around 800. Due to the park's
proximity to Quetta city, poaching had hitherto always been a major problem. During
1992, Marri tribal groups who had migrated to Afghanistan returned to Pakistan
because of the effects of the civil war in the formaer country. They were temporarily
settled by the Government of Baluchistan on the lower slopes adjacent to the Chiltan
range. This had a disastrous effect on the natural vegetation and surviving scrub forest
cover, and on the wildlife within the National Park.
According to reliable accounts of local hunters in Quetta, substantiated by horns of a

male specimen shot from that part, a very small remnant population survives in the
Murdar hills and this may be as few as twelve to fifteen individuals.(all above information
from " The Mammals of Pakistan" by T.J Roberts).
Marco Polo Sheep

( Ovis Ammon Polii )
PHOTO CREDIT: Zack Skochko (wildsheep.org)
Local name: Rusch (Wakhi: Northern Hunza)
Size:
Shoulder Height: 110-122cm / 43.5-48in.
Weight: 113.5-140kg / 250-308lb.
Description: Within Pakistan territory only the Marcopolo subspecies of the Argali

occurs. It is recognized by the very long outward curving horns, developed in the
mature males. An aged ram is surely one of the most impressive representatives of the
entire order Artiodactyla, being not only the bearer of massive spiralling horns which
can span a man's outstretched arms, but also being almost twice the height and size of
most other wild or domestic sheep.
In summer the hair on the body is short and coarse and of a sandy-reddish colour with
the face and breast having an admixture of grey and white hairs. The legs and belly
are creamy-white without any darker pattern on the frontal part of the shin such as is
found in the goats or the Bharal. In winter, because of thicker underwool, the animal
looks bulkier and slightly greyer, with much white about the neck and chest in old
rams. Not surprisingly, the neck in rams tends to be heaver and muscular. The tail is
short and not bushy and in both sexes the legs appear relatively long and slender when
compared with the wild goats. There is more extensive white area in the caudal region
as compared to the Urial. There is no long-haired chest ruff in the rams as in various
races of Urial.
In a mature ram, the horns curve outwards describing more than a complete arc, their
distal quarter or third, forming another turn. They are broad and massive at their base.
In 1967 a 137cm(54in) had was shot in Pakistan by Captain Gauhar Ayub on the
Khunjerab Pass in Hunza.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 5.5 months. Young per Birth: Single or occasional

twin lambs being born in May and June. Rut: The rut is well marked and of short
duration as in all wild sheep. The rut takes place later in November and even
extending to early December. Life Span: around 13 years.
Social Behavior: This is a gregarious species, generally congregating in herds of a

dozen up to over a hundred individuals. These herds consist of females with their sub-
adult young and immature males. Outside the rutting season mature rams live in small
bands of two or three, rarely up to five or six occurring together. They confine their
feeding activity to a few hours just after dawn and again become active in the evening.
During the middle of the day they retreat to some higher boulder-strewn ridge where
they lie down and chew the cud. They have etremely keen eyesight and sense of smell
and are always very wary and difficult to approach. When danger threatens flocks
tend to bunch together, and both sexes have been observed to stamp their feet and
after running some distance away to again stop and turn to face the danger. Apart
from the grunting call emitted by rams in combat, lambs also call their mothers with a
typically "merrhing" call when they lose contact.
Diet: They graze mainly on the scattered bunches of coarse grass. In the northern part
of Hunza in winter they feed on the scattered clumps of wild onions. (all above information
The Marco Polo sheep is an inhabitant of very high mountain plateau regions subject
to severly cold winds and rather arid climatic conditions throughout the year.
Currently, Marco Polo sheep has a very limited spatial and temporal distribution in
Pakistan. It is confined to probably at most, three remnant populations in the
northwestern part of Hunza district along the Chinese border. Here, between spring
and autumn, it occupies two sperate valleys in the noethwest section of Khunjerab
National Park, and also inhabits the Kilik-Mintaka border area, just west of the
National Park. Schaller et al. (1987) found no sign of this argali on the Chinese side of
Khunjerab pass , and suggested that the population of the Khunjerab area was
isolated.
Rasool gives a population number of 300 for Khunjerab NP in 1976, and between July
1978 and March 1981, his estimates of monthly population numbers vary between
zero and 160. Numbers in Khunjerab NP are reported to have been declining rapidly
over the last 10 years, with only 20 reported in 1988. However , no animals were
observed in the Park after the 1988 sighting until a herd of 45 was seen in July 1991.
In 1992, locals reported that between six and 60 argali may use Khunjerab NP in
winter. The size of the population in the Kilik-Mintaka area is not know because
locals had prohibited wildlife officials from entering the area, but reports in 1991
indicate all animals may have been shot.
Construction and opening of the Karakoram Highway has been a major factor in the
rise of poaching for this argali. Competition for forage, created by the presence of an
estimated 700 feral yaks and at least 3,000 domestic goats and sheep in the Karchanai
Nullah of Khunjerab NP, is an increasing problem that local park officials are unable
to deal with. Marco Polo sheep is probably the most endangered of Pakistan's wild
sheep and goats, and unless action is taken immediately they will probably become
extinct. (all above information from Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan for Caprinae "Wild Sheep
and Goats and their Relatives", IUCN/SSC 1997)
Urial Sheep
( Ovis Vignei )
PHOTO CREDIT: Ghulam Ali Awan
Local name: Urial (Punjab) Gad (Baluchistan) Shapu (Northern Areas)
3 Subspecies:
 Ovis. vignei. cycloceros (Afghan Urial)

 Ovis. vignei. punjabiensis (Punjab Urial)
 Ovis. vignei. vignei (Ladakh Urial)
Size:
Shoulder Height: 76.15-91.5cm / 30-36in.
Horn Lenght: 63.5-105.5cm / 25-41.5in.
Description: Similar to the Marco Polo Sheep in general body proportions and

colouring but averaging considerably smaller in size with shorter, less massive horns.
The face is generally greyish, the long slender legs and belly are creamy-white and the
body fur is a reddis-grey colour. There is no extensive white area in the caudal region.
The tail is always the same color as teh dorsal hair and lacks any longer hair or
terminal tuft. The sub-orbital glands are deep and conspicuous often exurding a
viscous substance which mats the hair. The iris is pale yellowich-grey with the retina
contracting to a horizontal slot.
Adult rams develop a conspicuous chest ruff of long straight coarse hairs which starts
at the angle of the jaws and termintes abruptly between the forelegs. This ruff is
predominantly white in the throat region and black as it extends down to the sternum.
In summer moult this ruff is much shorter but still conspicuous. Females have slender
upward curving horns about 12.7cm(5in) long. The horns in mature of mature rams
are comparatively slender and angular when contrasted with other wild sheep species
but they describe a very symmetrical arc when viewed from the side and curve out
widely from the body, so that it is a strinking looking animal especially if encountered
in the first rays of the morning sun, when its coat glows an almost pinkish-red color
and the black chest-ruff stands out in sharp contrast. Older rams also develop traces of
a greyish-white saddle mark in the winter coat.
O.vignei.vignei body fur tends to be more greyish in winter and less red. The chest
ruff is comparatively short with black hairs predominating. The horns turn markedly
inwards at their tips and often the wrinkles or corrugations are rather shallow and
indistinct. O.vignei.cycloceros tends to have a longer, more luxuriantly developed
neck ruff. The body fur is reddish and the saddle mark in males is generally very
indistinct or lacking. The rams have horns which often develop more than a complete
arc when viewed from the side with the tips bending slightly outwards. O.vigei.
punjabiensis tend to be smaller and stokier in build compared with the Afghan sub-
species and mature rams develop a conspicuous saddle mark in the form of a vertical
band of mixed black and white hairs. The Punjab urial often has horns which are more
massive at their base than the Afghan population but these never vurve round in more
than a complete arc.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 150-180 days. Young per Birth: Single or

occasional twin lambs being born in mid-April to early May in Punjab and often as
early as late March in Kirthar Range in Sind. Rut: Rams show no sign of sexual
interest or rut until their third autumn when they are two and a half years of age.
Sexual Maturity: At 4-5 years. Life Span: 10-11 years.
Social Behavior: Like the Marco Polo sheep, Urial are gregarious and the biggest
herds consist of associations of female with their followers and immature males.
Feeding activity is confined to the early morning and evening in the summer months,
often commencing well before dawn. During the day they rest, usually under an
overhanging bush or rock where they are well concealed. Their sight, hearing ans
sense of smell are all acutely developed. They are excessively wary, depending upon
early detection of approaching danger and flight for their survival.
Diet: Their preferred food is grasses. They will in time of fodder scarcity, browse the
leaves of Acacia Modesta and sometimes pink mucilaginous fruits. (all above information
In Baluchistan and Waziristan, the Urial inhabits the gentler slopes of the higher
mountain ranges and will occur up to 2,750m(9,000ft). In the Salt range and the
Southern North West Frontier Province they are typically associated with lower
elevation rounded stony stony hills dotted with wild olive. In the extreme northern and
inner Himalayan ranges, the Shapu is associated with barren treeless regions in the
lower foothills. They avoid steep precipitous regions in all cases and are usually found
in regions with deep erosion gullies which afford them some cover, interspersed with
relatively smooth boulder-strewn slopes.
In Pakistan, the Afghan urial is found in Baluchistan, North West Frontier (NWFP),
and Sindh Provinces. No total population census based on surveys is available.
Perhaps 2,500 - 3,000 animals lived in Baluchistan (HESS et al. 1997, after
ROBERTS 1985). According to ROBERTS (1997), the population in Baluchistan
Province is comprised of small, isolated populations on a number of mountain ranges.
The Torghar Hills area in the Toba Kakar Range north of Quetta, Baluchistan appears
to be a stronghold. Afghan urial were surveyed in the 950 km2 Torghar Conservation
Project (TCP) area in 1994 and 1997. In 1994, JOHNSON (1997b) counted 189 urial
in five survey blocks within the TCP area. In 1997, FRISINA et al. (1998) counted 47
urial in three of the same blocks counted in 1994. Extrapolating from these survey
areas, JOHNSON (1997b) estimated a total population of 1,173 urial in the 950 km2
TCP area, while FRISINA et al. (1998) estimated a total population of 1,543 urial for
the same area three years later. However, these results are not expected to be typical
of other mountain ranges in Baluchistan because poaching of urial has been
effectively controlled in the TCP area whereas it has not been effectively controlled in
other areas. Elsewhere in Baluchistan Province, urial still exist in the Takhatu Hills, in
the Gishk hills of northeastern Kalat, in the Zambaza Range south of Fort Sandeman,
in the Daman Ghar range north of Muslim Bagh, and around Turbat and Ormara in the
Mekran coast hills (ROBERTS 1997).
According to MITCHELL (1988) 1,000 individuals (0,2/km² ) inhabited the Torghar

hills of Toba Kakar range (District Zhob). About 150 animals inhabit the Takatu hills
near Quetta (AHMAD, unpubl. data), and the situation in the Dureji hills (District
Zhob) may be a little better (VIRK 1991). MALIK (1987) estimated a total of 310 -
340 Afghan urial for the whole of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), whereas
the NWFP Forest Department (1992) reported a more recent total of only 80 urial,
suggesting a severe decline over 5 years. For Sind Province, a census carried out by
MIRZA & ASGHAR (1980) estimated a population of 430 urial for Kirthar NP.
Based on a census in the Mari-Lusar-Manghtar range and in the Karchat mountains in
1987, BOLLMANN (1998) estimated between 800 and 1,000 urial (0,26 - 0,32/km² )
for the whole of Kirthar NP. According to EDGE & OLSON-EDGE (1987) about 150
to 200 animals live in the Mari-Lusar-Manghtar range, and 100 to 150 in the Karchat
mountains (1,7 - 2,5/km² ). A helicopter survey conducted in November 2000 by the
staff of the Sindh Wildlife Department, Zoological Survey Department and the
University of Melbourne yielded estimates of the total populations of the Afghan
Urial in Kirthar National Park at 10,425 ± 675. This population concentrated on rocky
sites with characteristic vegetation mainly near Khar and at Dumbar, with small
numbers elsewhere. The overall density of Afghan urial in Pakistan is probably much
lower than this. (HESS et al. 1997, after AHMAD unpubl. data, EDGE & OLSON-
EDGE 1987, MALIK 1987, MIRZA & ASGHAR 1980, Mitchell 1988, NWFP 1992,
ROBERTS 1985 and VIRK 1991, Sindh Wildlife Department( Kirthat National Park,
Baseline Environmental Study 2000), (BOLLMANN 1998).
According to SARDAR ZULFIQAR ALI BHOOTANI (TAREN 1999, in litt. after

pers. comm. to S. Z. A. BHOOTANI), tribal chief and manager of conservation
programs at Dureji, the approximate population in Dureji is more than 1,300 animals.
A complete census made in 1976-1977 by MIRZA et al. (1979) estimated the total
world population of Punjab urial (O. v. punjabiensis) as 2,157 animals. According to
SCHALLER (1977) the population was < 2,000. Estimates by CHAUDHRY (unpubl.
data, in 1992) give a minimum total population of 1,550 throughout its whole range.
For Punjab, CHAUDHRY et al. (1988) reported a significant decline in urial numbers
over only 1 year from 733 in 1986 to 528 in 1987. (HESS et al. 1997, after
CHAUDHRY et al. 1988, CHAUDHRY 1992, unpubl. data, MIRZA et al. 1979 and
SCHALLER 1977). The private Game Reserve of the Nawab of Kalabagh, about 175
kilometers southwest of Islamabad in Punjab province, possesses the largest
population of O. v. punjabiensis estimated to be over 800-850 animals. The total
population in the province is estimated to be less than 2,000 animals scattered in four
or five small groups. (TAREN 1999, in litt. after pers. comm. to A. A. CHAUDHRY,
Director of Punjab Wildlife Department). According to GARSTANG (1999) only four
other sub-populations with a total population size estimated at a maximum of 200-250
urial were located outside the Kalabah Region (Kala Bagh Sanctuary of the Jabbah
Valley, District Mianwali).
Around 1900 the Ladakh urial used to be a common animal of northern Pakistan.
According to SCHALLER (1976) < 1,000 animals were left in Pakistan. HESS (1997
and 1999, in litt.) estimated only 200 - 400 individuals for 1983 -1988. In 1992 a total
of 57 urial was estimated by NWFP Forest Department. The total estimated for the
Northern Areas for 1993 was 400 - 500 urial (G.TAHIR, Wildlife Wing, Northern
Areas Forest Dept., in litt. to G. RASOOL). There are probably < 600 Ladakh urial in
total in Pakistan. (HESS et al. 1997, after NWFP 1992, SCHALLER 1976 and G.
TAHIR in litt. to G. RASOOL). According to Rasool (1999, in litt.) the previous
estimated population has now dropped down to 200 - 300 urial in the whole of the
Northern Areas of Pakistan.
All three sub-species of Urial in Pakistan are listed as Endangered in by the IUCN's
Capirane Specialist Group. Unless conservation measures are taken quickly, the Urial
will be lost in Pakistan, especially Ladakh and Punjab urial. One of the main reason is
that the populations are very small and widely scattered in relatively accesible terrain,
and thus can easily be wiped out with no chance for areas to be naturally re-populated
through dispersal.(all above information from Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan for Caprinae
"Wild Sheep and Goats and their Relatives", IUCN/SSC 1997 and "Mammals of Pakistan", T.J. Roberts)
Bharal or Blue Sheep

( Pseudois Nayaur )

PHOTO CREDIT: Joanna Van Gruisen
Local name: Bharal (Urdu)
Size:
Body Length: 115-165 cm / 3.8-5.5 ft.

Shoulder Height: 75-90 cm / 2.5-3 ft.
Tail Length: 10-20 cm / 4-8 in.
Weight: 35-75 kg / 77-165 lb.
Description: The bharal was described by Hodgson in 1833. Bharal is a Hindi name,

while "blue sheep" is a reference to the bluish sheen in the coat. The short, dense coat
is slate grey in colour, sometimes with a bluish sheen. The underparts and backs of the
legs are white, while the chest and fronts of the legs are black. Separating the grey
back and white belly is a charcoal coloured stripe. The ears are small, and the bridge
of the nose is dark. The horns are found in both sexes, and are ridged on the upper
surface. In males, they grow upwards, then turn sideways and curve backwards,
looking somewhat like an upside-down moustache. They may grow to a length of 80
cm/ 32 in. In females, the horns are much shorter and straighter, growing up to 20
cm / 8 inches long.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 160 days. Young per Birth: 1. Mating occurs

between October and January, with the young being born from May to July. Weaning:
After 6 months. Sexual Maturity: At 1.5 years, although males do not reach their full
potential before age 7. Life span: 12-15 years.
Social Behavior: Solitary or in small groups of less than 20 animals which consist of

almost entirely one sex. Bharal are active throughout the day, alternating between
feeding and resting on the grassy mountain slopes. Due to their excellent camouflage
and the absense of cover in their environment, bharal remain motionless when
approached. Once they have been noticed, however, they scamper up to the
precipitous cliffs, where they once again freeze, 'melting' into the rock face. Bharal
are the favourite prey of the Snow Leopard.
Diet: Grasses, lichens, hardy herbacious plants, mosses. (all above information from "The
Ultimate Ungulate Page" by Brent Huffman).
In Pakistan the Bharal inhabits the remote and inaccesible mountian ranges of the
Karakoram in Northern Pakistan at 3000-5550 m / 10,000-18,500 ft. Blue sheep are
not as agile as ibex,and are typically found on more open and grassy areas. Blue sheep
are found in Chat Pirt and Ghujerav areas of Shimshal in Baltistan (information by Sher
Ali: Shimshal Nature Trust). They are also found in Khunjerab National Park. Shimshal
marks the western most limit of their range in the Himalaya. It is believed that Bharal
are common in the Shimshal area, but overall they are very local in distribution in
Pakistan. Bharal meat is favoured by Shimshalis and they are hunted quiet often.
Goral Sheep
( Nemorhaedus Goral )

Local name: Goral (Urdu)
Size:
Body Length: 95-130 cm / 37-53 in.
Shoulder Height: 75-80 cm / 30-32 in.
Tail Length: Up to 18 cm / 7.2 in.
Weight: 35-42 kg / 77-92 lb.

Description: The Goral is considered to be a "goat-elope", sharing characteristics of
both the true goats and sheep, and antelope. The coat varies in colour from grizzled
grey to gray-brown, and grows shaggy in winter. The slender legs are light tan in
colour, and there is a lighter coloured 'bib' at the base of throat. A dark stripe extends
dowe the spine and onto the forelegs. The back is slightly arched, and the facial
profile is concave. Males have a short, semi-erect mane. Both sexes have short,
pointed horns which curve backwards. With small, irregular ridges, they grow 13-18
cm / 5-7 inches long.
Biology: Breeding may take place at any time of the year; however, bucks are more
active in spring and fall. Fawns are born at all seasons, but fewest births occur in
winter. The length of gestation is about 5 months and within a month of parturition the
female may breed again. A single fawn is the rule. Females reach sexual maturity by 8
months of age, but usually do not breed until nearly 2 years of age. Physical maturity
is reached at 1 year. Males mature later than females, and are able to breed at 18
month of age. The lifespan is up to 15 years.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 170-218 days. Young per Birth: 1, rarely up to 3.

Weaning: At 7-8 months. Sexual Maturity: About 3 years. Life span: 14-15 years.
Social Behaviour: Gorals are most active in the early morning and late evening, but
on cloudy days roam throughout the day.They often drink after eating in the morning,
thereafter retiring to a rock ledge on which to rest until evening. Gorals are extremely
nimble, and can move at high speeds across inaccessible terrain. Their remarkable
camouflage is extremely effective, and along with the fact that they lie motionless,
gorals are extremely difficult to spot, even when in plain site. The alarm call consists
of hissing or a sneezing noise. Groups inhabit an area of about 100 acres. During the
mating season, males may occupy and mark territories of 22-25 hectares. Old males
are usually solitary, otherwise they live in small groups of 4-12.
Diet: leaves, twigs, nuts. A study was conducted on grey goral (Nemorhaedus goral )
by Maqsood Anwar and Joseph A. Chapman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research
Council for its feeding habits and food in the Margalla Hills National Park. Goral
mostly foraged early in the morning at sunrise and late in the evening before sunset
(75%). Their major food consisted of leaves of certain trees and shrubs when green
grass was not available. They changed their foraging activities almost entirely to
grazing on green grass during the spring and summer. Vegetation analysis of goral
habitat revealed that about 60% of the vegetation consisted of plant species commonly
eaten by goral. These species included Themeda anathera, Chrysopogon aucheri,
Carissa opaca, Acacia modesta, Mimosa rubicaulis and Ipomoea hispida. Clumps of
chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) were found on higher ridges with scattered grasses and
shrubs as understorey cover. Vegetation cover comprised 47.1% grasses, 33.4%
shrubs and 19.5% trees. The frequency occurrence of grasses, shrubs and trees was
81.5%, 14.5% and 4.0%, respectively. Total ground cover was almost the same on
both the northern and southern slopes. Livestock competed with goral for forage in
most of its habit area.( all above information from "The Ultimate Ungulate Page" by Brent Huffman and
FEEDING HABITS AND FOOD OF GREY GORAL IN THE MARGALLA HILLS NATIONAL PARK, April-
June, 2000, Vol. 16 No.2 of Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research Council ) .
Gorals inhabit wooded mountain slopes at elevations of 1,000-4,000 m /3,300-13,500

ft in the Himalayas. In Pakistan the Goral is mainly found in the Margalla National
Park. Small Populations are found futher west in Swat, Dir and lower Chitral. The
Goral is rare in Chitral.
The main surviving population of Goral is in Margalla Hills National Park. The
population has increased, but is still very local and small. A study on grey goral
(Nemorhaedus goral) was conducted by Maqsood Anwar and Joseph A. Chapman of
the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council in the Margalla Hills National Park
(MHNP) to determine its distribution and population status. They were confined to the
steep slopes and difficult terrain. They were usually found very close to the ridges.
Presently, 28% of total park area is occupied by goral and 21% of the park area has
similar habitat, but without any goral occurrence there. Among 40-60 animals living
in the park, it was observed that 72% were adults and 28% were juveniles. Juveniles
were accompanied by adults on 80% occasions and sex ratio was near 1:1. ( T.J Roberts
Mammals of Pakistan and "DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION STATUS OF GREY GORAL IN THE
MARGALLA HILLS NATIONAL PARK", April-June, 2000, Vol. 16 No.2 of Pakistan Journal of Agricultural
Research Counci
Nilgai Antelope
( Boselaphus Tragocamelus )
PHOTO CREDIT: Deer Net
Local name: Nilgai (Urdu)
Size:
Body Length: 180-200 cm / 6-6.6 ft.
Shoulder Height: 120-150 cm / 4-5 ft.
Weight: 120-240 kg / 264-528 lb.
Description: The largest of the asian antelope, the nilgai was first described by Pallas
in 1766. The short coat is yellow-brown in females, and gradually turns blue-grey in
males as they mature. There is an erectable mane on the nape and back and a "hair
pennant" in the middle of the underside of the neck. There are white markings in the
form of cheek spots, edges of the lips, and a throat bib. Along the underside is a thin
white stripe, which "balloons" at the rear. The slender legs support a stocky body,
which slopes downwards towards the rear. The head is long and slender. Males have
20-25 cm / 8-10 inch long horns which are straight and tilted slightly forwards.
Reproduction: Weaning: By 10 months. Sexual Maturity: Around 18 months. Life

span: Up to 21 years. Gestation Period: About 8 months. Young per Birth: Generally 2
(over 60% of births), sometimes 1 or 3. Breeding occurs throughout the year, but the
peak of mating is December-March, with the resulting calves born in September and
October.
Social Behavior: The nilgai is mainly diurnal, with peaks in activity in the early
morning and late afternoon. The sense of sight is well developed among this wary
species. When chased, nilgai can run up to 48 kmph / 29 mph. Males have been
observed to establish territories during the breeding season, attempting to gather and
keep small herds of females (up to 10) within their area. Males compete with each
other with threatening posture displays and neck wrestling, rarely leading to both
rivals kneeling and lunging at each other with their horns. Normally silent, nilgai have
been recorded making a roaring vocalization. The population density in central India
is about 0.07 animals per square kilometer. Single sex or mixed herds of 4-20
individuals, old bulls may be solitary.
Diet: Leaves, buds, grasses, fruit. (all above information from "The Ulimate Ungulate Page" by Brent
Huffman).
The Nilgai's preferred habitat is grassy steppe and woodlands area. In Pakistan this
Antelope is mainly found in extensive Desert regions, such as Cholistan in Punjab and
Thar in Sind. Today the Nilgai is mainly found along the Indo-Pak border in the
eastern part of the country. Here they are normaly found solitary. The Nilgai is also
found in Changa Manga Plantation near Lahore. Unconfirmed report also come from
Azad Kashmir, but the numbers here are thought to be very low. 220 Nilgai were
counted in 1999 by the Sind Wildlife Department in the district of Tharparkar.
The Nilgai is now rare in the country, but reintroduction programs are in place and it
is hoped that these will be released in the wild to secure the few remaining herds.
Blackbuck
(Antilope Cervicapra)

PHOTO CREDIT: Gertrud and Helmut Denzau ( National Geographic Magazine)
Local name: Kala Hiran (Urdu)
Size:
Body Length: 100-150 cm / 3.3-5 ft.
Shoulder Height: 60-85 cm / 2-2.8 ft.
Tail Length: 10-17 cm / 4-6.8 in.
Weight: 25-35 kg / 55-77 lb.
Description: One of the few antelope which exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism,

the genders in the blackbuck are readily distinguishable. Both sexes have white
underparts, including the insides of the legs and lower chest, as well as a white ring
surrounding the eye and a white chin. Females and young are yellowish-fawn on their
back and head, and are generally hornless. Males gradually darken from tan to deep
brown or black with age, beginning after 2 years. The build is slender, and the tail
short. The horns, found only in males and appearing before their pronounced colour
change, are twisted in a tight spiral with up to five turns. Ridged laterally, they may
grow 35-73 cm / 14-29 inches.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 5-6 months. Young per Birth: 1 Although breeding
can occur throughout the year, there are peak periods in March-May and August-
October. Weaning: 5-6 months. Sexual Maturity: 1.5-2 years. Life span: 10-12 years,
rarely up to 18.
Social Behavior: During the cooler seasons, blackbuck are diurnal, and active
intermittently throughout the hours of daylight. As the temperature rises, however,
they are more often seen grazing in the open in the early morning and late afternoon,
sheltering from the sun for the rest of the day. When a potential threat is spotted, the
alert females are usually first to sound the alarm, with one individual leaping into the
air. This motion is followed by the entire herd, although after a few large bounds the
herd reduces its pace to a normal gallop. One of the fastest land mammals, blackbuck
have been clocked going in excess of 80 kmph / 48 mph.. During the breeding season
males become territorial, defending an area usually ranging in size from 1 to 17
hectares from rival males, and attempting to keep the largest group of females within
it for the longest period of time. This territoriality can last anywhere from two weeks
to eight months. Mixed herds with 5-50 animals, generally with three or fewer males.
Bachelor herds are known. Dominance among males within a herd is achieved
primarily with posturing and threatening gestures: fights with the sharp horns are rare.
Diet: Leaves, buds, grasses, field fruits. (all above information from "The Ulimate Ungulate Page"
by Brent Huffman).
Blackbucks are native to India and Pakistan, where they were widespread in plains
and open woodlands; western deserts, and northern mountains limited their
distribution. Today, extensive hunting and habitat destruction have restricted
blackbuck to only small, isolated populations in their former native habitat.
In Pakistan the blackbuck lives in semi-desert areas, such as Cholistan and Thar.
Today the blackbuck is an ocassional staggler along the eastern desert border areas of
the country. There is no permant resident population today in Pakistan. During the late
1970's and early 80's small populations of blackbuck were brought from Texas, U.S.A
to start a reintroduction program in Pakistan. These projects have had some success
and now there are small captive populations of blackbuck in 3-4 locations, particularly
in Kirthar and lal Sohanra National Parks. The breeding success achieve at Lal
Sohanra is 413 animals (Dr. A.Aleem,1998) where as from Khar time to time number
of Black Bucks provided to the eminent conservationists for further propagation in
their private reserve. At present about 500 animals are surviving in Mir of Khairpurs
Mehrano reserve, 110 at Khangur, Ghotki and 70 at New Jatoi, Nawab Shah.
However at Khar Center only 35 animals (R.A.Rajput 1999) remain. Except these,
some are kept in different zoo's, wildlife centres and in possession of individuals. At
present all together about 1500 Black Bucks are reared in captivity and they are
surviving in Punjab and Sindh regions of Pakistan. These will be released in the wild
in the near future.
Chinkara or Indian Gazelle

( Gazella Bennettii )

PHOTO CREDIT: WWF-Pakistan
Local name: Hiran (Urdu)
Size:
Shoulder Height: 65cm. .
Weight: 23kg.
Description: The Chinkara, whilst resembeling closely the Goitred Gazelle in
external appearance and colouring, is on average a slightly smaller animal. The
principal differences related only to the absence of any enlargement or swelling in the
larynx, differences in the pelage, and the development of the horns. In summer coat,
the Indian Gazelle is of warm biscuit, or reddish-buff colour, with the fur smooth and
highly glossy. Even in winter coat the white belly and throat fur is smooth and short in
contrast to that of the Goitred Gazelle. The tail is medium long and covered with a
dorsal crest of black hairs. There are indistinct horizontal and pyreal stripes bordering
the flanks and caudal areas in summer coat. The sides of the face are also patterned
with broad dark chestnut stripes from the corner of the eye to the muzzle bordered
above and below by white stripes. The average horn length of males is 25.5-30.5 cm
(10-12 in) measured over the curve, with record horns reaching just over 39cm
(15.5in).
Reproduction: Weaning: At about two months. Sexual Maturity: At two years of age.

Life span: Unknown. Gestation Period: About five to five and a half months. Young
per Birth: Generally 1, but twins have been reported quite frequently. In Pakistan, the
rut appears it occur in two seasons, one lasting from the end of monsoon up to early
October and again in the late Spring from March to the end of April. The births occure
mainly in April.
Social Behavior: In its wide roaming habits, tendency tom keep to small groups of
two to three individuals and its general alertness, the Chinkara is very similar to the
Goitered Gazelle. The Chinkara is almost wholly nocturnal in foraging activity,
though they will emerge to start feeding before sunset.
Diet: Chinkara's are adapted to browsing and they will browse on various bushes and
green twigs. They also take leaves of different plants and can go without water for
days (all above information from "The Mammals of Pakistan" by T.J Roberts) .
A very adaptable animal , it seems to be able to exist in extensive sand-dune areas

down to sea level as well as in stony plateaus and low hilly regions up to 1,500m
elevation. The Chinkara is severly reduced in numbers, perhaps to the point of
extinction, in the desert regions of all along the eastern border of Pakistan. It is not
however , in danger of extinction in the country as a whole, because it is so
widespread and also lives in rocky escarpment areas. The Chinkara is now rare in the
Thal desert. They survive in good numbers in Sibi plains, Mekran, Turbat and Lasbela
in Baluchistan. They are also found in Kirthar hills and also in Margalla hills, but
numbers in Margalla hills are believed to be very small. Isolated populations are also
found in Salt Range, Kala Chitta hills and Cholistan in Punjab and Thar desert in
Sind. A helicopter survey conducted in November 2000 by the staff of the Sindh
Wildlife Department, Zoological Survey Department and the University of Melbourne
yielded estimates of the total populations of the Chinkara at 1060 ± 580 in Kirthar
National Park. Chinkara's are ruthlesly hunted by local people and hunters and this
has resulted in the reduction of once plentiful population in Pakistan (all above information
from "The Mammals of Pakistan" by T.J Roberts).
Goitered Gazelle
( Gazella Subgutturosa Subgutterosa )

PHOTO CREDIT: Iran Safari
Local name: Hiran (Urdu)
Size:
Body Length: 90-115 cm / 3-3.8 ft
Shoulder Height: 60-80 cm / 2-2.6 ft

Tail Length: 15-20 cm / 6-8 in
Weight: 18-33 kg / 40-73 lb
Description: The light brown body darkens towards the belly, where it joins with the
white underparts in a crisp line. The typical facial marking of gazelles are pronounced
only in juveniles - with age the forehead and nose bridge turn white, with only the
brown eye-nose stripe remaining. The tail is black in colour, conspicuous against the
white buttocks when raised in flight. Unlike the rest of the "true gazelles", only the
male goitered gazelle carries horns, which grow 25-43 cm / 10-17.2 inches long.
Black in colour and sharply diverging, the horns form an "S" shaped, bending up
backwards, and turning in at the tips. During the rut, the larynx of males bulges
outwards, resembling a goiter.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 5-6 months.Young per Birth: 1 or 2, rarely up to 4.

Unlike many gazelles, the goitered gazelle has a restricted breeding season. This
occurs from November to January, with the resulting births taking place in April and
May. The young lie camouflaged away from their mothers for the first 2 weeks,
gaining strength and stability on their wobbly legs. The mother generally returns to
nurse three times each day. Weaning: After 4-5 months. Sexual Maturity: Females at
9 months, males around 18 months
Social Behavior: During the summer, most activity takes place in the late afternoon
and early morning, consisting of leisurely walking and simultaneous grazing. At
midday, herds take shelter in the shade, where they excavate shallow oval-shaped pits
to lie in. During the cooler winter months, this midday break is significantly reduced,
and sometimes even eliminated. If disturbed from its shelter, a goitered gazelle rapidly
flees for 200-300 meters, pausing to assess the danger from this distance. A broad
circular path is then taken back to the original resting spot. Extremely speedy, these
gazelles can run up to 60 kmph / 36 mph. Each animal generally consumes about 30%
of its body weight in green matter per day, and can derive most of its needed moisture
from it. In the spring and summer, groups may travel to water sources, but even still
they rarely drink daily. Herds cover 10-30 kilometers per day in the winter, with these
distances being reduced nearly tenfold in summer. Throughout much of their range,
goitered gazelles undergo a seasonal migrations. During the breeding season, adult
males become territorial, using dung middens placed at strategic locations to indicate
ownership. At this time, males emit hoarse bellows, and glandular activity increases
significantly, with the result that the male is often seen smearing secretions on objects.
Family group: In summer, small family groups of 2-5 animals; In winter, large herds
with dozens or even hundreds of individuals.
Diet: Grasses, leaves, and shoots.

The Goitered Gazelle inhabits the semi-desert and desert steppe in the West of
Baluchistan. It survives in the Chagai hills and Nushki hills south west of Quetta.
Goitered Gazelle are also found at Chaman, near the border with Afghanistan. This
gazelle is very rare and local in distribution in Pakistan. Depite this fact, it is hunted
by local people and by visiting Arab hunters, who come each year to hunt Houbara
Bustard. Because of this it is declining in number and will become extinct if hunting is
not stopped in these regions.
Hog Deer
( Axis Porcinus )
PHOTO CREDIT: Para Park Co-Operative Game Reserve Australia
Local name: Para ( Urdu )
Size:
Shoulder Height: over 2 feet

Weight: 75 to 120 lbs
Description: The Hog deer is a close relative of the Axis deer or Chital, which is now
extinct in Pakistan, but is found in neighbouring India. Adult Hog deers have a brown
coat that gets darker in winter. Though spotted with indistinct spots, hog deer don't
have as bright and conspicuous spots as spotted deer (chital) do. The older hog deers
get, dimmer the spots become. Hog deers have slender, three-tined antlers rising from
bony pedicals; the browline making acute angles with the main beam.
Reproduction: The peak of rut season comes during the monsoon and the hind gives
birth to one calf at a time
Social Behavior: This species of deer is marked by thick set-appearance and peculiar

gait. Reminiscent of the pig, as their name suggests, hog deer are a strange kind of
deer that run with the heads down and at times collide with other fellow deers. They
prefer to creash shurbs and undergrowth rather than jumping over them as other deers.
Hog deer are particularly found fewer in group, but on occasions they can be seen in
herds of ten or more. do.
Diet: Being predominantly grazers, they prefer short grasslands nearby riverbankds

and swamps. (all above information from Shangri La home page).
The Hog deer's prefered habitat is grasslands or swamps near rivers. In Pakistan it is
mainly found in Riverian forests of river Indus in Lower Sind. The Hog deer is found
in the east Nara and the indus delta forests in the extreme south of Sind. Due to the
controlling of river Indus by building dams and barrages the habitat of Hog deer has
greatly been reduced to one or two pockets. It is also hunted extensively by hunters
and the local people. The result is that it has become extremly rare and is now on the
verge of extinction.
Barking Deer
( Muntiacus Muntjak )

PHOTO CREDIT: Deer Net
Local name: Kakar ( Urdu )
Size:
Shoulder Height: 1 foot 8 inches to 2 feet
Weight: 45 lbs
Description: Barking deer are the smallest in size of all deer. The stags have very
small antlers, not more than 4 inches long, with short brow lines and straight,
unforked beams which grow backwards. Their coat is bright chestnut and their gait are
unlike that of the hog deer, with heads down and stiff-legged.
Social Behavior: On hearing their name -- Barking Deer -- one may be prompted to
ask whether this deer can bark like a dog. The name `barking deer' was given to them
for their loud, sharp calls resemble the barks of dogs. Besides this loud and sharp
"bark", this deer also produecs an indistinct rattling sound when running. Barking deer
live mostly in pairs. Come the mating season, the adult males fight their rivals. In so
doing, they use their sharp-pointed antlers and razor-sharp canine teeth, badly
wounding each other. do.
Diet: Browser and grazer . (all above information from Shangri La home page).

Browsers and grazers, barking deer are found in both sal and riverine forests, but in
Pakistan this little deer is found in a very limited mountanious area. This deer is
mainly found in the Margalla Hills. It is also found in very few numbers in Azad
Kashmir. The main threat to this deer's survival is loss of habitat, which is so limited
in Pakistan. Uncontrolled livestock grazing may lead this beautiful deer to the verge
of extinction. It's only future survival is in the Margalla Hills National Park, where
there still may be 30-40 barking deer (T.J Roberts, "Mammals of Pakistan)
Himalayan Musk Deer

( Moschus Chrysogaster )

PHOTO CREDIT: Himachal Online
Local name: Mushk Hiran ( Urdu )
Size:
Body Length: 86-100 cm / 2.8-3.3 ft

Shoulder Height: 51-53 cm / 20-21 inches
Tail Length: 4-6 cm / 1.6-2.4 inches
Weight: 11-18 kg / 24-40 lb
Description: The general colour of the coat, composed of brittle hairs, is a slightly

grizzled brown. As the name suggests, on the chest is a wide vertical whitish-yellow
stripe which extends up the throat to the chin. The ears are tipped with yellow hairs.
The body slopes forward, as the hind legs are almost one third longer than the
forelegs, causing the height at the rump to be almost 10 cm / 4 inches above the
shoulder. The ears are large and rounded, generally lined with whitish fur. Both sexes
have well-developed upper canines, and in males these may reach a length of 7 cm / 3
inches and protrude from the mouth in a fang-like manner. The canines are constantly
growing, but, due to their mobility and fragility, they are easily broken. There are no
antlers as in other deer species.
Reproduction: Weaning: 3-4 months. Sexual Maturity: 18-24 months. Life span: 12-
20 years. Gestation Period: 6.5 months. Young per Birth: 1, sometimes 2. Breeding
occurs primarily in November-December, with the resulting being born from May to
June. After birth, the young deer lie hidden in secluded areas, essentially independent
of their mothers except at feeding times. This hiding period may last up to 2 months.
Social Behavior: Himalayan musk deer are most active between dusk and dawn,
alternately resting and feeding throughout this period. At night, musk deer can be seen
in the open areas of their habitat as they graze, while during the day, they remain in
dense cover. Neighbouring individuals may utilize common latrines, an activity with
becomes more frequent during the mating season. Himalayan musk deer are
sedentary, remaining wthin a defined home range throughout the year. In females
these are about 125 acres in size, while male musk deer will control a territory which
encompasses the ranges of several females, defending it against intrusion by rival
males. The Himalayan musk deer does not undertake any seasonal migrations,
remaining in the same area year-round despite harsh weather conditions. A shy
animal, the musk deer depends on its sense of hearing to locate sources of danger.
When frightened, they make broad leaps, each measuring up to 6 meters / 19 feet in
length. Drastic changes in direction are made during flight, and every few jumps the
animal will stop and listen. Communication between individuals is thought to be
based primarily on their sense of smell, due to the high development of the glands of
musk deer. Primarily silent, musk deer will emit a loud double hiss if alarmed, and
may scream plaintively if wounded. Population densities are about 3-4 animals per
square kilometer. Musk deer are normally found solitary.
Diet: A wide variety of vegetation, such as grass, moss and tender shoots. In winter,
twigs, buds and lichens are taken. (all above information from "The Ultimate Ungulates Page," by
Brent Huffman and WCMC/WWF ).
Himalayan Musk deer are found in alpine forest and scrub at elevations of 2,200-
4,300 meters / 7250-14,200 feet on the southern slopes of the Himalayas. In Pakistan
the Musk deer is found in the remote higher mountain regions of Gilgit, Baltistan,
Upper Swat and Hazara. The musk deer is also found in the Deosai National Park. It is
rare in all of these regions because of relatively unfavourable habitat. But the main
reason for its rarity is due to persecution from local hill people for its musk gland,
which is used extensively in the manufacture of perfume, soap, and medicinal
preparations. The musk produced by this genus of primitive deer is highly held for its
cosmetic and alleged pharmaceutical properties, and can fetch U.S. $45,000 per
kilogram (2.2 pounds) on the international market. Although this musk, produced in a
gland of the males, can be extracted from live animals, most "musk-gatherers" kill the
animals to remove the entire sac, which yields only about 25 grams (1/40 of a
kilogram) of the brown waxy substance. Because of the demand for this substance,
musk deer have been wiped out in parts of their range. Traps set for male musk deer
often kill females or young. This endangered deer is still not protected in Pakistan.
Tibetan Wild Ass or Kiang
( Equus Kiang )

PHOTO CREDIT: Brentt Huffman
Local name: unknown (Urdu)
Size:
Body Length: 210 cm / 7 ft.
Shoulder Height: 140 cm / 4.6 ft.
Tail Length: 50 cm / 50 in.
Weight: 250-400 kg / 550-880 lb.
Description: The largest wild ass, the kiang was originally named by Moorcroft in
1841. The reddish brown upper parts are sharply contrasted with the pure white
underparts, including the rump.This white area stretches up the ventral half (stomach-
side) of the neck to the jowls. A thin stripe of brown extends down the front of the
legs, which are otherwise white. Where the legs meet the body, large wedges of white
reach up the sides. Along the spine is a dark dorsal stripe. The grey muzzle has a thin
border of white. The summer coat is short and sparse compared to the very long,
thick, browner winter coat. There is a short, dark brown mane which stands vertically,
and follows the top of the neck from the ears to the shoulders. The tail has a dark
brown tuft, with long hairs growing up the side.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: Almost 12 months.Young per Birth: 1 The August-

September breeding season yields foals born in late July through August the next year.
Small groups of 2-5 females split away from the main herd, retreating to rocky places
to give birth. The young can walk and run just a few hours after birth, and mothers
and foals rejoin the herd after a couple weeks. Weaning: By 12 months. Sexual
Maturity: After 1 year. Life span: 20 years.
Social Behavior: Kiang live in very cohesive herds which never become scattered.
Led by an old female, the herds travel in single file, and the members appear to do
everything - including eating, drinking, turning, and running - in unison. Maternal
herds of 5-400 animals, mature males generally solitary, although bachelor herds of
up to 10 individuals form during the winter. Unlike horses, however, there is little
physical contact (like mutual grooming) among animals. Males begin to follow these
female herds in July, fighting amongst themselves through August for breeding rights.
During mid-August, they begin herding the females into harems, defending them from
rival males. Kiang are good swimmers, and during the summer months take apparent
pleasure in bathing in rivers. During August and September, the only time when
vegetation is plentiful, kiangs may gain up to 40-45 kg /88-100 lb.
Diet: Grasses and low plants. (all above information from "The Ulimate Ungulate Page" by Brent
Huffman).
The Kiang is an inhabitant of high plateaus and undulating steppe at elevations of up

to 5,000 meters / 16,500 feet. The Kiang is not a permanent resident in Pakistan, but is
mainly found across the border in China, with the bulk of the population mainly in
Tibet. There are some reports that Kiangs migrate from China into Khunjerab
National Park in the extreme north eastern border region of Pak-China. Kiang
occasionally used to visit the Shimshal Pass area from China (Schaller, 1974). There
are reliable reports of a small population of 20-25 animals between the lower Baraldo
and Mustagh rivers on the Pakistan side of the border (Rasul, 1988; Wegge, 1988).
Till further sightings are reported, this wild ass must be considered rare and in need of
careful monitoring and protection.
Indian or Eurasian Wild Boar
( Sus Scrofa )
PHOTO CREDIT: Iran Safari
Local name: Jungli Sowar, Khanzeer (Urdu)
Size:
Body Length: 90-200 cm / 3-6.6 ft.
Shoulder Height: 55-110 cm / 1.8-3.6 ft.
Weight: 44-320 kg / 91-711 lb.
Description: The brownish coat is coarse and bristly, usually turning greyish with
age. The face, cheeks, and throat are slightly grizzled with whitish hairs. The back is
rounded and the legs are relatively long, especially in northern subspecies. Young are
born with a pattern of light stripes along their torso, known as livery. These fade
between the second and sixth month, reaching adult colouration at one year of age.
The wartless head is long and pointed. The upper canines form tusks which curve out
and upwards. The lower canines are like razors, self-sharpening by rubbing against the
upper canines. The tail is long with a simple tuft.
Reproduction: Gestation Period: 112-130 days, Young per Birth: 4-8, rarely up to 13.
Weaning: At 3-4 months. Sexual Maturity: Usually at 18 months. Life span: 21 years.
Breeding occurs year-round in the tropics, although in more temperate zone the young
are born primarily in the spring. Just prior to giving birth, the female isolates herself
and builds a large nest lined with vegetation. Within two weeks of birth, each piglet
has its "own" nipple from which it drinks from exclusively. The yound become
independent at 7 months of age.
Social Behavior: Activity is concentrated from dusk to dawn, with a primary resting

period at night and a "siesta" during the early afternoon. Wild boars rest in tight
groups with bodily contact. The resting place, used several times before being
abandoned, is made of numerous troughs lined with leaves and branches. Wild boar
are excellent swimmers, and have been documented swimming between offshore
islands up to 7 km / 4 miles apart. Wallowing is a favourite activity, taking place
several times during each summer afternoons in muddy waterholes. In winter, this
frequency drops to about once per week. After wallowing, the wild boar rubs against
trees and bushes, an activity that acts as a territorial marker. Ten different
vocalizations have been distinguished, and each mother can recognize her own
offspring be voice. Maternal families averaging 20, but with a maximum of 100
animals, adult males solitary. Wild boars are very short tempered and can sometimes
be very dangerous.
Diet: Seeds, roots, tubers, fruit, nuts, carrion, eggs, insects. In short -

ANYTHING. (all above information from "The Ulimate Ungulate Page" by Brent Huffman).
The Indian Wild boar prefers area with thick vegetation. They are found in reed beds
as well as scrub and forest areas and are often found living in the vicinity of larger
cities of Pakistan. In Pakistan the wild boar is common in the indus riverian forest of
river Indus throughout the provinces of Punjab and Sind. Increased sugar plantation
has increased the wild boar population in some areas of Punjab so high that they are
now considered a pest. Numbers in Sind have declined, but it is not endangered and is
still found in good numbers. Wild boars are plentiful in the forest plantations of
Changa Manga and Piranwala. They are common in Margalla Hills and are regularly
seen on the streets of Islamabad, despite government efforts to control their
population. Wild boars are not found in the higher hill ranges in the north of the
country. They are rare in Kohat and Peshawar. Despite government efforts to reduce
Wild boar populations, by using pesticides and hunting there has been no significant
effect on the population of wild boars in Pakistan, and they are increasing in many
areas of Punjab.
Indus Blind Dolphin
(Platanista minor)
PHOTO CREDIT:AP photo
Local name: Bhulan (Urdu, Sindhi)
Description: The specific name, minor, refers to the dolphins' supposedly smaller

size. Until the 1970s, this species was thought to be the same as the Ganges River
Dolphin.The Indus River Dolphin has a long beak which thickens toward the tip,
revealing the large teeth; the mouthline curves upward. The body is stocky with a
rounded belly, the flippers are large and paddle-shaped, and there is a low triangular
hump in place of a 'true' dorsal. The forehead is steep and the blowhole is on the left
of the head, above the tiny, poorly-seeing eye. The tail flukes are broad in relation to
the body size. Indus River Dolphins are grey-brown in colour, sometimes with a
pinkish belly, and measure between 1.5 and 2.5m in length, weighing a maximum of
90kg.
Social Behavior:Indus River Dolphins travel either as couples or individuals. Since

these dolphins do not have a crystalline eye lens they are effectively blind; all they
can do is detect the direction and intensity of light. Navigation, therefore, is entirely
by a sophisticated echolocation system. This blindness is one of the reasons why these
dolphins swim on one side underwater, with one flipper trailing in the muddy
riverbed. The physical touch gives the dolphins important information about their
surroundings and helps them find food.
Diet:These dolphins take fish and crustaceans. (all above information from Cetacea Online and
Animal Info).
The Indus River Dolphin is the only cetacean to inhabit the Indus river. These
dolphins favour the silt-laden, turbid waters of the Indus river system, at temperatures
between 8°C and 33°C.
The Indus River Dolphin is one of the world's most endangered mammals and has
been listen in IUCN's list of threatened species. This dolphin is endemic to Pakistan.
The species inhabits the Indus river in Pakistan from Kotri, Sind, to Jinnah,
northwestern Punjab. The Indus River dolphin was apparently formerly common and
distributed throughout the Indus River system in Pakistan, from the Himalayan
foothills to the mouth of the Indus, and in the main tributaries - Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi
and Sutlej - from the hills to their junction with the Indus . Beginning in the 1930's,
numerous dams and barrages were constructed in the Indus. This split the dolphin's
population into small groups, degraded its habitat and impeded migration. As a result,
by the 1970's the abundance and distribution of the Indus River dolphin had
significantly declined, and most of the remaining population was concentrated
between two of the barrages, the Sukkur and Guddu barrages in Sind Province. The
government of Sind established this region as the Indus River Dolphin Reserve in
1974. The Reserve continues to harbor the majority of the remaining population. Its
population has apparently increased there, while few of the dolphin remain elsewhere.
Besides Sind Province, the Indus River dolphin also exists in Punjab Province, but it
continues to decline. The Indus River Dolphins have suffered as a result of incidental
and direct exploitation. They have been accidentally caught in fishing nets, but have
also been hunted for meat, oil and traditional medicines. The most recent population
servey was done in 2001, by WWF-Pakistan, the Wildlife Departments of Sindh, the
Punjab and the NWFP, the Adventure Foundation of Pakistan, the Whale and Dolphin
Conservation Society of UK and Karavan Leaders. During the survey 965 dolphins
were counted in the river system. The survey which started from Kalabagh in the
Punjab on March 12, ended at Hyderabad, 1,400 kilometres downstream, after seven
weeks. A section, about 40 kilometres long, between Sukkur and Kotri barrages was
missed for security reasons. Considering that the mammal is also found in these
stretches, the total number could be 1,000 or slightly higher. The team counted two
dolphins between the Jinnah and Chashma Barrages, 84 between Chashma and
Taunsa Barrages, 259 between Taunsa and Guddu Barrages, 602 between Guddu and
Sukkur Barrages and 18 between the 500 kilometres stretch between Sukkur and Kotri
Barrages. The number of mammals counted is greater than earlier estimates of 500-
700. It could, however, not be considered enough to take the species off the
endangered list. .(all above information from Cetacea Online, Survey of Pakistan Indus river dolphins
2001, and Animal Info).
Population estimated by years:
1974: 450 - 600 (Nowak & Paradiso 1983)
Late 1970's: 400 (Burton & Pearson 1987)
1984: 600 (Macdonald 1984)
1986: 400 - 600 (Bonner 1989)
1989: 500 (Klinowska 1991)
1998: Probably fewer than 1000 (Reeves & Chaudhry 1998)
2001: 965 total (See MAP below), Breakup = Two dolphins between the Jinnah and
Chashma Barrages, 84 between Chashma and Taunsa Barrages, 259 between Taunsa
and Guddu Barrages, 602 between Guddu and Sukkur Barrages and 18 between the
500 kilometres stretch between Sukkur and Kotri Barrages (Survey done by WWF-
Pakistan, the Wildlife Departments of Sindh, the Punjab and the NWFP, the
Adventure Foundation of Pakistan, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society of
UK and Karavan Leaders)
Black Tip Reef Shark
(Carcharhinus Melanopterus)
PHOTO CREDIT: The shark trust
Description: A rather small shark (under 1.6m) with conspicuous, black-marked fin
tips. Snout rather short and rounded with prominent nasal flaps; eyes oval; no
interdorsal ridge; 1st dorsal fin medium-sized (height 8 - 11.4% of TL) with its origin
above or just posterior to the inner corner of the pectoral fins; 2nd dorsal moderately
large with a short rear tip, anal fin of similar size and positioned directly below. Upper
teeth rather narrow, generally oblique, with serrated margins and enlarged serrae and
cusplets at the bases. Colour light grey-brown dorsally, fading to white ventrally;
darker horizontal band invading the white flanks. Tip of 1st dorsal and lower caudal
fin marked with conspicuous black blotches, surrounded into the fin interior with
white; other fins with less marked black or dark apexes; trailing edge of caudal fin
often clearly lined in black.
Size: Exceptionally to 180cm TL; mostly under 160cm TL; size at birth 33 to 52cm.
Biology: These sharks are active swimmers, generally near the bottom but sometimes
visible cruising at the surface in very shallow, wading-depth waters; either singly or in
small, loose aggregations. Preys upon a wide range of smaller demersal or inshore
bony fish, including jacks, mullet, sea breams and smaller groupers; also octopi,
squid, cuttlefish and occasionally shrimps. Activity levels increase markedly at night
and tagging studies in Pacific waters suggest that these sharks may inhabit the same
microsites for at least 2 years. Viviparous. Litter size 2 - 5 pups, generally 4 or less;
gestation period perhaps as much as16 months. Females mature at 96 - 112cm TL;
males between 91 - 100cm. (all above information from The Shark Trust).
A coastal or littoral shallow-water species typically associated with coral reef

communities; it tends to occur in clearer waters in bays and along the margins or
sandy flats of shallow banks, also around islets and headlands, over rocky or sandy
substrate and often adjacent to drop-offs or channels to a maximum depth of 100m but
more commonly in depths under 20m. Found throughout the Arabian Sea.
Great Hammer Head Shark

(Canis Aureus)

PHOTO CREDIT: The shark trust
Description: A large or very large (to over 500 cm) distinctive hammerhead shark
with an angular head measuring 23 to 27% of TL; its anterior margin conspicuously
straight and with a shallow median indentation. Tooth count 17 on each side of upper
jaw; 16 or 17 in lower (discounting small symphyseals); teeth strongly serrated. First
dorsal fin noticeably tall, with an acute, pointed apex and strongly falcate in shape; its
origin opposite or just posterior to the pectoral axil and free rear tip not extending
rearwards to above the pelvic fin origins. Posterior margins of pelvic fins concave and
strongly falcate. Second dorsal fin fairly tall compared to congeners, its height 4.7-
6.5% of TL with its posterior margin concave and the inner margin rather short,
equating to about the fin height; free rear tip not extending to the precaudal pit. Anal
fin marginally larger, strongly concave and originating anterior to the second dorsal
origin. Pectoral fins moderately falcate in shape, their anterior margins measuring
13.4 to 18.4% of TL. Dorsal colour dark brown-grey or bronzy-grey, fading to white
ventrally. Ventral apices of pectoral fins plain, not dusky; apex of second dorsal fin
somewhat dusky in juveniles.
Size: Maximum perhaps in excess of 550cm and possibly over 600cm; most adults to
350-450cm TL; size at birth ca. 65 cm. First Mediterranean example measured ca. 300
cm and weighed ca. 120kg (Boero & Carli, 1977).
Biology: A large, voracious species - and one of the largest predatory sharks -
occuring both as a coastal and semi-oceanic pelagic inhabitant of continetal and
insular shelves; ranging from the surfline to well offshore at depths from the surface
down to 80m or greater. Great hammerheads are highly nomadic, with poleward
summertime migrations in parts of their global range. They are predators upon a wide
variety of (primarily demersal) bony fish and elasmobranchs, particularly groupers
and dasyatid stingrays (a favoured prey-item, consumed complete with tail-spines),
but also jacks, clupeids and flatfish; other elasmobranch prey included smoothhounds
(Mustelus spp.), skates, guitarfish and Rhinoptera spp; invertebrates taken by these
sharks include crabs and cephalopods (squid). Reproduction is viviparous, with a
yolk-sac placenta; litter-sizes range between 6 - 42 young. Gestation period is 11
months. Females mature at ca. 210-250cm and males at ca. 225-269cm. (all above
information from The Shark Trust).
Found throughout the Arabian Sea.
Black Marlin
( Makaira Indica )
PHOTO CREDIT: The billfish foundation
Description: The outstanding physical characteristic of the black marlin is the rigid

pectoral fins; the coloring is variable but runs to slate blue dorsally. Like all marlins
the spawning habits are poorly known. Renowned for its speed and acrobatics. A
challenge for the most experienced angler.
Size: 30 - 1000kg.
The open seas of the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea.
Shortbill Spearfish
(Tetrapturus Pfluegeri)


Description: Color usually is navy blue above; silvery on the sides and underparts.
The dorsal fin is pointed at the front but dips only slightly and remains high for its full
length -although not nearly high enough to mistake this species for a Sailfish.
Size: Usually 20-40 pounds; may reach 75 or more.
The open seas of the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea.
Sailfish
( (Istiophorus Platypterus))
Description: Upper surfaces usually dark blue to black; silvery below; vertical stripes
often visible on sides. The outstanding feature of the sailfish is its long, high first
dorsal fin
Size: Averages 30-60 pounds, but many under 30 pounds and a few up to 100 pounds.
Like the other Billfishes, the Sailfish is considered an ocean species, but generally can
be found closer to land than the rest, seeming to prefer areas where coral reefs and/or
freshwater runoffs mingle with ocean water. Found all along the Arabian sea.

Swordfish
( Xiphias Gladius)
Description: A chunky and powerfully built fish with a high, crescent-shaped dorsal
fin and broadly forked tail. The pectoral fins are also large and lunate. The
distinguishing feature, however, is the huge bill or sword - much longer and wider
than the bills of Marlins and Sailfish. The eye is also very large. Color is mostly dark
brown to purple, with whitish undersides.
Size: Historically, from 100 to more than 1,000 pounds; however, relentless and
virtually unregulated commercial longline fishing has lowered the average to well
under 50 pounds

The open deep seas of the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea.
Great Barracuda
( Sphyraena Barracuda )
PHOTO CREDIT: BigFishTackle.com
Description: Greenish or grayish above, with silvery sides marked by numerous dark

blotches. Tall widely forked with pointed lobes. Two other members of the cuda
family might be encountered. The fairly uncommon Southern Sennet, Sphyraena
picudilla, grows to about 18 inches, but looks very similar to the bigger Cuda and is
usually found in schools. The Guaguanche, Sphyraena guachancho, is much like the
Sennet in size, shape and rarity. It can be distinguished by a yellow or gold mid-body
stripe.
Size: The Great Barracuda ranges from foot-long juveniles on shallow flats to 50

pounds or more offshore. Usual maximum is around 30 pounds, with the average
being 5-15 pounds. World record 85 pounds (all above information from BigFishTackle.com).
The Barracuda is at home almost anywhere from shorelines and bays out to blue
water. Great Barracuda is seldom seen inshore, but is common offshore on wrecks and
artificial reefs. Found throughout the Indian Ocean.

Spanish Mackeral
( Scomberomorus Maculatus )
Description: Dark above with silvery sides. Many spots, which are both yellow and
brown. The body is proportionately deeper than with juvenile King Mackerel, and the
yellow spots appear rounder and brighter, but if in doubt, the only true identifier is the
lateral line, which tapers rather gently from front to back with no severe dip.
Size: Common at 1-3 pounds; not too unusual at 5-7 pounds; maximum potential over
10 pounds. World record 13 pounds(all above information from BigFishTackle.com).
This Mackeral is largely coastal, but roams offshore at times. Found throughout the
Indian Ocean.
Greater Amberjack
( Seriola Dumerili )

Description: Overall brownish or goldish. Heavy body. No scutes forward of tail fin.

Dark oblique line through the eye that ends at the dorsal fin.
Size: Schools of young fish are common at 5-20 pounds. Average size over deep
wrecks and reefs is 30-60 pounds, but 100-pounders are not too rare and the potential
maximum exceeds 150 pounds. World record 155 pounds (all above information from
BigFishTackle.com) .
Adults are common at various depths, ranging from reefs several hundred feet deep to
fairly shallow wrecks and reefs. Big ones also come close to shore at times. Found
throughout the Indian Ocean.
Cobia
( Rachycentron Canadum )

Description: In the water, Cobia look very much like sharks. The usual color is
brown or dark gray above, whitish on the underside, with a dark stripe running from
gills to base of tail. The striped appearance is more vivid in juveniles. Several rather
sharp finlets on the dorsal surface extend from behind the head to the dorsal fin.
Size: Common from 20 to 50 pounds; sometimes up to 80 pounds, and possibly to 100

or more. World record 135 pounds(all above information from BigFishTackle.com).
Cobia love to hang around navigation markers, wrecks and artificial reefs, where they
swim both at the surface and down deep. They also escort wandering Mantas and
other large rays, and many are caught around those hosts. Found throughout the
Indian Ocean.
Birds
Siberian Crane
( Grus leucogeranus )
PHOTO CREDIT: Trevor Ford
Local name: Safed Koonj (Urdu)
Description and Biology
The Siberian Crane, also known as Asiatic Crane is snow white overall, with red skin
covering front of head, face and around the eyes. Bill is long, thick and dark pink in
color; legs are pinkish red. Wing tips are black which is only visible in flight.The
Siberian Crane is a fairly large crane having a body length of about 1/5 meters. Both
sexes are alike abut immature have brownish yellow plumage.
The Siberian Crane’s distinctive morphology, vocalizations, and feeding and
courtship behavior distinguish it from the other Grus species (Johnsgard 1983, Sauey
1985). Its clear, high-pitched voice is unique among cranes. It is also the most
specialized in terms of its habitat requirements, exclusively using wetlands for
nesting, feeding, and roosting. Siberian Cranes are most frequently observed wading
and probing for food in shallow (up to 30 cm) water. Fledged juveniles emit piercing
calls to solicit feeding by their parents, suggesting that Siberian Crane chicks are more
dependent on parental care than are post-fledged chicks of other species.
Siberian Cranes nest in scattered breeding territories, preferring wide expanses of

fresh water with good visibility. The Central population breeds in the northern taiga in
sphagnum bogs and marshes. These marshes tend to be large, open wetlands
surrounded by forests and divided by long, low inconspicuous ridges, the cranes
nesting in the shallow waters between them (Sorokin and Kotyukov 1987). The nests
consist of flat mounds of grass and sedge elevated 12-15 cm above the surrounding
water. Eggs are generally laid from late May to mid-June, with peak production
occurring in the first week of June. In most cases two eggs are laid, with only one
chick surviving to fledging. The incubation period is about 29 days, and chicks fledge
at 70-75 days.
In general, Siberian Cranes consume a wider variety of food items, both aquatic and
terrestrial, on their breeding grounds than on their wintering grounds. The diet on the
breeding grounds consists of plants, including roots, rhizomes, sprouts of sedges,
seeds, horsetails, and berries and cranberries, as well as insects, fish, frogs, small
mammals (e.g., voles and lemmings), and other small aquatic animals (including, on
occasion, waterfowl). Animal foods are especially important at the beginning of the
breeding season, when plant foods are unavailable, and during the chick-rearing
period (Sauey 1985, A. Sorokin pers. comm., M. Nagendran pers. comm.).
During migration, the cranes roost and feed in large, isolated wetlands. The feeding
and roosting areas at Zhalong, China, for example, are 3-5 km away from the nearest
villages (J. Harris pers. comm.). Water depths of 30-60 cm are preferred. Occasionally
Siberian Cranes will use dry mounds within or on the borders of wetlands, and even
upland wet meadows. However, they virtually never use drier upland areas, even
those close to roosting or feeding sites. This holds true even in drought years (all above
information from Meine, Curt D. and George W. Archibald (Eds). 1996. The cranes: - Status survey and
conservation action plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, U.K. 294pp, and Iran Nature and Wildlife
Magazine)

The Siberian Crane is the third rarest species of crane in the world after the Whooping
and Red-crowned Cranes. The total population was believed to number only a few
hundred until 1981, when Chinese biologists discovered a wintering flock of 830-850
cranes at Poyang Lake along the middle Yangtze River in China. Subsequent field
surveys have allowed scientists to revise the total population estimate upward to 2900-
3000. These numbers, although encouraging, do not ease the conservation challenges
the Siberian Crane faces. Archibald (1992b) notes that “from the tundra to the
subtropics, few endangered species involve so many complex problems in so many
countries as does the Siberian Crane.” The species is classified as Endangered under
the revised IUCN Red List Categories. The Central and Western populations, because
of their extremely limited numbers, are Critically Endangered.
The species is divided into three populations. All but a few belong to the Eastern
population. These birds breed in northeastern Siberia and winter along the middle
Yangtze River in China. The Central population winters in the Indian state of
Rajasthan, most regularly at Keoladeo National Park. Banding studies indicate that the
population’s breeding grounds lie in the lower basin of the Kunovat River in western
Siberia. After a two-year absence, four birds, representing the entire known
population, were observed on their wintering grounds in February. The Western
population, which according to recent counts has only nine birds, winters at a single
site along the south coast of the Caspian Sea in Iran
The Central population (Afghanistan, Pakistan and India), as observed on its

traditional wintering grounds at India’s Keoladeo National Park in February 1996,
included only four individuals; it is possible that other members of the population
have continued to winter elsewhere in India. The breeding grounds in western Siberia
have been tentatively identified through satellite telemetry studies. In 1981, a breeding
population of Siberian Cranes was located in the lower basin of the Kunovat River (a
tributary of the Ob River), about 60 km east of Gorki (Sorokin and Kotyukov 1987).
A juvenile from this area, satellite-tracked in 1992, followed a route toward India until
its signal was lost near the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan border. This indicates that the
Kunovat cranes are probably the same birds that spend the winter at Keoladeo NP,
near Bharatpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan (Archibald 1994). This was confirmed
in February 1996 when a wild chick, color-banded at Kunovat in 1995, was observed
at Keoladeo NP. This migration route is among the longest of any crane population.
The presumed route passes through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan,
Afghanistan, and Pakistan, with possible traditional stopover points at Lake Tengiz
and the Naurzum wetlands in Kazakhstan, and at Ab-i-Estada in Afghanistan (Jamil
1994). The final leg of the migration route brings these birds across the Indus basin
and northwest India.
Wintering Siberian Cranes were reported with regularity in the Gangetic basin
through the 1800s (Sauey et al. 1987). Since at least 1937, however, the only known
wintering site of the population has been among the artificially improved wetlands at
Keoladeo NP. In extremely dry years, however, the lack of water in the park can
prompt the population to avoid this area, or to disperse from Keoladeo to other sites.
Only a few of these alternative wintering grounds have been identified (Singh et al.
1987).
The population has been counted annually at Keoladeo NP since 1965. Since then, the
population has declined steadily from around 200 in 1965 to just four individuals—a
pair with a chick and a lone adult—in 1996. None were observed at the park in the
winter of 1993-94, and 1994-1995. The alternative wintering site has not been
identified. In the summer of 1994, not less than 9-10 Siberian Cranes were reported on
the presumed breeding grounds of the population in the Kunovat basin (S. Sorokin
pers. obs.). In February 1995, two Siberian Cranes were reported in northeast Iran
along the Afghanistan border among a flock of Eurasian Cranes (F. Mostofi pers.
comm.). Data from radio-tracking studies show that the Eurasian Cranes wintering in
this area nest in the Kunovat basin, and it is probable that Siberian Cranes seen in this
area also nest in the Kunovat region.
There have been only a few records to confirm its presumed migration route through
Pakistan. In December 1981 a hunter from Pakistan during a meeting with Dr. Steven
Landfried of US Fish and Wildlife Service claimed a hunt of 3 Siberian cranes along
the Kurram River in 1961. Other reports outlining the passage if this bird through
Pakistan are few observations in the record. These observations include report of a
stopover of a group of 13 Sibes over alluvial mud flats of the river Indus in Bhakkar
District of Punjab on March 19, 1988. Two birds of the group were sighted on March
20, 1988 and again a group was seen on March 21, 1988 by two hunters of the area. In
late 1980s a few birds were also seen by a French diplomat near Dera Ghazi Khan in
Punjab.
The loss of adult and young birds during migrations through Pakistan and Afghanistan
is thought to be the leading factor behind the decline. Attempts to supplement the
population with captive-reared birds were initiated in 1991, and have continued each
year up to the present. Results have so far been inconclusive. As of Autumn 1995,
none of the seven birds released in the north are known to have migrated south
successfully, and none of the six birds released in the south are known to have
migrated north successfully. Hunting pressure during migration has likely been a
significant factor behind the steady decline of the Central population. Crane hunting is
a traditional sport in areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan where the population passes
during migration (see the Demoiselle Crane species account in this volume).
Demoiselle and Eurasian Cranes are the main object of hunting activity, but Siberian
Cranes are occasionally taken (Roberts and Landfried 1987, Jan and Ahmad 1995,
Landfried et al. 1995). Sauey (1985) concluded that the losses in the Central
population are “almost certainly” attributable to hunting, while Archibald (1992b)
noted that uncontrolled hunting in this region is “the weakest link in the chain of...
survival” for the Central population. Jan and Ahmad (1995) and Landfried et al.
(1995) summarize the legislative, educational, and research efforts that have been
undertaken in response to the hunting situation in this region. The government of
Pakistan has established the Indus Reserve (in 1990) and the Lakki Refuge (in 1992)
to provide greater protection to cranes during migration and to provide education and
training opportunities (Landfried et al. 1995).
Pakistan = M
M = Present during migration
Population Number Trend Source

Eastern 2900-3000 Unknown Song et al. 1995,
Gui 1995,
Harris et al. 1995,
J. Harris pers. comm.
Central 4 Steadily declining. A. Sorokin pers. comm.
Observed on the
traditional wintering
grounds in February
1996 after a two-year
absence.
Western 9 Holding at 9-11 birds A. Sorokin pers. comm
on the wintering
grounds since the
mid 1980s. Highly
vulnerable.
(all above information from Meine, Curt D. and George W. Archibald (Eds). 1996. The cranes: - Status survey
and conservation action plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, U.K. 294pp).
Sarus Crane
( Grus antigone )
PHOTO CREDIT: www.zoonet.org
Local name: Sarus Koonj (Urdu)
There are three subspecies of Sarus Crane.

Indian Sarus Crane G. a. antigone
Eastern Sarus Crane G. a. sharpii
Australian Sarus Crane G. a. gilli

The sarus crane is the world's tallest flying bird; a large male may stand six feet tall.
The notable feature of the Sarus is the grey and white body plumage, with a bright red
head. These cranes reach sexual maturity after 5-6 years. 2-3 eggs are laid after an
incubation period of 4-5 weeks. The life span is 15-20 years in captivity.
Indian Sarus Cranes have adapted to the dense human population in India and interact
closely with people in areas where traditions of tolerance prevail. They breed
throughout the year (except in May and June, with a peak from July-September),
moving locally and utilizing a wide variety of habitat types depending on food
availability, cropping patterns, and other seasonal factors. Their optimal habitat
includes a combination of marshes, ponds, fallow lands, and cultivated lands (Gole
1989b, 1991b). The diet includes aquatic plants, invertebrates, and grains.
Adult pairs use cultivated fields, fallow land, and other drier habitats, as well as
flooded fields, rice paddies, and degraded (saline and water-logged) lands. Families
with pre-fledged chicks, however, use wetlands almost exclusively (Gole 1993a).
Breeding pairs use larger wetlands where they are available, but are typically scattered
across the landscape, nesting in fields, along canals and irrigation ditches, beside
village ponds, and in shallow marshes, rice paddies, jheels, and reed beds (Gole
1989b, Suwal 1995). The size of nesting territories ranges from 1 ha in populated
areas to 27 ha within protected areas (Gole 1989b). Nests of all the subspecies consist
of wetland vegetation and other available materials. Usually two eggs are laid.
Incubation takes 31-34 days and chicks fledge at 85-100 days. Increasing human
demands on India’s wetlands may be contributing to the decline of the Sarus Crane by
reducing the recruitment rate within the population (all above information from Meine, Curt D.
and George W. Archibald (Eds). 1996. The cranes: - Status survey and conservation action plan. IUCN, Gland,
Switzerland, and Cambridge, U.K. 294pp).
The Sarus Crane occurs in the northern Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, and
northeast Australia, and is the only crane species that breeds in Asia south of the
Himalayas. Although Sarus Cranes are non-migratory, populations do move on a
seasonal basis in response to monsoons and droughts. In general, Indian Sarus Cranes
are more sedentary than Eastern and Australian Sarus Cranes, undertaking extended
movement only during times of severe drought.
In Pakistan only the Indian Sarus Crane is found in a very limited area in Tharparkar
District of Sind Province, near the border with India. The current range of the Indian
Sarus Crane includes the plains of northern, northwestern, and western India and the
western half of Nepal’s Tarai lowlands. The population has declined sharply over the
last several decades. This decline is probably continuing, given the species’ relatively
low recruitment rate within India (Gole 1989b, P. Gole pers. comm.). Sarus Cranes
are most common and densely distributed in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana; they are less common in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh
(Gole 1989b). The population in Nepal is small (200-500) and apparently declining
(R. Suwal pers. comm.). In Pakistan, India’s Punjab, and western Bangladesh, the
Sarus Crane now occurs rarely (Gole 1989a, 1989b, 1991b; Iqubal 1992; M. Ahmad
pers. comm.). Since 1993, a few have been observed along the Indus River in Pakistan
not far from the border with India in Sindh/Rajasthan (A. Ahmad pers. comm., M.
Ahmad pers. comm.).
Sarus were never found in big numbers in Pakistan. Even in 1888 they were
considered a rare bird in these areas as Pakistan is situated at its western historical
limits. There are breeding records from some areas, for example a breeding pair was
recorded from North Western Frontier Province in 1901. Another pair was seen
breeding in Drigh lake in Sindh in 1929. In 1939 again a breeding pair was found
from a nearby lake. In Pakistan Sarus crane was last seen in August 1968, when a pair
was observed on Chenab River above Marala barrage and this was the last confirmed
sighting of this bird in Pakistan.
After 25 years Sarus crane were sighted in the desert area of Thar. During a field
survey held in February 1993 seven Sarus cranes at two different localities were
sighted. Three birds were observed at Sangha Talla, a water pond and four birds were
again spotted at Nalyasar lake. The distance between these two ponds is about 3 km
and they are located in south-east of Sind, near Pak-Indian border. Again in
November 1993, during another survey 16 Sarus crane were observed in the same
area. A small flock of 5-6 Sarus Crane were sighted at the Nalyasar and Bhansar
lakes in the Nagarparkar area of the Thar Desert in 1999. A policeman shot one of
these rare birds and the other flew away. Until now, there has been no report of any
more sightings though they are still found in big numbers on the Indian side.
The current distribution of the Indian Sarus Crane represents a substantial constriction
of its historic range. Sarus Cranes formerly occurred across the subcontinent, from the
province of Sindh in Pakistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east, throughout the
Gangetic plain, and in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Deccan Plateau of south-
central India. They were common in the dry season in Pakistan until the 1960s (Gole
1989a, 1989b). In Nepal, they have been extirpated from the eastern half of the Tarai
lowlands (Suwal 1995). Although still common in India, where the association
between people and Sarus Cranes is ancient and close, they are increasingly restricted
to regions where traditional land and water management practices are maintained (P.
Gole pers. comm.).
Pakistan = r
r = Resident (populations < 1500)

and conservation action plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, U.K. 294pp, and Dawn Newspaper).
Sightings:
1999: A small flock of 5-6 Sarus Crane were sighted at the Nalyasar and Bhansar
lakes in the Nagarparkar area of the Thar Desert in 1999. A policeman shot one of
these rare birds and the other flew away. Until now, there has been no report of any
more sightings though they are still found in big numbers on the Indian side
Eurasian Common Crane

( Grus grus )
Local name: Koonj (Urdu)
This large bird is outwardly similar to storks and herons but is distinguished by its long, hanging
tail feathers. Cranes, unlike storks do not perch at heights or in tall trees. These cranes are long-
necked with short, strong bills. Their legs are also long and very strong. Body length is 114
centimeters and weigh up to 6/5 Kilogram's. Plumage is livid gray in color, head and throat
feathers are black. A prominent curving white line is seen on the face stretching from the eyes to
the sides of the head and throat. A red skin patch is also visible on top of the head; a combination
of these colors gives the bird a special kind of beauty. Both male and female species look alike
but immature have brown plumage.
The Eurasian Crane breeds in wetlands of the Eurasian boreal and temperate forest
zones, from lowlands up to 2200 m, often foraging in nearby upland areas
(Walkinshaw 1973, Johnsgard 1983, Prange 1989). Across this extensive breeding
range, the species nests in a variety of shallow (20-40 cm) freshwater wetland types,
including open marshes, forested swamps (especially birch and alder swamps), sedge
meadows, lake edges, and bogs. In central Asia, drier habitats (even semidesert areas)
may be used if water is available. Former breeding habitats in southern Europe were
primarily permanent, densely vegetated marshes. Eurasian Cranes are omnivorous,
probing and picking for a wide range of plant and animal foods both on dry land and
in wetlands. Even during the chick-rearing period, however, they prefer to forage in
upland areas (including agricultural fields) with short vegetation. During this period,
animal foods—worms, snails, insects, arthropods, frogs, lizards, snakes, rodents—are
very important (especially for the chicks) and tend to be more frequently consumed.
In most areas, Eurasian Cranes prefer large, isolated nesting territories with nesting
sites that are well protected from disturbance. However, they have proven adaptable to
even heavy human interference under some circumstances
Nests consist of mounds of wetland vegetation. Eggs are laid primarily in May,
usually two per clutch. The incubation period is 28-31 days, and chicks fledge at
around 65-70 days. After the chicks fledge, Eurasian Cranes gather in large flocks
prior to migration. In some areas these flocks assemble in agricultural fields, where
they can cause crop damage. Flocks increase in size as the cranes gather at traditional
staging areas before and during migration. Along their migration routes, they often
forage in agricultural fields and roost in shallow lakes, large riparian wetlands, wet
meadows, and other wetlands (all above information from Meine, Curt D. and George W. Archibald
(Eds). 1996. The cranes: - Status survey and conservation action plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, and
Cambridge, U.K. 294pp, and Iran Nature and Wildlife Magazine).
The Eurasian Crane is the most widely distributed of the fifteen crane species and is
the third most abundant species of crane after the Sandhill and Demoiselle Crane. The
total population, estimated at between 220,000 and 250,000, is probably increasing,
although some populations are declining. The breeding range extends across Eurasia
from Scandinavia, Western and Central Europe, Ukraine, Belorus, and Russia to
western and northeastern China, northern Mongolia, and eastern Russia. The species’
wintering grounds include portions of France, the Iberian Peninsula, north Africa,
Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, India, southeastern China, and perhaps
Indochina. Isolated breeding populations occur in eastern Turkey and the Tibet
Plateau. The Eurasian Crane has also been recorded as an occasional migrant or
wintering bird in Japan, the Korean peninsula, and western North America.
In Pakistan the major population comes from the Western Siberia Population. The
breeding grounds are east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and northern Kazakhstan.
According to many reports, the population is declining in many regions (J. van der
Ven pers. comm.). The majority of birds in the population follow a migration corridor
southwest toward Afghanistan, and then southeast across Pakistan to wintering
grounds in western and central India (Ahmad and Shah 1991, Khachar et al. 1991,
Gole 1993a, Higuchi et al. 1994a). A smaller portion of the population migrates
through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to wintering grounds along the Iran-
Afghanistan border, especially in the valley of the Hamluth River and the Seistan
Basin. Some may migrate across the Tibetan Plateau and through Nepal to wintering
areas in east India (the Brahmaputra Basin).
Hunting is a significant concern for the populations that migrate through Afghanistan
and Pakistan. The birds encounter the worst threat in the North Western Frontier
Province (NWFP) of Pakistan where catching live crane is a favourite sport. For
inhabitants here, crane hunting is a local tradition and a symbol of social status. They
are gifted to guests and adorn their lawns and courtyards. According to a World Wide
Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) study, there are 200 hunting camps in Bannu and
Lakki Marwat districts of the NWFP to trap the birds with nine hunters and 12 decoy
cranes per camp on an average. The hunting season falls between October and
November, when the birds migrate from their breeding grounds to wintering grounds
and in spring from March to April when they return. Kurram, Gambella and Kashew
rivers are the major sites for crane trapping in Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts in NWFP. They
are trapped with soya, a contraption of a long, thin, silky rope with a lead ball (weighing150
gramme) at one end. At the dead of night, as the unsuspecting birds fly past, the hunters simulate
decoy cranes for long and loud calls. As they hear the calls, the cranes come down and are hit by
the soyathrown up like a projectile. The alighting birds are then trapped, though about half of
them are injured in the process. The migratory birds are also indiscriminately fired at by the
people living around the rivers of Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts. The Demoiselle Crane and
the critically endangered central population of the Siberian Crane are also affected by this
practice (Roberts and Landfried 1987; see the Siberian Crane account in this volume). As many
as 5000 cranes of all three species (10-15% of the total population of migrating cranes) have
been shot or captured in Pakistan in a single season, and the popularity of the sport continues to
grow (Ahmad and Shah 1991, Jan and Ahmad 1995).
Important wetlands along the Kurram, Kashew and Gambila rivers in Pakistan have
been completely degraded due to diversion of its water for irrigation and flood
protection. Besides, deforestation in the catchment regions of the rivers is causing
siltation. The silt load deposited in wetlands and domestic wastes drained and dumped
there cause eutrophication which increases herb and shrub growth. This reduces marsh
lands and shallow waters, the preferred breeding grounds of cranes. Besides, the
pesticides used by the farmers have proved to be a bane for the cranes. With many of
them still using banned pesticides, cranes have fallen susceptible to these as studies
show presence of chemicals like benzene hexachloride and aldrin. This gradually
leads to their demise.
Pakistan* = M, W
(breeding and wintering in other countries)
W = present during winter
* = indicates countries where the birds occur in significant

numbers at some point in the year
and conservation action plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, U.K. 294pp, and WWF-Pakistan and
Down to Earth Magazine )
Demoiselle Crane
( Anthropoides virgo )
PHOTO CREDIT: www.zoonet.org
Local name: Koonj (Urdu)
The Demoiselle Crane is outwardly similar to the Common Crane but smaller, with a bodylength
of less than one meters. Its bill is also shorter; white feathers on the face are long and hanging
without the appearance of a red patch on top of the head. The Demoiselle Crane has blueish gray
plumage with the face, neck and front of the chest being black. A set of black, hanging gathers
can be seen at the front of the chest. Both sexes are alike but immature have brownish gray
plumage.
In nesting areas, Demoiselle Cranes prefer patchy vegetation
(e.g., Artemesia spp., Stipa spp., Festuca spp.) of sufficient height to conceal them
and their nests, but short enough to allow them to look out while incubating. Nest sites
near the tops of slopes are especially valued. Nests are found on small open patches of
grass, cultivated ground, or gravel, and show minimal preparation. Small pebbles and
some thin bedding may be gathered together, but eggs are often laid directly on the
ground. Usually two eggs are laid. The incubation period is 27-29 days, and the
fledging period of 55-65 days is the shortest of any crane (Johnsgard 1983, S.
Swengel pers. comm.).
Demoiselle Crane families are mobile soon after the chicks hatch. Their diet consists
primarily of plant materials, insects, and other small animal foods. During the
growing season and along migration routes, they will feed as well on cereal grains,
peanuts, beans, and other crops. During the prefledging period, adults and chicks can
cover considerable distances in their search for insects and other food items. In dry
years, they may become essentially nomadic. After the chicks fledge in mid-summer,
the cranes gather in flocks and move to agricultural fields, where grains and other
gleanings are abundant.
Migration begins in late summer. The various populations encounter diverse terrain,
from sea level to Himalayan mountain passes, during migration. Several populations
undertake significant sea crossings (the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean). By
early autumn most Demoiselle Cranes have arrived on their wintering grounds. Birds
from the Black Sea and Kalmykia populations winter primarily in cultivated fields as
well as acacia savannahs, grasslands, and riparian areas in Sudan and other parts of
northeastern Africa (Hogg et al. 1984). The wintering birds in India forage in
agricultural fields, stubble fields, and riverbeds, and roost in shallow water or on
sandbars and mudflats surrounded by water (Gole 1993a) (all above information from Meine,
Curt D. and George W. Archibald (Eds). 1996. The cranes: - Status survey and conservation action plan. IUCN,
Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, U.K. 294pp, and Iran Nature and Wildlife Magazine).
Demoiselle Cranes are primarily birds of dry grasslands (savannahs, steppes, and
semi-deserts). They do, however, utilize agricultural fields and wetter steppe areas,
and are normally found within a few hundred meters of stream and rivers, shallow
lakes, depressions, and other natural wetlands (Winter 1991, Yang and Tong 1991,
Fujita et al. 1994). The breeding sites of the Turkey population are found in wetlands
along rivers and creeks (Kasparek 1988). The density of breeding birds and size of
breeding territories can vary widely from year to year in response to precipitation
levels. Where water is available, they will inhabit semi-desert areas and even true
deserts, alkali flats, and other vegetation-poor lands. They have been found nesting as
high as 3000 m above sea level in mountain valleys and steppes of Kirghizia
(Kydyraliev 1995)
The Demoiselle Crane is the second most abundant of the world’s cranes (only the
Sandhill Crane is more numerous). The total population is estimated at 200-240,000,
but reliable surveys of the species have been conducted in only limited portions of its
range. There are no known subspecies. Six main populations are distinguished here.
The three eastern populations—the Eastern Asia, Kazakhstan/Central Asia, and
Kalmykia—are abundant, numbering in the tens of thousands. The Black Sea
population consists of approximately 500 individuals. A disjunct resident population
in the Atlas Plateau of northern Africa is believed to include no more than 50
individuals. A small breeding population exists in Turkey.
In Pakistan the major population comes from the Kazakhstan/Central Asia population.
This population is estimated at 100,000. The breeding grounds are east of the Caspian
Sea throughout Kazakhstan. The population migrates through Afghanistan and
Pakistan to wintering grounds in the western portions of the Indian subcontinent. The
Indian state of Gujarat is the core wintering area. The states of Maharashtra and
Karnataka are also important wintering areas, while Madhya Pradesh and Andhra
Pradesh are critical during severe droughts (Perennou and Mundkur 1991). The degree
of concentration in wintering flocks also varies in response to monsoon patterns
(Perennou and Mundkur 1991). This population declined sharply in the 1950s and
1960s, but stabilized and eventually began to increase in the 1980s (Kovshar et al.
1995). The breeding grounds are east of the Ural Mountains in Russia and northern
Kazakhstan. According to many reports, the population is declining in many regions
(J. van der Ven pers. comm.). The majority of birds in the population follow a
migration corridor southwest toward Afghanistan, and then southeast across Pakistan
to wintering grounds in western and central India (Ahmad and Shah 1991, Khachar et
al. 1991, Gole 1993a, Higuchi et al. 1994a). A smaller portion of the population
migrates through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to wintering grounds along the Iran-
Afghanistan border, especially in the valley of the Hamluth River and the Seistan
Basin. Some may migrate across the Tibetan Plateau and through Nepal to wintering
areas in east India (the Brahmaputra Basin).
Hunting is a significant concern for the populations that migrate through Afghanistan
and Pakistan. The birds encounter the worst threat in the North Western Frontier
Province (NWFP) of Pakistan where catching live crane is a favourite sport. For
inhabitants here, crane hunting is a local tradition and a symbol of social status. They
are gifted to guests and adorn their lawns and courtyards. According to a World Wide
Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) study, there are 200 hunting camps in Bannu and
Lakki Marwat districts of the NWFP to trap the birds with nine hunters and 12 decoy
cranes per camp on an average. The hunting season falls between October and
November, when the birds migrate from their breeding grounds to wintering grounds
and in spring from March to April when they return. Kurram, Gambella and Kashew
rivers are the major sites for crane trapping in Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts in NWFP. They
are trapped with soya, a contraption of a long, thin, silky rope with a lead ball (weighing150
gramme) at one end. At the dead of night, as the unsuspecting birds fly past, the hunters simulate
decoy cranes for long and loud calls. As they hear the calls, the cranes come down and are hit by
the soyathrown up like a projectile. The alighting birds are then trapped, though about half of
them are injured in the process. The migratory birds are also indiscriminately fired at by the
people living around the rivers of Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts. The Eurasian Crane and the
critically endangered central population of the Siberian Crane are also affected by this practice
(Roberts and Landfried 1987; see the Siberian Crane account in this volume). As many as 5000
cranes of all three species (10-15% of the total population of migrating cranes) have been shot or
captured in Pakistan in a single season, and the popularity of the sport continues to grow (Ahmad
and Shah 1991, Jan and Ahmad 1995).
Important wetlands along the Kurram, Kashew and Gambila rivers in Pakistan have
been completely degraded due to diversion of its water for irrigation and flood
protection. Besides, deforestation in the catchment regions of the rivers is causing
siltation. The silt load deposited in wetlands and domestic wastes drained and dumped
there cause eutrophication which increases herb and shrub growth. This reduces marsh
lands and shallow waters, the preferred breeding grounds of cranes. Besides, the
pesticides used by the farmers have proved to be a bane for the cranes. With many of
them still using banned pesticides, cranes have fallen susceptible to these as studies
show presence of chemicals like benzene hexachloride and aldrin. This gradually
leads to their demise
Pakistan = M, W
W = Present during winter
and conservation action plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, U.K. 294pp, and WWF-Pakistan and
Down to Earth Magazine ).
Indian Blue Peafowl or Common Peafowl
( Pavo cristatus )
Click to Enlarge
Local Name: Moor (Urdu)

Measurements:
Delacour (1977) reported that adult (third-year or older) males have wing lengths of 440-500 mm and tail-covert lengths
of 1400-1600 mm (rectrices of 400-450 mm), while females have wing lengths of 400-420 mm and tail lengths of 325-
375 mm. Males range in weight from c. 4000-6000 g, and females from c. 2750-4000 g (Ali and Ripley, 1978). The eggs
average 69.7 x 52.1 mm and have an estimated fresh weight of 103.5 g.

Description
Adult male
Fan-shaped crest and head metallic blue; a band from nostril to eye and a large patch under the eyes naked and white;
neck and upper breast silky blue with green and purplish shades varying with the light, black metallic light green, each
feather bordered with black and having a blue central streak and a V-shaped brown patch; those of the rump with a
subterminal border of golden green; rectrices blackish brown with pale mottlings on the outer border; the upper tail-
coverts 100-150 in number, forming a train, with long disintegrated barbs metallic green with bronzy lilac or purple
reflections and a large subterminal ocellus formed by a deep blue patch surrounded by two broad rings of brilliant blue and
bronzy brown, and two narrow ones of golden green and bronzy-lilac,- the outer and the longest central feathers have no
ocelli; the first has a thick velvety blue-green border on the outer web, the second terminates in a broad black half-moon,-
scapulars, lesser wing-coverts, and the tertiaries coarsely and irregularly barred pale buff and brownish black; secondaries
and their coverts black with a blue tinge on the outer web; primary coverts metallic blue,- primaries fulvous; lower breast,
flanks and abdomen black and dark greern; thighs pale buff with small black bars on the upper half; under tail-coverts soft
and fluffy; pale grey with black tips to the long barbs. Iris brown, facial skin white; bill horny grey, legs pale brownish
grey.
Female
Crest, crown, lores, and upper neck chestnut-brown, the feathers bordered with bronzy green; eyebrows, sides of head,
and throat white; lower neck, upper back and upper breast metallic green; rest of upper-parts earthy brown, vermiculated
with pale brown, the primaries and rectrices blackish brown with whitish spots on the outer border or at the tip, the rump
and tail-coverts with more whitish vermicula-tions; lower breast dark brown with broad buff borders to the feathers;
abdomen pale buff; thighs, vent and under tail-coverts earthy brown freckled with whitish. Iris brown, bill and legs horny
brown.

Identification
In the field (36-90 in.)
Peafowl are unmistakable in the field, and any wild peafowl occurring west of Bangladesh will be of this species. Both
sexes possess whitish cheeks and a tufted and fan-like crest. Females lack the long and iridescent train of males, but their
neck and head patterning is very similar. The male's call is a loud, trumpeting he-on or kee-ow, which carries great
distances. Gutteral clucking notes are also uttered.
In the hand
The fan-like crest of both sexes is unique to this spe-cies, and occurs in both adult and immature birds, although it is
smaller in the latter. The bare facial skin in males, and the corresponding area in females is also white.

General biology and Ecology
Food and foraging behavior
Peafowl are generally believed to be virtually omnivorous (Baker 1930; Ali and Ripley 1978), eating everything from grain
and green crops to insects, small reptiles, mammals, and even small snakes. Berries, drupes (such as Carissa, Lantana,
Zizyphus} and wild figs (Ficus] are apparently favoured foods where they are available. Johnsingh and Murali (1980)
found the birds feeding in cultivated fields and on an adjoining acacia plantation as well as in fallow lands, and noted that
three birds that were examined had primarily eaten plant materials such as leaves, grass seeds, and flower parts. Some
Croton fruit, Acacia seeds, Cyperus rhizomes, and rice were also noted, as were various insects such as termites,
grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Foraging is usually done in small groups, which are primarily harem groups during the
breeding season and are segregated parties of adult males and females with young outside the breeding season.
Movements and migrations
There is little information on this subject, but apparently the birds use certain traditional roosting trees, at least where
they are protected, and return every night to these. Thus, home ranges are likely to be fairly small, and limited to foraging
areas radiating out from roosts and within easy walking distances from them.
Daily activities and sociality
These birds roost in high, fairly open trees, from which they can see in all directions. When roosting in forests, they select
one of the highest trees, well out in the open (Baker 1930). The birds generally roost in rather large numbers in such trees
(five banyan trees served as roosting site for about 100 birds in the area studied by Johnsingh and Murali), but during the
day they break up into small groups that for much of the year consist of a male and his harem of three to five females.
After leaving the roosting areas the birds move into forest clearings, cultivated fields, or other areas to forage during the
early morning hours. The middle of the day is spent in shady sites, often very close to water, where the birds drink and
preen at length. Late in the afternoon they forage a second time, and return for another drink at dusk before going to
roost in the evening.

Social behaviour
Mating system and territoriality
All authorities are agreed that this species is polygy-nous, and that a harem mating system prevails. Obviously not all
adult males are able to gather har-ems; Sharma (1972) observed a sex ratio of 1.7-2.1 males per female in his study
area. On the other hand, Johnsingh and Murali (1980) noted a sex ratio favouring apparent females, but admitted that
immature female-like males probably affected their estimates. Perhaps only half of the females in a given population are
actually breeding birds, as some are too young and others are too old or otherwise unable to breed (Sharma 1972).

Territoriality is as yet unstudied in this species, but the male's loud calling during the breeding season is almost certainly
associated with dispersal and spacing.
Voice and display
The calls of this species are numerous, and are still only rather poorly described. Johnsingh and Murali (1980) listed 11
possibly distinct calls, of which three or four are associated with various enemies, one with parent-young relationships,
and one with sexual behaviour and related aggressive behaviour. The last-named category represents the male's Kayong-
kayong-kayong call, during which the head and neck are jerked violently, and is perhaps associated with dominance
display over females. Males also utter a repeated may-awe call, especially during the breeding season, and particularly in
early mornings and evenings. This call is uttered both before and after roosting, so it is probably not a territorial dispersion
call.

The displays of this species, which can be observed so easily in zoo birds, are almost too familiar to describe. Heinroth
(1940) has described copu-latory behaviour in the species, and the strutting has been described by various observers (Ali
and Ripley 1978; Beebe 1918-1922). The erection of the male's train is brought about by the cocking of the rather long
but non-decorative rectrices, and the lateral tail-coverts extend out horizontally and even downward, so that they hide the
wings, which partially droop, with the secondaries folded but the primaries extended loosely downward. The whole body is
inclined forward somewhat, and the head and neck are erect, in the middle of the radiation pattern of ocelli formed by the
tail-coverts. When thus facing a female the male suddenly performs a quivering shake, causing the iridescent train to
shimmer, and the feathers of the wings to rustle audibly. Schenkel (1956-1958) considered this display to be a highly
ritualized form of tidbitting behaviour, although no food is offered nor is the bill even lowered toward the ground as in the
great argus. Heinroth (1940) simply considered the display as a kind of general sexual advertisement, visible at great
distances, that would attract any females that might be ready to mate. As a female approaches the male may actually turn
away from her, causing the hen to move around and face him. This may be repeated several times before the female
crouches and copulation follows. During mating the train is lowered and mounting occurs in the usual galliform manner.

Reproductive biology
Breeding season and nesting
Throughout India the nesting season is quite varied, but is apparently always related to the timing of the wet season. In
southern India and Sri Lanka it reportedly occurs from January to April. Along the foothills of the Himalayas it also may
occur as early as March or April, but usually begins with the start of the summer monsoon, or about the middle of June. In
areas where the food is plentiful and there are showers early in the year the birds typically breed from January to April,
whereas in other areas where there is a long dry season the birds do not begin to breed until the start of the wet season
(Baker 1930). Sharma (1972) confirmed the start of breeding as coinciding with the onset of rain,- in his study area the
birds bred from June to August. Johnsingh and Murali (1980) noted that at Injar (Tamil Nadu) the birds bred from October
to December, which was also related to local precipitation patterns.
Nests are typically well concealed, and often are located under thorny shrubbery such as Lantana or Zizyphus. In some

low areas, where flooding often occurs, the birds may nest in elevated sites such as in the crotch of a banyan (Ficus) tree
(Baker 1930). Generally the clutch size has been reported to range from three to six eggs, only rarely larger and with a
maximum of eight (Baker 1930). However, Sharma (1972) reported a range of from three to nine eggs in 57 nests, and a
modal clutch size of six (27 nests). He confirmed the female's tendency to nest under thorny cover.
Incubation and brooding
Incubation is by the female alone, and lasts for 28^30 days. Sharma (1972) reported a hatching success of 64 per cent
(206 young from 321 eggs). He said that the female incubates for almost 24 hours a day, and that hatching usually occurs
on the 29th day, with some also on the 30th day.
Growth and development of the young
Growth in young peafowl is rather slow, although when the chicks are only two weeks old they are able to jump or flutter
up to elevated perches for roosting, where they sit on either side of the female and are covered by her wings (Rutgers and
Norris 1970). By 20 days they are able to fly (Sharma 1972). In the wild, there is a rather high post-hatching mortality,
with two being the modal number of chicks per brood observed by Johnsingh and Murali (1980). Sharma (1972) also
observed a high level of chick mortality, and believed that females are incapable of looking after more than five young.
The young are brought to the roosting areas used by adult birds only when they are nearly two months old, and fully
capable of flight (Johnsingh and Murali 1980). At four weeks of age the birds begin to develop crests, and when they are
two months old the chicks exactly resemble adult females, although they are only half their size'(Rutgers and Norris
1970). The plumage of first-year males is quite variable. By their second year, males resemble adult males, but lack ocelli
on their train. By their third year males are in full plumage and sexually active, although the length of their train may
continue to increase until about the fifth or sixth year (Delacour 1977).

Evolutionary history and relationships
The relative relationships of Pavo to the peacock pheasant, argus pheasants, and African peafowl are still somewhat
unclear, but it seems likely that Afropavo is the nearest living relative of Pavo. de Boer and van Bocxstaele (1981)
confirmed this relationship on the basis of karyotype similarities, but also observed a rather surprising similarity of both to
the chromosomes of guineafowl.

Habitats and population densities
In its wild state in northern India, the favoured habi-tats of this species consist of forests growing along hillside streams,
in which the undergrowth consists of ber bushes {Zizyphus} and thorny creepers, the bushes growing some 10 or 12 ft
apart, and spreading out to form table-shaped tops that meet one another to form a continuous mass, allowing the birds
to move about easily underneath. Higher up in the hill country they are found in open oak forests, where tiny streams run
between the hills and each stream-bank is well covered by bushes, brambles, and reeds. Over much of southern India
where the birds are protected they are likely to occur in any patch of jungle, groveland, or bushes near villages and in
cultivated areas, and especially in thick and high crops such as sugar-cane (Baker 1930). In general, wild birds seem to
prefer moist and dry-deciduous forests in the neighbourhood of streams (Ali and Ripley 1978).

Although it still remains fairly common in India, the Blue Peafowl has been extirpated from many parts of its former range
in Pakistan. In Pakistan the Indian Blue Peafowl in the wild state is only found in Tharparkar district of the province of Sind
bordering India and in a small area of Azad Kashmir. According to a report from Mithi in the heart of Tharparkar, over the
years trapping and illegal poaching has considerably reduced the population of this most beautiful of birds. Not only is the
peacock prized as a pet bird, its wonderfully rich and colourful feathers too are used in a variety of decorative items.

There are also captive populations of the this Peafowl in Kirthar National Park and other protected areas.

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