Marine Biotechnology

Report: Shahdara Valley visit

Supervisor: Dr. Tahir Ahmed Baig

Student Name: your mom
Reg. No. 357689
Batch: UG-13
Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB)
National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad
May 2023
 Shahdra Valley Visit Report
1. Location:
One of the greatest tourist spots in Islamabad is the Shahdara Valley. It is 10 km from Islamabad
in the direction of Quaid-e-Azam University. Shahdara community is a community located in
Islamabad, Pakistan, near Margalla Hills.

2. Visiting Point:
Both domestic and international visitors like visiting Shahdara Valley. There are several leisure
opportunities available, including family picnics. With its breathtaking vistas and variety of
activities, it is one of the most entertaining sites to visit in Islamabad.
Shahdara Valley is extremely beautiful! The lush vegetation, the sloping hills, and the babbling
river all provide a soothing and consoling effect. The beautiful sight of the golden amaltas trees
in full bloom completes the ideal scene of tranquilly in nature. It's a wonderful spot to travel
through and soak in the natural splendor.

Figure 1: Shahdra Valley

3. Climate:
Like Islamabad, Shahdara has four distinct seasons: winter (November to February), spring
(March to April), summer (May to June), the wet monsoon season (July and August), and fall
(September to October).

4. Species Diversity:
Shahdra Valley has a rich diversity of species, with a total of 576 species identified in the area.
The species include 244 plants, 45 algae, 177 insects, 34 birds, 25 fish, and 51 mammals. The
high species diversity in the area is due to the diverse range of habitats available, including
wetlands, grasslands, and forests.
 4.1. Algal Species:
Shahdra Valley is home to a diverse range of algal species, with 45 identified in the area. These
species include green algae, blue-green algae, and red algae. The algal species are found in the
wetlands and water bodies of the valley, and they play an essential role in maintaining the
ecological balance of the ecosystem. Some of the common algal species found in the valley
include Spirogyra, Chlamydomonas, and Oscillatoria.

Figure 2: Algal diversity

4.2. Animal Diversity:

Shahdra Valley is home to a wide range of animal species, with a total of 195 species identified
in the area. The animal species include 5 mammals, 50 birds, 12 reptiles, 11 amphibians, 33 fish,
and 84 invertebrates. The high animal diversity in the area is due to the diverse range of habitats
available, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests.

Figure 3: Aninal Diversity

Shahdra Valley is home to a diverse range of snake species, with a total of 12 species identified
in the area. The snake species include both venomous and non-venomous species, including the
Indian cobra, Russell's viper, and the Indian rat snake. Snakes are found in a variety of habitats in
the valley, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests. It is important to note that snakes play a
crucial role in the ecosystem, as they help to control rodent populations.
Shahdra Valley is also home to a variety of crab species, with a total of 4 species identified in the
area. The crab species found in the valley include the Indian river crab, the red-clawed crab, and
the marsh crab. Crabs are found in the wetlands and water bodies of the valley and play an
important role in the ecosystem as they help to maintain the ecological balance by consuming
dead organic matter.

Figure 4: Crabs Diversity

4.3. Fishes Diversity:

Shahdra Valley is known for its diverse fish population, with a total of 25 species identified in
the area. The fish species include both indigenous and exotic species, with the most common
species being the common carp, mrigal, and catfish. The fish are found in the water bodies of the
valley, including the Shahdra Lake and various streams and rivers. The fish diversity in the area
is essential for maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystem.

4.4. Plant Diversity:

Shahdra Valley has a rich diversity of plant species, with a total of 244 species identified in the
area. The plant species include trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. The plant diversity in the area is
due to the diverse range of habitats available, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Some
of the common plant species found in the valley include Acacia modesta, Dodonaea viscosa, and
Ziziphus mauritiana.
 Figure 5: Plant Diversity

5. Conclusion:
In conclusion, Shahdra Valley is a diverse ecosystem with a wide range of flora and fauna. The
species diversity in the area is due to the diverse range of habitats available, including wetlands,
grasslands, and forests. The algal species, fish diversity, and plant diversity are essential for
maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and
conserve the natural resources of Shahdra Valley for future generations.