Fauna of Pakistan
Encyclopedia
Pakistan
's native fauna reflect its varied climatic zones.
For explanation on habitats, see Habitats of flora and fauna and Forestry in Pakistan
.
Northern highlands and plains
The northern highlands include lower elevation areas of Potohar and Azad Kashmir
regions and higher elevation areas embracing the foothills of Himalayan
, Karakorum
and Hindukush mountain ranges. Some of the wildlife species found on northern mountainous areas and Pothohar Plateau
include the non-threatened mammal species of bharal
, Eurasian lynx
, Himalayan goral, Indian leopard
, Marco Polo sheep
, marmot
(in Deosai National Park
) and yellow-throated marten and birds species of chukar partridge, Eurasian eagle-owl, Himalayan monal
and Himalayan snowcock
and amphibian species of Himalayan toad
and Muree Hills frog
. The threatened ones include Asiatic black bear
, Himalayan brown bear
, Indian wolf
, Kashmir gray langur
, Kashmir red deer
, markhor
, Rhesus macaque
, Siberian ibex
, smooth-coated otter
and white-bellied musk deer, bird species of cheer pheasant
, peregrine falcon
, western tragopan
and reptile species of mugger crocodile
.
Indus plains and deserts of Sindh
River Indus and its numerous eastern tributaries of Chenab form many fluvial
landforms that occupy most of Indus plains in Punjab
and western Sindh. Some of the non-threatened mammal species of the Indus plains and the deserts of Sindh include the nilgai
, red fox
and wild boar, bird species of Alexandrine parakeet
, barn owl
, black kite
, myna
, hoopoe
, Indian peafowl
, red-vented bulbul
, rock pigeon
, shelduck
and shikra
, reptile species of Indian cobra
, Indian star tortoise
, Sindh krait
and yellow monitor
and amphibian species of Indus Valley bullfrog
and Indus Valley toad
. Some of the threatened mammal species include the axis deer, blackbuck
, hog deer
, Indian rhinoceros
, Punjab urial
and Sindh ibex
, bird species of white-backed vulture
and reptile species of black pond turtle and gharial
. Grey partridge
is one of the few birds that can be found in the Cholistan desert. The Tharparkar desert supports a fair population of the chinkara
. The Asiatic wild ass migrates from the Indian part of the Great Rann of Kutch to the part in Pakistan in search of food. Wild boar numbers have increased because of the immunity they enjoy in a Muslim
society that forbids its consumption by humans.
Western highlands, plains and deserts
Western region of Pakistan, most of which is enveloped in Balochistan
province, has a complex geography. Some of the mammal species include the caracal
, Balochistan dormouse
, Blanford's fox
, dromedary camel, goitered gazelle
, Indian crested porcupine, Long-eared hedgehog
, markhor
, ratel and striped hyena
, bird species of bearded vulture, Houbara bustard
and merlin
, reptile species of leopard gecko
and saw-scaled viper and amphibian species of Balochistan toad.
Wetlands, coastal regions and marine life
There are a number of protected wetland
s (under Ramsar Convention
) across the Pakistan. The wetlands are an habitat for migratory birds such as dalmatian pelican
s and demoiselle crane
as well as predatory species of osprey
, common kingfisher, fishing cat
and leopard cat
near the coast line. Chashma and Taunsa Barrage Dolphin Sanctuary protects the threatened species of Indus River dolphin
s which tend to live in freshwater
. The coastline of Pakistan is 1,050 km long and consists of a variety of habitat types, supporting a wide range of animals, of which over 1000 are fish species in the reef
s of its continental shelf
. West coast of Great Rann of Kutch, east to the Indus River Delta and below Tharparkar
desert, is one of the few places where greater flamingo
s come to breed. It is also a habitat for endangered species of lesser florican
. The Indus River Delta
provide nesting grounds for common snakehead
, giant snakehead
, Indus baril
and many species of catfish
like rita
. The hilsa
swims up from the Arabian Sea
to spawn in freshwater. Species that are important to people as food, such as the golden mahseer and large freshwater shrimp
(Macrobrachium species), are part of the abundant aquatic life. Along the shores of Astola and Ormara
beaches of Balochistan and Hawk'e Bay
and Sandspit
beaches of Sindh are nesting sites for five endangered species of sea turtle
s: Green Sea, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Leatherback. Sea snakes such as yellow-bellied sea snake are also found in the pelagic zone
of the sea. The wetlands of Pakistan are also a home to the endangered species of gharial
and mugger crocodile
who prefer freshwater habitat.
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
's native fauna reflect its varied climatic zones.
Distribution
Forestry in Pakistan
The forestry sector of Pakistan is a main source of lumber, paper, fuelwood, latex, medicine as well as food and provide ecotourism and wildlife conservation purposes. Less than 4% of land in Pakistan is covered with forests.-Statistics:-Types:...
.
Northern highlands and plains
The northern highlands include lower elevation areas of Potohar and Azad Kashmir
Azad Kashmir
Azad Jammu and Kashmir or Azad Kashmir for short, is the southernmost political entity within the Pakistani-administered part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir...
regions and higher elevation areas embracing the foothills of Himalayan
Himalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
, Karakorum
Karakorum
Karakorum was the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, and of the Northern Yuan in the 14-15th century. Its ruins lie in the northwestern corner of the Övörkhangai Province of Mongolia, near today's town of Kharkhorin, and adjacent to the Erdene Zuu monastery...
and Hindukush mountain ranges. Some of the wildlife species found on northern mountainous areas and Pothohar Plateau
Pothohar Plateau
The Pothohar Plateau is a plateau in north-eastern Pakistan and the western parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The area was the home of the Soanian Culture, which is evidenced by the discovery of fossils, tools, coins, and remains of ancient archaeological sites...
include the non-threatened mammal species of bharal
Bharal
The bharal or Himalayan blue sheep or naur, Pseudois nayaur, is a caprid found in the high Himalayas of Nepal, Tibet, China, India, Pakistan, and Bhutan...
, Eurasian lynx
Eurasian Lynx
The Eurasian lynx is a medium-sized cat native to European and Siberian forests, South Asia and East Asia. It is also known as the European lynx, common lynx, the northern lynx, and the Siberian or Russian lynx...
, Himalayan goral, Indian leopard
Indian leopard
The Indian leopard is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the five big cats found in India, apart from Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, snow leopard and clouded leopard....
, Marco Polo sheep
Marco Polo sheep
The Marco Polo sheep is a subspecies of argali sheep, named after Marco Polo. Their habitat is the mountainous regions of Central Asia. Marco Polo sheep are distinguishable mostly by their large size and spiraling horns. Their conservation status is "near threatened" and efforts have been made to...
, marmot
Marmot
The marmots are a genus, Marmota, of squirrels. There are 14 species in this genus.Marmots are generally large ground squirrels. Those most often referred to as marmots tend to live in mountainous areas such as the Alps, northern Apennines, Eurasian steppes, Carpathians, Tatras, and Pyrenees in...
(in Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park
The Deosai National Park is located in the Skardu, Astore Districts of Gilgit-Baltistan province, in northernmost Pakistan. The park is located on the Deosai Plains of the Greater Kashmir geographic region...
) and yellow-throated marten and birds species of chukar partridge, Eurasian eagle-owl, Himalayan monal
Himalayan Monal
The Himalayan Monal, Lophophorus impejanus also known as the Impeyan Monal or Impeyan Pheasant or Danphe is a bird of genus Lophophorus of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is the national bird of Nepal, where it is known as the Danfe, and the state bird of Uttarakhand.Traditionally, the...
and Himalayan snowcock
Himalayan Snowcock
The Himalayan Snowcock is a snowcock in the pheasant family Phasianidae found across the Himalayan ranges and parts of the adjoining Pamir range of Asia. It is found on alpine pastures and on steep rocky cliffs where they will dive down the hill slopes to escape. It overlaps with the slightly...
and amphibian species of Himalayan toad
Duttaphrynus himalayanus
Duttaphrynus himalayanus is a species of toad found in the Himalayan region of Pakistan and Kashmir.-Description:Crown deeply concave, with low, blunt supraorbital ridges; snout short, blunt; interorbitol space broader than the upper eyelid; tympanum very small, rather indistinct...
and Muree Hills frog
Paa vicina
Paa vicina is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is found in India and Pakistan.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montanes, subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, rivers, and freshwater spring...
. The threatened ones include Asiatic black bear
Asiatic Black Bear
The Asian black bear , also known as the moon bear or white-chested bear is a medium-sized species of bear, largely adapted for arboreal life, which occurs through much of southern Asia, Korea, northeastern China, the Russian far east and Honshū and Shikoku islands of Japan...
, Himalayan brown bear
Himalayan Brown Bear
The Himalayan Brown Bear , also known as the Himalayan Red Bear, Isabelline Bear or Dzu-Teh, is a subspecies of the Brown Bear. The bear is thought to be the source of the legend of the Yeti....
, Indian wolf
Indian Wolf
Indian wolf and Iranian Wolf are two common names for Canis lupus pallipes, a subspecies of grey wolf which inhabits western India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and southern Israel. Some experts have suggested at least some C. lupus pallipes populations be re-classified a canid species...
, Kashmir gray langur
Kashmir Gray Langur
The Kashmir gray langur is an Old World monkey, one of the species of langurs. This, like other gray langurs, is a leaf-eating monkey. It is found in India west into Pakistani Kashmir and Nepal...
, Kashmir red deer
Kashmir stag
The Kashmir stag , also called hangul, is a subspecies of Red Deer native to northern Pakistan and India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir where it is the state animal.-Description:...
, markhor
Markhor
The Markhor is a large species of wild goat that is found in northeastern Afghanistan, Pakistan , India, southern Tajikistan and southern Uzbekistan...
, Rhesus macaque
Rhesus Macaque
The Rhesus macaque , also called the Rhesus monkey, is one of the best-known species of Old World monkeys. It is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and its tolerance of a broad range of habitats...
, Siberian ibex
Siberian Ibex
The Siberian Ibex or Common ibex is a species of ibex that lives in central and northern Asia. It has traditionally been treated as a subspecies of the Alpine Ibex, and whether it is specifically distinct from other ibex is still not entirely clear...
, smooth-coated otter
Smooth-coated Otter
The Smooth-coated Otter is a species of otter, the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale. The species is found from southern Pakistan and parts of the India east to Southeast Asia, and there is a disjunct population in Iraq...
and white-bellied musk deer, bird species of cheer pheasant
Cheer Pheasant
The Cheer Pheasant, Catreus wallichii also known as Wallich's Pheasant is an endangered species of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is the only member in monotypic genus Catreus...
, peregrine falcon
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon , also known as the Peregrine, and historically as the Duck Hawk in North America, is a widespread bird of prey in the family Falconidae. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-gray back, barred white underparts, and a black head and "moustache"...
, western tragopan
Western Tragopan
The Western Tragopan or Western Horned Tragopan is a medium-sized brightly plumaged pheasant found along the Himalayas from Hazara in northern Pakistan in the west to Uttarakhand within India to the east...
and reptile species of mugger crocodile
Mugger Crocodile
The mugger crocodile , also called the Indian, Indus, Persian, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and the surrounding countries...
.
Indus plains and deserts of Sindh
River Indus and its numerous eastern tributaries of Chenab form many fluvial
Fluvial
Fluvial is used in geography and Earth science to refer to the processes associated with rivers and streams and the deposits and landforms created by them...
landforms that occupy most of Indus plains in Punjab
Punjab (Pakistan)
Punjab is the most populous province of Pakistan, with approximately 45% of the country's total population. Forming most of the Punjab region, the province is bordered by Kashmir to the north-east, the Indian states of Punjab and Rajasthan to the east, the Pakistani province of Sindh to the...
and western Sindh. Some of the non-threatened mammal species of the Indus plains and the deserts of Sindh include the nilgai
Nilgai
The nilgai , sometimes called nilgau, is an antelope, and is one of the most commonly seen wild animals of central and northern India and eastern Pakistan; it is also present in parts of southern Nepal. The mature males appear ox-like and are also known as blue bulls...
, red fox
Red Fox
The red fox is the largest of the true foxes, as well as being the most geographically spread member of the Carnivora, being distributed across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to North Africa, Central America, and the steppes of Asia...
and wild boar, bird species of Alexandrine parakeet
Alexandrine Parakeet
The Alexandrine Parakeet or Alexandrian Parrot is a member of the psittaciformes order and of the psittacines family...
, barn owl
Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is the most widely distributed species of owl, and one of the most widespread of all birds. It is also referred to as Common Barn Owl, to distinguish it from other species in the barn-owl family Tytonidae. These form one of two main lineages of living owls, the other being the typical...
, black kite
Black Kite
The Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors. Unlike others of the group, they are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. Their...
, myna
Common Myna
The Common Myna or Indian Myna also sometimes spelled Mynah, is a member of family Sturnidae native to Asia. An omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct, the Myna has adapted extremely well to urban environments...
, hoopoe
Hoopoe
The Hoopoe is a colourful bird that is found across Afro-Eurasia, notable for its distinctive 'crown' of feathers. It is the only extant species in the family Upupidae. One insular species, the Giant Hoopoe of Saint Helena, is extinct, and the Madagascar subspecies of the Hoopoe is sometimes...
, Indian peafowl
Indian Peafowl
The Indian Peafowl or Blue Peafowl is a large and brightly coloured bird of the pheasant family native to South Asia, but introduced and semi-feral in many other parts of the world...
, red-vented bulbul
Red-vented Bulbul
The Red-vented Bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to Burma and southwestern China. It has been introduced and has established itself in the wild in many Pacific islands including Fiji, Samoa,...
, rock pigeon
Rock Pigeon
The Rock Dove or Rock Pigeon, is a member of the bird family Columbidae . In common usage, this bird is often simply referred to as the "pigeon"....
, shelduck
Common Shelduck
The Common Shelduck is a waterfowl species shelduck genus Tadorna. It is widespread and common in Eurasia, mainly breeding in temperate and wintering in subtropical regions; in winter, it can also be found in the Maghreb...
and shikra
Shikra
The Shikra is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae found widely distributed in Asia and Africa where it is also called the Little Banded Goshawk. The African forms may represent a separate species but have usually been considered as subspecies of the Shikra...
, reptile species of Indian cobra
Indian Cobra
Indian Cobra or Spectacled Cobra is a species of the genus Naja found in the Indian subcontinent and a member of the "big four", the four species which inflict the most snakebites in India. This snake is revered in Indian mythology and culture, and is often seen with snake charmers...
, Indian star tortoise
Indian Star Tortoise
The Indian star tortoise is a species of tortoise found in dry areas and scrub forest in India and Sri Lanka. This species is quite popular in the exotic pet trade.-Anatomy and morphology:...
, Sindh krait
Bungarus sindanus
The Sind krait is a species of krait, a venomous elapid snake found in Asia. Three subspecies are recognized.-Distribution:The geographic ranges of the subspecies in Pakistan and India are as follows:...
and yellow monitor
Yellow Monitor
The Yellow Monitor, Golden Monitor,Varanus flavescens, is a species of Monitor lizard found in Asia.-Description:Varanus flavescens has subcorneal teeth, scarcely compressed. Its snout is short and convex, measuring a little less than the distance from the anterior border of the orbit to the...
and amphibian species of Indus Valley bullfrog
Hoplobatrachus tigerinus
Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, the Indus Valley Bullfrog or Indian Bullfrog, is a large species of frog found in India, Pakistan and Nepal.- Description :...
and Indus Valley toad
Bufo stomaticus
Indus Valley toad or marbled toad Bufo stomaticus is a species of toad found in Asia from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan to Nepal extending into Peninsular India from the plains to about 1800m. It is particularly common in the Indus valley....
. Some of the threatened mammal species include the axis deer, blackbuck
Blackbuck
Blackbuck is a species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent. Their range decreased sharply during the 20th century. Since 2003, the IUCN lists the species as near threatened....
, hog deer
Hog Deer
The Hog Deer is a small deer whose habitat ranges from Pakistan, through northern India, to mainland southeast Asia...
, Indian rhinoceros
Indian Rhinoceros
The Indian Rhinoceros is also called Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and Asian One-horned Rhinoceros and belongs to the Rhinocerotidae family...
, Punjab urial
Urial
The Urial , also known as the Arkars or Shapo, is a subspecies group of the wild sheep Ovis orientalis. Noticeable features are the reddish-brown long fur that fades during winter; males are characterized by a black ruff stretching from the neck to the chest and large horns. It is found in western...
and Sindh ibex
Sindh Ibex
The Sindh Ibex or Turkman Wild Goat is a vulnerable wild goat commonly native to southern Pakistan.-Description:Sindh Ibex are rather stocky animals with thick-set bodies and strong limbs terminating in broad hooves...
, bird species of white-backed vulture
White-backed Vulture
The White-backed Vulture is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is closely related to the European Griffon Vulture, G. fulvus...
and reptile species of black pond turtle and gharial
Gharial
The gharial , , also called Indian gavial or gavial, is the only surviving member of the once well-represented family Gavialidae, a long-established group of crocodilians with long, slender snouts...
. Grey partridge
Grey Partridge
The Grey Partridge, Perdix perdix, also known as the English Partridge, Hungarian Partridge, or Hun, is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes, gallinaceous birds...
is one of the few birds that can be found in the Cholistan desert. The Tharparkar desert supports a fair population of the chinkara
Chinkara
The Chinkara is a species of gazelle found in south Asia.-Habitat and Distribution:It lives in grasslands and desert areas in India, Bangladesh and parts of Iran and Pakistan...
. The Asiatic wild ass migrates from the Indian part of the Great Rann of Kutch to the part in Pakistan in search of food. Wild boar numbers have increased because of the immunity they enjoy in a Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
society that forbids its consumption by humans.
Western highlands, plains and deserts
Western region of Pakistan, most of which is enveloped in Balochistan
Balochistan (Pakistan)
Balochistan is one of the four provinces or federating units of Pakistan. With an area of 134,051 mi2 or , it is the largest province of Pakistan, constituting approximately 44% of the total land mass of Pakistan. According to the 1998 population census, Balochistan had a population of...
province, has a complex geography. Some of the mammal species include the caracal
Caracal
The caracal is a fiercely territorial medium-sized cat ranging over Western Asia, South Asia and Africa.The word caracal comes from the Turkish word "karakulak", meaning "black ear". In North India and Pakistan, the caracal is locally known as syahgosh or shyahgosh, which is a Persian term...
, Balochistan dormouse
Balochistan Forest Dormouse
The Balochistan Forest Dormouse is a species of rodent in the Gliridae family.It is endemic to Pakistan.-References:* Gippoliti, S. 2002. . Downloaded on 29 July 2007....
, Blanford's fox
Blanford's Fox
Blanford's fox , is a small fox found in certain regions of the Middle East.-Other names:It is also known as the Afghan fox, royal fox, Corsac, dog fox, hoary fox, steppe fox, black fox, king fox, cliff fox or Baluchistan fox...
, dromedary camel, goitered gazelle
Goitered Gazelle
The Goitered, Black-tailed or Persian gazelle is a gazelle found in the north part of Azerbaijan, in a large area of central Asia, including part of Iran and southern west Pakistan in the western end of the range, as well as the Gobi desert...
, Indian crested porcupine, Long-eared hedgehog
Long-eared Hedgehog
The Long-eared hedgehog is a species of hedgehog native to Central Asian countries and the Middle East. The long-eared hedgehog lives in burrows that it either makes or finds and is distinguished by its long ears. It is considered one of the smallest middle eastern hedgehogs . This Hedgehog is...
, markhor
Markhor
The Markhor is a large species of wild goat that is found in northeastern Afghanistan, Pakistan , India, southern Tajikistan and southern Uzbekistan...
, ratel and striped hyena
Striped Hyena
The Striped Hyena is a species of true hyena native to North and East Africa, the Caucasus, the Middle East, Middle and Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent...
, bird species of bearded vulture, Houbara bustard
Houbara Bustard
The Houbara Bustard, Chlamydotis undulata, is a large bird in the bustard family.-Description:The Houbara Bustard is a small to mid-sized bustard. It measures in length and spans across the wings. It is brown above and white below, with a black stripe down the sides of its neck. In flight, the...
and merlin
Merlin (bird)
The Merlin is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere. A bird of prey once known colloquially as a pigeon hawk in North America, the Merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter.-European and North American...
, reptile species of leopard gecko
Leopard gecko
The leopard gecko is a nocturnal ground-dwelling lizard naturally found in the deserts of southern Central Asia, and throughout Pakistan, to the northwestern parts of India. Unlike most geckos, leopard geckos possess movable eyelids...
and saw-scaled viper and amphibian species of Balochistan toad.
Wetlands, coastal regions and marine life
There are a number of protected wetland
Wetland
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorised by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions....
s (under Ramsar Convention
Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, i.e., to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural,...
) across the Pakistan. The wetlands are an habitat for migratory birds such as dalmatian pelican
Dalmatian Pelican
The Dalmatian Pelican is a member of the pelican family. It breeds from southeastern Europe to India and China in swamps and shallow lakes. The nest is a crude heap of vegetation....
s and demoiselle crane
Demoiselle Crane
The Demoiselle Crane, Anthropoides virgo, is a species of crane that breeds in Central Asia and winters in India, with a few found in Cyprus and eastern Turkey as well. The crane annually migrates to Africa and South Asia in winter...
as well as predatory species of osprey
Osprey
The Osprey , sometimes known as the sea hawk or fish eagle, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than in length and across the wings...
, common kingfisher, fishing cat
Fishing Cat
The Fishing Cat is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. In 2008, the IUCN classified the fishing cat as endangered since they are concentrated primarily in wetland habitats, which are increasingly being settled, degraded and converted...
and leopard cat
Leopard Cat
The leopard cat is a small wild cat of South and East Asia. Since 2002 it has been listed as Least Concern by IUCN as it is widely distributed but threatened by habitat loss and hunting in parts of its range...
near the coast line. Chashma and Taunsa Barrage Dolphin Sanctuary protects the threatened species of Indus River dolphin
Indus River dolphin
The Indus River dolphin is a sub-species of freshwater or river dolphin found in the Indus River of Pakistan...
s which tend to live in freshwater
Freshwater
Fresh water is naturally occurring water on the Earth's surface in ice sheets, ice caps, glaciers, bogs, ponds, lakes, rivers and streams, and underground as groundwater in aquifers and underground streams. Fresh water is generally characterized by having low concentrations of dissolved salts and...
. The coastline of Pakistan is 1,050 km long and consists of a variety of habitat types, supporting a wide range of animals, of which over 1000 are fish species in the reef
Reef
In nautical terminology, a reef is a rock, sandbar, or other feature lying beneath the surface of the water ....
s of its continental shelf
Continental shelf
The continental shelf is the extended perimeter of each continent and associated coastal plain. Much of the shelf was exposed during glacial periods, but is now submerged under relatively shallow seas and gulfs, and was similarly submerged during other interglacial periods. The continental margin,...
. West coast of Great Rann of Kutch, east to the Indus River Delta and below Tharparkar
Tharparkar
Tharparkar is one of twenty three districts of Sindh province in Pakistan. Its headquarter is Mithi. It is the only fertile desert in the world. The District derives its names from Thar and Parker...
desert, is one of the few places where greater flamingo
Greater Flamingo
The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family. It is found in parts of Africa, southern Asia , and southern Europe...
s come to breed. It is also a habitat for endangered species of lesser florican
Lesser Florican
The Lesser Florican , also known as the Likh, is a large bird in the bustard family and the only member of the genus Sypheotides. It is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent where it is found in tall grasslands and is best known for the leaping breeding displays made by the males during the Monsoon...
. The Indus River Delta
Indus River Delta
The Indus River Delta , forms where the Indus River flows into the Arabian Sea in Pakistan. The delta covers an area of about 41,440 km² , and is approximately 210 km across where it meets the sea. The active part of the delta is 6,000 km² in area. The climate is arid, the region only receives...
provide nesting grounds for common snakehead
Channa striata
The snakehead murrel, Channa striata, is a species of snakehead fish. It is also known as the common snakehead, chevron snakehead, striped snakehead, haloan, aruan, haruan and dalag...
, giant snakehead
Channa marulius
The bullseye snakehead or great snakehead is native to South Asia but has been introduced to the United States. In South India it is commonly found in reservoirs. It is found in Pechpparai, Chittar, Manimuthar, Bhvani and Mettur dams of Tamil Nadu Thenmalai, Neyyar and Idukki dams of kerala. C....
, Indus baril
Barilius modestus
Barilius modestus is a fish in genus Barilius of the family Cyprinidae....
and many species of catfish
Catfish
Catfishes are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the heaviest and longest, the Mekong giant catfish from Southeast Asia and the second longest, the wels catfish of Eurasia, to detritivores...
like rita
Rita rita
Rita rita is a species of catfish of the family Bagridae. It is slow breeding fish species seen in Indian subcontinent.Common name: Bengali-রিঠা...
. The hilsa
Hilsa
Ilish , also spelled Elish, is the most popular fish to Bengalis. Its the national fish of Bangladesh and extremely popular in parts of India such as West Bengal, Orissa, Tripura, Assam as well. Ilish also can be found at India's Assamese-, Bengali- Oriya-speaking regions and in Telugu-speaking...
swims up from the Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is a region of the Indian Ocean bounded on the east by India, on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, on the south, approximately, by a line between Cape Guardafui in northeastern Somalia and Kanyakumari in India...
to spawn in freshwater. Species that are important to people as food, such as the golden mahseer and large freshwater shrimp
Shrimp
Shrimp are swimming, decapod crustaceans classified in the infraorder Caridea, found widely around the world in both fresh and salt water. Adult shrimp are filter feeding benthic animals living close to the bottom. They can live in schools and can swim rapidly backwards. Shrimp are an important...
(Macrobrachium species), are part of the abundant aquatic life. Along the shores of Astola and Ormara
Ormara Turtle Beaches (Ramsar Site)
Ormara Turtle Beaches is a stretch of 10 km of sandy beach along the Balochistan coast in Pakistan. Covering an area of 2,400 hectares, it was designated a Ramsar Site on 10 May 2001.- Fauna :...
beaches of Balochistan and Hawk'e Bay
Hawke's Bay Beach
Hawke's Bay or Hawkesbay is a beach in Pakistan situated a couple of kilometers away from Sandspit Beach in Karachi.Hawksbay is one of the few beaches in the world where green sea turtles come to lay eggs. It hosts one of the rarest reptile species....
and Sandspit
Sandspit Beach
Sandspit Beach is situated south west of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It is a very famous tourist spot. The sea at Sandspit is very calm and quiet from October to March and very rough during the monsoon. Remarkable variety of marine life-algae, and crabs are found here. The shallow water here is ideal...
beaches of Sindh are nesting sites for five endangered species of sea turtle
Sea turtle
Sea turtles are marine reptiles that inhabit all of the world's oceans except the Arctic.-Distribution:...
s: Green Sea, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Leatherback. Sea snakes such as yellow-bellied sea snake are also found in the pelagic zone
Pelagic zone
Any water in a sea or lake that is not close to the bottom or near to the shore can be said to be in the pelagic zone. The word pelagic comes from the Greek πέλαγος or pélagos, which means "open sea". The pelagic zone can be thought of in terms of an imaginary cylinder or water column that goes...
of the sea. The wetlands of Pakistan are also a home to the endangered species of gharial
Gharial
The gharial , , also called Indian gavial or gavial, is the only surviving member of the once well-represented family Gavialidae, a long-established group of crocodilians with long, slender snouts...
and mugger crocodile
Mugger Crocodile
The mugger crocodile , also called the Indian, Indus, Persian, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and the surrounding countries...
who prefer freshwater habitat.
Cultural significance
| Title | Symbol | Picture |
|---|---|---|
| National animal | Markhor Markhor The Markhor is a large species of wild goat that is found in northeastern Afghanistan, Pakistan , India, southern Tajikistan and southern Uzbekistan... (Capra falconeri) |
 |
| State animal | Snow Leopard Snow Leopard The snow leopard is a moderately large cat native to the mountain ranges of South Asia and Central Asia... (Uncia uncia) |
|
| National bird | Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) | |
| State bird State bird A state bird is the insignia of a state .See also:* List of Australian bird emblems* List of Brazilian state birds* List of Canadian provincial birds* List of Chinese provincial birds* List of Indian state birds... |
Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon The Peregrine Falcon , also known as the Peregrine, and historically as the Duck Hawk in North America, is a widespread bird of prey in the family Falconidae. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-gray back, barred white underparts, and a black head and "moustache"... or Shaheen (Falco peregrinus) |
|
| National aquatic animal | Indus Dolphin or Bhulan (Platanista minor) |  |
| National fish | Mahseer Mahseer Mahseer is the common name used for the genera Tor, Neolissochilus, and Naziritor in the family Cyprinidae . The name Mahseer is however more often restricted to members of the genus Tor... (Tor putitora) |
 |
| National reptile | Mugger Crocodile Mugger Crocodile The mugger crocodile , also called the Indian, Indus, Persian, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and the surrounding countries... (Crocodylus palustris) |
 |
| National amphibian | Indus Valley Toad Bufo stomaticus Indus Valley toad or marbled toad Bufo stomaticus is a species of toad found in Asia from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan to Nepal extending into Peninsular India from the plains to about 1800m. It is particularly common in the Indus valley.... (Bufo stomaticus) |
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Taxonomic classification
- Molluscs of Pakistan
- Non-marine molluscs
- Marine molluscs
- Arthropods of Pakistan
- Ants of Pakistan
- Odonates of Pakistan
- Moths of Pakistan
- Butterflies of Pakistan
- Spiders of Pakistan
- Crustaceans of Pakistan
- Chordates of Pakistan
- Fishes of Pakistan
- Amphibians of Pakistan
- Reptiles of Pakistan
- Birds of Pakistan
- Mammals of Pakistan
See also
- Ecoregions of Pakistan
- Forestry in PakistanForestry in PakistanThe forestry sector of Pakistan is a main source of lumber, paper, fuelwood, latex, medicine as well as food and provide ecotourism and wildlife conservation purposes. Less than 4% of land in Pakistan is covered with forests.-Statistics:-Types:...
- Wildlife of PakistanWildlife of PakistanWildlife of Pakistan: flora and fauna and their natural habitats.-Northern highlands and plains:The northern highlands include lower elevation areas of Potohar and Azad Kashmir regions and higher elevation areas embracing the foothills of Himalayan, Karakorum and Hindukush mountain ranges...
- Flora of PakistanFlora of PakistanPakistan's native flora reflects its varied climatic zones, which range from arid and semi-arid to temperate and tropical. For further details of habitats, see Ecoregions of Pakistan, Forestry in Pakistan and Wildlife of Pakistan.-Distribution:...