National Parks Of Pakistan

Reason identified..

گولی یا زہر نہیں، چترال کا برفانی چیتا اسہال اور پانی کی کمی سے مرا: پوسٹ مارٹم میں تصدیق
وائلڈ لائف حکام نے مزید کیا تفصیلات بتائیں؟ https://bbc.in/4sPBGCz

Possible reason of death not identified.. seems a natural death.

PRESS RELEASE
Natural Death of Snow Leopard in Chitral Signals Growing Human–Wildlife Coexistence
The natural death of an elderly snow leopard in the Garam Chashma area of Chitral has been confirmed following a joint field assessment and postmortem examination by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department and the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF). Authorities and conservation experts say the incident reflects improving coexistence between communities and snow leopards, supported by active protection and conflict-mitigation measures.
The carcass of a male snow leopard was discovered on 19 January 2026 in a forested area above Wakht village in Garam Chashma. A postmortem conducted by an experienced veterinarian concluded that the animal—approximately 12 years old—died due to severe diarrhea and dehydration linked to old age and prolonged food shortage. There was no evidence of poaching, poisoning, snaring, or any form of human-induced harm.
A rare but meaningful signal
In many parts of the world, large carnivores are killed by humans before reaching old age. Against this global backdrop, experts say that a snow leopard dying naturally is a rare ecological signal—indicating that the animal successfully survived the most dangerous phases of its life in a human-dominated landscape.
Dr. Shezra Mansab Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, said the incident highlights the value of science-based conservation and community engagement:
“This case demonstrates that when communities are supported, informed, and engaged, coexistence with iconic species like the snow leopard is possible. A natural death of such a rare animal reflects improved protection, responsible governance, and growing public awareness in Pakistan’s mountain landscapes.”
Community response and rapid mitigation
The Garam Chashma area had come into focus in recent months after videos of snow leopards moving near villages went viral, causing fear among residents. In response, the KP Wildlife Department and SLF conducted community awareness meetings, reassured residents, and promoted preventive livestock-protection measures.
Rather than demanding compensation after livestock losses, local communities requested long-term, sustainable solutions. SLF responded promptly by providing livestock vaccination, and committed to extending other conflict-mitigation measures already operating elsewhere in Chitral, including predator-proof corrals, livestock insurance schemes, and conservation education.
Mr. Jamal Leghari, GSLEP Emissary, emphasized the broader regional significance:
“Across the snow leopard range, most individuals are lost to human-related causes. When a snow leopard survives long enough to die naturally, it tells a powerful story—that coexistence is working on the ground. Chitral is showing how community-based solutions can change outcomes for people and wildlife alike.”
Active protection on the ground
The KP Wildlife Department confirmed that the response to the incident was immediate and transparent.
Mr. Farooq Nabi, Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) Chitral, of KP Wildlife Department , stated:
“Our field teams inspected the site thoroughly and found no signs of conflict or illegal activity. The postmortem clearly indicates natural causes. This outcome reflects consistent patrolling, community cooperation, and our close coordination with partners like the Snow Leopard Foundation.”
Conservation perspective
Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of SLF, noted that the incident should be viewed in a broader conservation context:
“In landscapes where human-caused mortality usually dominates, a natural death is not just a biological event—it is a coexistence signal. It shows that this snow leopard avoided persecution and conflict throughout its life. The trust built through livestock vaccination, insurance, predator-proof corrals, and conservation education is clearly making a difference.”
He added that while the loss of any snow leopard is tragic, the circumstances of this case demonstrate that preventive, community-centered conservation works.
Looking ahead
Authorities and SLF reaffirmed their commitment to:
Strengthening community-based conflict mitigation
Expanding livestock insurance and predator-proof infrastructure
Continuing awareness and education programs
Maintaining strong protection and monitoring across Chitral’s snow leopard habitat
As Pakistan continues to advance its commitments under CBD’s Global Bioldiversity Framework global biodiversity and GSLEP, the Garam Chashma case stands as an example of how coexistence, not conflict, can define the future of human–wildlife relations in mountain landscapes.
Jamal Leghari

سعودی عرب کے شہر عرعر کے قریب غاروں سے چیتوں کی ممی شدہ باقیات دریافت

سائنس دانوں نے سعودی عرب کے شمالی شہر عرعر کے قریب واقع غاروں سے چیتوں کی ممی شدہ باقیات دریافت کی ہیں۔ تحقیق کے مطابق یہ باقیات 130 سال سے لے کر 1,800 سال سے بھی زیادہ قدیم ہیں۔ دریافت ہونے والی باقیات میں 7 مکمل ممی شدہ چیتے جبکہ مزید 54 چیتوں کی ہڈیاں شامل ہیں۔

ابھی تک یہ واضح نہیں ہو سکا کہ اتنی بڑی تعداد میں چیتے اس غار میں کیوں موجود تھے، تاہم ماہرین کا خیال ہے کہ ممکنہ طور پر یہ غار چیتوں کی افزائش (Denning Site) کے لیے استعمال ہوتا تھا، جہاں مادہ چیتے بچوں کو جنم دیتی تھیں۔

واضح رہے کہ چیتے عرب جزیرہ نما میں کئی دہائیوں سے نظر نہیں آئے، اور یہ دریافت اس خطے میں چیتوں کی قدیم موجودگی اور حیاتیاتی تاریخ کو سمجھنے میں ایک اہم پیش رفت سمجھی جا رہی ہے۔

محکمہ وائلڈ لائف ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان کی شاندار کارروائی! 👏
خفیہ اطلاع پر ایس ڈی ڈبلیو او ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان ملک ثاقب کی نگرانی میں ریڈ پارٹی نے کونج کی اسمگلنگ کی کوشش ناکام بنا دی۔
انڈس ہائی وے پر تھانہ گومل یونیورسٹی کی حدود میں ایک مسافر بس سے 32 کونج(26 زندہ + 6 مردہ) برآمد کی گئیں جو کراچی سے بنوں منتقل کی جا رہی تھیں۔

ملزمان کے خلاف وائلڈ لائف اینڈ بائیو ڈائیورسٹی ایکٹ 2015 کے تحت مقدمہ درج کر لیا گیا ہے۔
برآمد شدہ پرندوں کو دیکھ بھال کے لیے وائلڈ لائف پارک ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان منتقل کر دیا گیا ہے۔

ہم محکمہ وائلڈ لائف ڈی آئی خان کے بہادر عملے کو خراجِ تحسین پیش کرتے ہیں-

Pakistan home to 167 snow leopards.

First-ever scientific population estimate of mountain-dwelling big cats unveiled.

ISLAMABAD:
In a groundbreaking moment for wildlife conservation, Pakistan has unveiled its first-ever scientific estimate of the snow leopard population, 167 individuals, placing the country at number four globally among snow leopard range nations. This marks a major milestone in Pakistan's environmental research and conservation efforts.

The announcement was made during the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards 2025, organized by the Snow Leopard Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC).

The ceremony also featured the screening of a documentary titled "Beyond Borders - The Heartbeat of Chitral Rangers", showcasing the harsh realities and sacrifices of those working in remote, high-altitude terrains to safeguard Pakistan's natural heritage.

The Snow Leopard Foundation and MoCC&EC reaffirmed their commitment to advancing conservation research and expanding protection efforts for snow leopards and other endangered species across Pakistan.

Snow leopards face increasing threats from habitat degradation, shrinking prey populations, and climate change. Expanding infrastructure, poaching, and conflict with herders continue to jeopardize their survival, making accurate population data essential for targeted conservation.

The three countries with higher populations are China, Mongolia, and India. China hosts the largest number of snow leopards, with an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 individuals, due to its vast mountainous terrain spanning several provinces. Mongolia follows with around 1,000 snow leopards, benefitting from its remote and rugged landscapes that provide ideal habitats. India ranks third, with an estimated population between 500 and 700, primarily found in the Himalayan regions. These countries play a crucial role in the global conservation of this elusive and endangered species.

Globally, the snow leopard population is estimated to be between 3,500 and 7,000 individuals, spread across 12 countries in Central and South Asia. This underlines the importance of Pakistan's role in the survival of this iconic and vulnerable species.

Six Great Indian Bustards roaming in Pakistan's Cholistan Desert.

In a significant development for wildlife conservation in Pakistan, the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, locally known as Bhakhar, has shown promising signs of population recovery in the Cholistan Desert, according to Punjab wildlife authorities.

Wildlife experts estimate the global population of the Great Indian Bustard to be between 80 and 90, with approximately 30 to 35 believed to inhabit the Cholistan region of Pakistan. This fragile recovery is the result of enhanced conservation efforts, ongoing field monitoring, and the creation of a dedicated public wildlife reserve.

“This bird is now restricted to the Cholistan Desert in Pakistan and Rajasthan in India,” confirmed Wildlife Conservator Syed Rizwan Mehmood.

He documented rare video footage and photographs of the species during a recent field survey.

“The sighting and documentation of its presence confirm its continued survival in Pakistan. It’s a major breakthrough.”

Bahawalpur Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman Bukhari emphasized the role of dedicated habitat protection in aiding the bird’s recovery.

Pakistan: Authorities seize 18 lions kept as pets.
Roshni Majumdar with Reuters, AP

Photo: The lion escaped from a house in Lahore, the largest city in Punjab province

Authorities in Punjab province swooped in on lion and tiger breeding farms, after a lion jumped over a wall and escaped from a house in Lahore.

Pakistani authorities confiscated eighteen lions kept illegally as pets in the densely populated Punjab region during a targeted operation, provincial officials said Monday.

Authorities launched a crackdown after a lion escaped from a house in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, and attacked a woman and two children. The incident, which took place last week, was captured on video.

Is human intervention in wildlife the reason behind bears attacking humans in Pakistan?

This undated handout picture released by the Snow Leopard Foundation, shows a Himalayan brown bear in Pakistan. PHOTO: HANDOUT/SNOW LEOPARD FOUNDATION/AFP

In wake of singer QB’s close call with a brown bear in Deosai, experts stress that people should never feed wild animals, blaming human intervention for wildlife losing its ‘natural shyness.'

Wild animals don’t normally hurt human beings intentionally, says wildlife expert Vaqar Zakaria.

Yet, one swipe of the arm from a brown bear can inflict serious damage, even if their intent is not to harm.

Following a brown bear atta­­ck on singer Quratulain Baloch (QB) while she was in Deosai, Mr Zakaria told Dawn that although the local brown bear isn’t as big as its Alaskan cousin, its claws — typically around two inches long — are razor-sharp and capable of tearing flesh with ease.

“Maybe the bear thought there was food nearby, and the singer’s first reaction — screams for help — triggered the aggression,” he speculated, calling it a “rare and isolated incident”.

Dr Shafqat Hussain, Profes­sor of Anthropology at Trinity College in Hartford, Connec­ti­cut, was not too surprised by the bear attack. “Though unfo­rtunate, it was bound to happen sooner or later,” he said.

Known for his work on snow leopard conservation in Gilgit-Baltistan, he warned that since bears are attracted to food which is available in human camps “more is to come if we continue glamping at Deosai”.

When QB was approached for comment, she requested “pri­­vacy for the healing process”.

“To ask a traumatised person to stay still, upon seeing a grizzly visitor inside the tent, is not very realistic — but that’s the best thing to do,” Zakaria noted.

According to him, TikTok videos, selfies, and a taste for human food are some of the reasons why wild animals lose their natural shyness and start venturing closer to human settlements.

WWF-Pakistan develops mobile phone app to report wildlife crimes.

This file photo, released by the World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan, shows WWF team members installing AI-cameras for reducing attacks on endangered snow leopards in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region. (Photo courtesy: WWF-Pakistan/File).

KARACHI: The World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan has developed a smartphone application for citizens to report wildlife crimes in the South Asian country, it said on Monday.

Pakistan is home to majestic wildlife, including common and snow leopards, brown and black bears, Indian pangolins, freshwater and sea turtles, Indus River dolphins, and diverse species of resident and migratory birds.

However, these wildlife species continue to face serious threats from wildlife crimes such as illegal trade, poaching, hunting and ill-treatment, according to WWF-Pakistan.

It said the application has been developed to report wildlife crimes and coordinate “meaningful” actions by government departments and law enforcement agencies against these crimes.

“Addressing wildlife crimes requires an inclusive approach involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and local communities,” WWF-Pakistan quoted its director-general, Hammad Naqi Khan, as saying in a statement.

“Tackling such crimes could be improved by building capacity, fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and creating enabling conditions that integrate the expertise of AI (artificial intelligence) specialists, conservation experts, and members of local communities.”