Pakistan is home to breathtaking natural beauty, from towering mountains to vast deserts, lush forests, and serene rivers. These diverse landscapes provide shelter to countless plant and animal species, making the country a hotspot of biodiversity. However, despite its rich natural heritage, Pakistan’s wildlife and ecosystems are under growing threat due to deforestation, climate change, and human activities.
A Land of Rich Biodiversity
Pakistan’s geographical diversity gives rise to a wide range of ecosystems, from the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas and Karakoram to the coastal mangroves of the Arabian Sea. Each of these ecosystems supports a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Pakistan is home to nearly 195 species of mammals, including the famous snow leopard that roams the high-altitude mountains. This elusive big cat is a symbol of Pakistan’s rugged wilderness. Another rare species is the Indus River dolphin, which is one of the few freshwater dolphins in the world. These dolphins live in the Indus River, but their numbers are declining due to pollution and water shortages.
Pakistan’s national animal, the Markhor, is a magnificent wild goat found in the mountains of Chitral, Swat, and Kohistan. With its impressive spiral horns, the Markhor is a symbol of strength and survival. Other notable mammals include the Asiatic black bear, Indian pangolin, Urial (a type of wild sheep), and the Balochistan bear.
The country also has 668 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From the majestic Peregrine falcon to the elegant Siberian crane, Pakistan provides a home to many migratory and resident birds. Wetlands like the Haleji Lake, Keenjhar Lake, and Chashma Barrage are important sites for birds traveling from Siberia to South Asia.
In addition, Pakistan has 177 species of reptiles, including monitor lizards, cobras, and the endangered black pond turtle. Its marine life is equally diverse, with the Arabian Sea housing many species of fish, dolphins, and even whales.
The country’s flora is as diverse as its wildlife. Pakistan has between 5,500 and 6,000 species of plants, including trees, shrubs, and medicinal herbs. In the northern regions, one can find pine, deodar, and juniper forests, while the southern regions are home to mangrove forests along the coastline. These forests are vital for protecting the land from erosion and providing a habitat for countless birds and marine creatures.
Some plants, like Hing (asafoetida) and Banafsha (violet flower), are known for their medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. However, due to overharvesting, many of these plants are now at risk of disappearing.
Illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and the constant demand for firewood are rapidly depleting forest cover. As trees disappear, the animals and birds that depend on them for food and shelter are also vanishing.
Our Biodiversity Hotspots
To safeguard its natural treasures, Pakistan has established more than 30 national parks and over 200 protected areas. These areas provide a safe haven for endangered species and help preserve important ecosystems.
Deosai National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan, often called the "Land of Giants," is one of the highest plateaus in the world. Stretching over vast, rolling grasslands, this breathtaking landscape is home to the Himalayan brown bear, a species that was once on the verge of extinction. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, their numbers are now slowly recovering. During the summer, the park transforms into a sea of colorful wildflowers, attracting countless visitors who come to witness its untouched beauty.
Hingol National Park, the largest in Pakistan, lies in the rugged and dramatic landscapes of Balochistan. Known for its striking rock formations, including the famous "Princess of Hope," and its mysterious mud volcanoes, Hingol is a place where nature reveals its most artistic side. The park is a sanctuary for many wild species, including leopards, ibex, and marsh crocodiles that inhabit its rivers and coastal mangroves. Despite its harsh climate, Hingol is a thriving ecosystem, proving that even in the most extreme conditions, life finds a way to flourish.
Further north, at the Pak-China border, Khunjerab National Park serves as a critical refuge for some of Pakistan’s rarest wildlife. The vast, icy landscapes of this high-altitude park are home to the elusive snow leopard, the majestic Marco Polo sheep, and the sturdy ibex. These animals, perfectly adapted to extreme cold and mountainous terrain, are symbols of resilience in nature. The park, with its winding roads leading to the Khunjerab Pass, is not only a wildlife haven but also a gateway to some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world.
Closer to urban life, Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad offers a green escape just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Covered in dense forests and crisscrossed by hiking trails, the park is a favorite among nature lovers. It is home to leopards, wild boars, and a variety of bird species, making it a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The Margalla Hills are a vital part of Islamabad’s natural beauty, providing fresh air and a peaceful retreat for residents and tourists alike.
In Punjab, Lal Suhanra National Park stands out for its diverse landscapes, blending desert, forest, and wetlands into a single breathtaking reserve. This park is best known for its population of blackbucks, a rare and graceful species of antelope that once faced a steep decline. Conservation efforts have helped protect them, allowing visitors to witness these elegant creatures in their natural habitat. Lal Suhanra is a reminder of the incredible variety of ecosystems within Pakistan, showcasing how deserts and forests can coexist within the same protected space.Despite these conservation efforts, Pakistan’s wildlife continues to face many dangers.
Threats to Pakistan’s Biodiversity
Deforestation is one of the biggest threats to Pakistan’s biodiversity. With only 5.7% of the land covered by forests, the country is already at risk. Illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and the constant demand for firewood are rapidly depleting forest cover. As trees disappear, the animals and birds that depend on them for food and shelter are also vanishing.
Climate change is another major challenge. Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries to rising global temperatures. Melting glaciers, unpredictable rainfall, and prolonged droughts are disturbing ecosystems. The Himalayan glaciers, which feed the Indus River, are shrinking at an alarming rate, threatening countless plant and animal species that rely on this water source.
Pollution, particularly in water bodies, is endangering aquatic life. The Indus River and other waterways are polluted with industrial waste, pesticides, and plastic, making survival difficult for fish and other marine species. Air pollution in cities also affects birds and other wildlife, reducing their ability to thrive in urban environments.
Spreading awareness is just as important as enforcement. Educational campaigns in schools and the media can teach people about the value of biodiversity. The more people learn about the importance of nature, the more they will work to preserve it.
Illegal hunting and poaching continue to drive many species toward extinction. Animals like the Markhor and the Houbara bustard are targeted for sport or illegal trade, despite hunting bans. In remote areas, weak law enforcement allows poaching to persist, making stricter protection measures essential.
What Can Be Done?
Expanding protected areas is crucial for safeguarding Pakistan’s biodiversity. More national parks and wildlife reserves should be established, especially in regions where endangered species are at risk. Providing these animals with safe habitats will help their populations recover.
Reforestation efforts have already shown success in Pakistan. Initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have restored large areas of forest. Expanding such programs across the country can help combat deforestation and provide shelter for wildlife.
Community involvement plays a key role in conservation. When local people understand the importance of protecting nature, they are more likely to support efforts against deforestation and poaching. Encouraging their participation in conservation projects can make a lasting impact.
Strengthening wildlife laws is essential. While Pakistan has laws to protect animals and forests, enforcement remains weak. Strict action must be taken against illegal hunters, poachers, and those involved in deforestation to ensure that laws are followed.
Spreading awareness is just as important as enforcement. Educational campaigns in schools and the media can teach people about the value of biodiversity. The more people learn about the importance of nature, the more they will work to preserve it.
Banning trophy hunting is essential to protect Pakistan’s wildlife, especially endangered species like the Markhor and Houbara bustard. Despite regulations, this practice continues to threaten animal populations. Strict enforcement of laws and a complete ban on trophy hunting would help ensure that these species survive for future generations.
Every species we lose is a part of our heritage erased forever—can we afford that loss?