dedicated to all zoologists

1. Presented By : Shahid Nawaz
Reg. No: ZO220162076
PRESENTATION TOPIC
Saving the Common Leopards in Pakistan
Course Instructor: Mr. Abdul Majid
Department of Zoology, KUST, Kohat

2. Background
 Pakistan is home to two of the world's big cats, the common
leopard (Panthera pardus) and the snow leopard Uncia uncia).
 The high mountains of the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindukush
are home to the rare and elusive snow leopard (local name Barfani
Cheetah), a cat so secretive few have been privileged enough to
see a glimpse of it in the wild.

3.  The resourceful and adaptable common leopard (local
name Guldar, Tendwa, Cheetah) while not so secretive and elusive
as the snow leopard inhabits the lower mountain ranges of northern
Pakistan.
 The common leopard’s range extends from the Himalayan forest
regions to the broken and hilly mountainous country of Baluchistan
and Sind Kohistan.

4.  The better-forested areas of the Himalaya, particularly the Galliat
areas of N.W.F.P are the last stronghold of the leopard in Pakistan.
 Elsewhere, the common leopard is extremely rare, having been
hunted almost to the point of extinction as a trophy by hunters and
as a pest by locals.

5. It is generally believed that the sub species found in
Pakistan is Panthera pardus fusca.
However, it is possible that two sub species are found
in Pakistan demarcated by the river Indus.

6. To the east of river Indus, in Azad Kashmir, Kaghan
valley, Galliat areas and Murree hills the Indian Leopard
(Panthera pardus fusca) is found.
The second sub species, the Persian Leopard (Pathera
pardus saxicolor) is thought to inhabit the regions west of
the Indus in Swat, Dir, Indus Kohistan, and Baluchistan.

7. Why Leopards are Killed?
The leopard is the only animal which is found in almost every forest of Hazara
including Margalla and Muree Hills. Different families of leopards are reported
to be seen in the surroundings of Haro River in the following forests.
a) Sarla Reserved Forest: 2 Leopards
b) Margalla Hills Park: 3-4 Leopards
c) Kohala Lassan Reserved Forest: (Siribang area 2 Leopards, Dubran Area
3-4 Leopards).

8. d) Baroha Bharakahoo Area : 2 Leopards (reported killed)
e) Satoura and Rahi Area : 2-4 Leopards
f) Ayubia National Park and Muree Hills: 15-25 Leopards.
g) Havelian Cantt. Area: 1-2 Leopards.

9. Causes Of Habitats Shrinkage
a) Fuel Wood: The fuel wood pressure has reduced the reserved
forests to minimum and compelled the locals to grow their own
trees and bushes to fulfill their needs.
b) Over Grazing: The reserved forests are also destroyed by the
grazers. Especially the nomads from the cooler areas come down to
these forests in the winter. They stay in the reserved forests along
with their herds/folks of livestock. They poison the wild animals
themselves and also provide this poison to the locals.

10. c) Smugglers: The timber smugglers have played their part
in vanishing reserved forests and Guzaras.
d) Deliberate Fires: Residents of these areas mostly
depend on livestock; therefore grass fodder is one of
their necessities. To get better grass they have to clean
the leaves of pine, bushes, and remaining grass of
the last season, they burn the area with out controlling
the fire in dry Fire Seasons. This unattended fire spreads
all over the area and burns every thing.

11.  Due to the above mentioned facts the forests area are reducing
and turnings in to bare rangelands.
 The wilds hardly find any safer place/prey in the deep forests.
 There is no place left for them to hide themselves, there fore all
the wild animals including the leopards move to the communities
protected areas, closer to the homes, where ever they find some
shelters.

12. How to Save These Animals
I have a few suggestions in this regard if practicable:
 The rehabilitation of the reserved forest of the area must be
started on missionary basis with the help of Forest/Wildlife
Departments, NGOs and all other Agencies involved in
conservation. So that the wilds are pushed back to the deep
forest areas. The Reserved Forests of the area must be
converted into National Parks.

13.  All types off cutting and grazing must be stopped from reserved
forests and Guzaras at least for 5 years for re generation process.
The land of Hazara very rich and fertile, it can produce
wonderful results, if protected. No plantation is required.
 Environmental education/awareness about the ecosystem
amongst the people of the area is the necessity of time. Even if
deliberate fire is controlled, a lot is saved. For this some donor
org. is required to come forward. People should be paid to clean
the leaves & cut the grass instead of burning it and every thing
in the area.

14.  Each and every development of the area must be
related to the environment. For this purpose
Members of local bodies, CCBs and CBOs can be
involved.
 The officials of all related departments should take
more pain and work hard, to coup with the
requirements of the time. The prevailing laws must
be implemented strictly.

15. The Haro River Area (The Neglected One) is the corridor
in between MHP & ANP and the nursery of wildlife must
be given preference. As it is the largest in between two
parks, it can provide shelter consider able species of
wildlife of the area.

16. All of the related Agencies NGOs and Green friends/Activists
are requested to join your hands together and use all your
possible potential to save this valuable National treasure.