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Wild
Life Of Balochistan
HAZARGANJI
CHILTAN NATIONAL PARK
In
the HAZARGANJI CHILTAN NATIONAL PARK, 20 kms southwest
of Quetta. Markhors have been given protection. The park
is spread over 32500 acres, altitude ranging from 2021
to 3264 meters. Hazarganji literally means “Of A
Thousand treasures”. In the folds of these mountains,
legend has it, there are over a thousand treasures
buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down
the corridors of history. The Bactrains, Scythians,
Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Baloch
all passed this way.
Mammals
Markhor, of which there
are five distinct kinds, is the national animal of
Pakistan. The kind that is most photographed is the
chiltan Markhor which, because of its long Horns looks
very conspicuous. Evers since the Markhor has been given
protection its number has multiplied. Other animals in
the park are straight horned Markhors,” GAD”(wild sheep)
and leopards which occasional migrate to the park from
other areas, wolves, striped hyena, hares, wild cats,
and porcupines.
BIRDS
Many birds like Partridge,
warblers, Shikras, blue rock pigeon, rock nuthatch,
red-gilled choughs, golden eagle, sparrow, hawks,
falcons and bearded vultures are either found here or
visit the park in different seasons.
REPTILES.
Reptiles like monitor and other wild lizards, geckos,
afghan tortoise, python, cobra, horned viper and
Levantine may also be seen in the park.
FLORA
Amongst the flora of the
park are the 225 species of plants. Prominent are the
pistachios, juniper, wild olive, wild ash and wild
almond. Many shrubs like wild fig, barberry, wild
cherry, makhi, etc., provide Food and shelter to the
foraging animals, birds and other life forms. Medicinal
herbs like epherda intermadia, geradiana and nabro (densis)
and Artemista (scoparia and martima) are also found in
the park. There is a splash of color in spring when most
of the plants are in bloom. Nature lovers, students,
scientists and researchers are welcomed to visit the
park at any time of the year. Permit to visit the park
can be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer,
Spinny Road, Quetta. |
