Despite making up only a small portion of all mammalian biomass, large carnivores have been a great source of fascination for society. This fascination stems from their strength and beauty as well as their frightening and elusive nature. The conservation of carnivores forms the core of SLF’s conservation strategy, given the importance of carnivores for the correct functioning of an entire ecosystem. They do so by regulating or limiting the number of prey species. Carnivores are also considered to be key umbrella species because their presence often benefits other life forms. Biological traits that make species most vulnerable to extinction, such as large home ranges, low densities and narrow geographical ranges, are unfortunately best reflected in large carnivores. Rare, elusive and dangerous, carnivores are also challenging to study. To better monitor carnivores, understand their ecological needs and explore effective means of their coexistence with local communities, it is essential to make use of advancing methodologies so that we may save these majestic animals.
The common leopard, among the seven great cats, is an elusive large carnivore. Being extremely sharp predators, these species are able to adapt to various habitats and environmental conditions. Details about the status of common leopards are not sufficiently documented, owing to very limited studies on the species in the country. However, it is true that the number of common leopards is significantly higher compared to the other cat species present in Pakistan. Recently known localities of the common leopard in Pakistan include Ayubia National Park, Manglot Wildlife Park, Dareen, Toreshore, Zari, Khalifat range, and Penchar. These animals are continuously extending their home ranges due to severe human conflicts and climatic changes. A recent SLF study reported common leopard's presence in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan, within a glaciated part of the region that is out of the species' usual distribution range. Main threats to common leopards are degradation and…
The common leopard, among the seven great cats, is an elusive large carnivore. Being extremely sharp predators, these species are able to adapt to various habitats and environmental conditions. Details about the status of common leopards are not sufficiently documented, owing to very limited studies on the species in the country. However, it is true that the number of common leopards is significantly higher compared to the other cat species present in Pakistan. Recently known localities of the common leopard in Pakistan include Ayubia National Park, Manglot Wildlife Park, Dareen, Toreshore, Zari, Khalifat range, and Penchar. These animals are continuously extending their home ranges due to severe human conflicts and climatic changes. A recent SLF study reported common leopard's presence in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan, within a glaciated part of the region that is out of the species' usual distribution range. Main threats to common leopards are degradation and fragmentation of the habitats, shortage of food species, shooting out of excitement or fear, overexploitation, hunting-and-gathering of parts for illegal trade, being conceived as an enemy species, and killed in retaliation for attacks on livestock. Research to evaluate the status of the food species, state of the remaining habitat, status of the wild populations and census of the species, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is recommended. In addition, funding for research and conservation is crucial.
Himalayan lynx is a subspecies of Eurasian lynx, globally distributed in Pakistan, China and Magnolia. In Pakistan, the Himalayan lynx dwells in the Hindu Kush mountain ranges and is primarily distributed through the following regions: District Chitral, Murree Hills, Neelam valley, Kaghan, Margalla Hills, Swat, Dir, Chitral, and Gilgit. The species is highly threatened on a local scale. The main threats to the existence of the Himalayan lynx are retaliatory killing because of human-lynx conflict, loss of natural prey-base and loss of habitat to a lesser extent. The actual status of the species and its real distribution limits are not known in Pakistan. The preferred habitats of the Himalayan lynx are temperate, sub-alpine above the tree line and low rainfall regions. These animals are nocturnal, solitary and stay in the elevation range of 8000-14000 feet. The Himalayan lynx mostly prey on hoofed animals, rodents, hares, foxes, wild boars, deer, and…
Himalayan lynx is a subspecies of Eurasian lynx, globally distributed in Pakistan, China and Magnolia. In Pakistan, the Himalayan lynx dwells in the Hindu Kush mountain ranges and is primarily distributed through the following regions: District Chitral, Murree Hills, Neelam valley, Kaghan, Margalla Hills, Swat, Dir, Chitral, and Gilgit. The species is highly threatened on a local scale. The main threats to the existence of the Himalayan lynx are retaliatory killing because of human-lynx conflict, loss of natural prey-base and loss of habitat to a lesser extent. The actual status of the species and its real distribution limits are not known in Pakistan. The preferred habitats of the Himalayan lynx are temperate, sub-alpine above the tree line and low rainfall regions. These animals are nocturnal, solitary and stay in the elevation range of 8000-14000 feet. The Himalayan lynx mostly prey on hoofed animals, rodents, hares, foxes, wild boars, deer, and birds. Further research on the number and distribution is needed to better understand the Himalayan lynx's ecology and devise proper plans for its conservation.
The brown bear of the Himalayas varies notably in size and color, which generally appears as sandy or reddish-brown. There is a conspicuous hump of longer hairs over the shoulders but no noticeable ruff of longer fur on the neck. The ears are small and rounded, and the lips are noticeably protruding and mobile. The brown bear’s habitat includes temperate grasslands, alpine meadows, sub-alpine scrub zones and areas above the tree line. In Pakistan, the recently known localities of brown bear’s existence include the following: Deosai National Park, Lalazar, Kabkot, Sadpara, Khunjerab National Park, and Ascoli. Primary threats to the populations of the brown bear include a disturbance in the habitat, being considered enemy species, killing for thrill, and hunting for regional/international trade and medicine. Due to the rapid decline in its numbers in Pakistan, the brown bear has been declared critically endangered. Strict law enforcement, public education, awareness about…
The brown bear of the Himalayas varies notably in size and color, which generally appears as sandy or reddish-brown. There is a conspicuous hump of longer hairs over the shoulders but no noticeable ruff of longer fur on the neck. The ears are small and rounded, and the lips are noticeably protruding and mobile. The brown bear’s habitat includes temperate grasslands, alpine meadows, sub-alpine scrub zones and areas above the tree line. In Pakistan, the recently known localities of brown bear’s existence include the following: Deosai National Park, Lalazar, Kabkot, Sadpara, Khunjerab National Park, and Ascoli. Primary threats to the populations of the brown bear include a disturbance in the habitat, being considered enemy species, killing for thrill, and hunting for regional/international trade and medicine. Due to the rapid decline in its numbers in Pakistan, the brown bear has been declared critically endangered. Strict law enforcement, public education, awareness about this important species and effective implementation of existing policies are required for the conservation and long-term survival of this species.
Asiatic black bears are primarily found in the northern regions of Pakistan. The Asiatic black bear has black fur that reaches a length of up to 50 millimeters at the back. There is a ruff of extra-long, coarse hairs fringing the cheeks and running down each side of the neck. The body is jet-black except for the muzzle, which is reddish-brown. There is little detailed information on reproduction in Asiatic black bears.
The grey wolf is a highly mobile carnivore that disperses over great distances in search of territories and mates. Grey wolves were once widely distributed throughout the Palearctic and Nearctic biogeographic areas. However, due to habitat destruction, environmental changes, persecution by humans, and other barriers to population growth, the grey wolf populations are now shrinking. Additionally, the grey wolf's ranges are also shifting due to man and climate-induced changes in their natural habitats. The global grey wolf range has decreased by 33% over the last century. In many areas, the agricultural expansion into marginal areas of grey wolf habitat has increased depredation of livestock and subsequently increased poaching, resulting in a numerical and spatial contraction of the grey wolf populations. In Pakistan, grey wolves are now confined to remote and barren mountainous regions as well as extensive deserts. According to a recent SLF study, 23,129 square kilometers of suitable areas…
The grey wolf is a highly mobile carnivore that disperses over great distances in search of territories and mates. Grey wolves were once widely distributed throughout the Palearctic and Nearctic biogeographic areas. However, due to habitat destruction, environmental changes, persecution by humans, and other barriers to population growth, the grey wolf populations are now shrinking. Additionally, the grey wolf's ranges are also shifting due to man and climate-induced changes in their natural habitats. The global grey wolf range has decreased by 33% over the last century. In many areas, the agricultural expansion into marginal areas of grey wolf habitat has increased depredation of livestock and subsequently increased poaching, resulting in a numerical and spatial contraction of the grey wolf populations. In Pakistan, grey wolves are now confined to remote and barren mountainous regions as well as extensive deserts. According to a recent SLF study, 23,129 square kilometers of suitable areas remain for the grey wolf in Pakistan. Much of the suitable habitat for the grey wolf is in remote and inaccessible areas, that appears to be well connected through vulnerable movement corridors. These movement corridors suggest that the grey wolf range can potentially expand in Pakistan’s northern areas. However, managing protected areas with stringent restrictions is challenging in northern Pakistan, partly due to people’s heavy dependence on natural resources.
