Endangered Species of Pakistan

A South Asian country called the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is the world's fifth most populous country. It is rich in the beautiful scenery. Pakistan has a diverse range of fauna and flora including 177 mammals and 660 bird species. A variety of animals in Pakistan have made their habitat from the depths of the sea to the heights of the mountains.

Here is a list of some animals in Pakistan that are declared endangered. Endangered animals are those that alarmingly are near extinction. 

1. Asian Black Bear 

Scientific name: Ursus thibetanus

This black monster loves to live in forested areas, predominantly in hills and mountain ranges. In the south West of Pakistan, it inhabits the hills of South Khuzdar in the province of Balochistan. The genus of this omnivore is Ursus. Indian olives, some insects, and small reptiles are the favorite foods of Asian Black Bear. This animal become endangered due to illegal hunting for its skin; claws and canines, expansion of the human population, development of highway networks, and deforestation. A population of around 1000 bears survive now in Pakistan.

2. Snow Leopard 

Scientific name: Panthera uncia

Fewer than 400 animals of this unique mountain creature are left in Pakistan. It inhabits the mountain ranges of Azad and Jammu Kashmir and the northern mountains of Pakistan. Illegal hunting and retribution killing for livestock damage are the major threats to snow leopards.

3. Indus River Dolphin 

Scientific name: Platanista gangetica minor

The world's rarest mammals found only in Pakistan left less than 1000. The construction of dams and barrages degraded their habitat which causes the separation of the Indus Dolphin population into smaller parts. The Indus River dolphin is the national aquatic mammal of Pakistan.

4. Green Sea Turtle 

Scientific name: Chelonia mydas

These green reptiles nest in Hawkes Bay and Sandspit near Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. Water pollution, illegal hunting for their shells and skin, and garbage spread over the beaches are the causes of their declining population. Due to the efficient efforts of government agencies, the population of green sea turtles increasing fascinatingly. About 28000 population of these turtles is estimated.

5. Markhor 

Scientific name: Capra falconeri

The Wild goat which has flare horns is the national animal of Pakistan. Markhor is native to the Himalayas and Karakoram. Loss of habitat and overhunting of its meat and spiral horns cause its population to decline alarmingly.

6. Mountain Weasel 

Scientific name: Mustela altaica

It is also called the pale weasel which inhabits the elevation of mountains up to 3500m, rocky areas, and the meadows of Neelum valley. They are carnivores and love to eat voles and pikas. Human trafficking and overgrazing contribute to its low population.

7. Himalayan Musk Dear 

Scientific name: Moschus leucogaster

The scent gland of a musk dear is highly demanded due to its usage in making perfumes. They are present in the Himalayan regions of Pakistan, India, China, and Nepal. 

Their upper canines are modified into fang-life projections. Their population lies between 224-363.

If humans take care of these innocent animals while making their construction projects, then this natural beauty can be brought back which humans have put in danger for their benefit.