Up to 174 mammal species have been reported to occur in Pakistan. There are at least three endemic species & a number of endemic and near-endemic subspecies. Species belonging to the Palaearctic realm occur largely in the Himalayan and Baluchistan uplands; those belonging to the Indo-Malayan realm occur primarily in the Indus plains including the Thar desert and Himalayan foothills. In addition, species with affinities to the Ethiopian region occur in the dry southwest and along the Makran coast and Thar desert of Pakistan (Roberts 1997).
Ten of the 18 known mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan,including the world's smallest surviving mammal, the Mediterranean pigmy shrewas well as the largest mammal in existence today, the blue whale (Roberts, 1977). Roberts (1977) reported six endemic mammalian species from Pakistan. These include yellow desert bat (Nyticeius pallidus), wooly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus), pygmy gerboa (Salpingotus michaelis), Hotson's long-tailed hamster (Calomyscus hotsoni), Murree vole (Hyperacrius wynnei) and Indus river dolphin (Platanista minor). There are a number of other endemic or near-endemic subspecies like Chiltan markhor (Capra falconeri chialtanensis), Suleman markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni), Pakistan sand cat (Felis margarita scheffeli), Balochistan bear (Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus), Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis). The status of these species is disputed by taxonomists. Roberts (1977) have reported that tiger (Panthera tigris) and swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli) have become extinct during this century, lion (Panthera leo) during the last century, and the Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) about four hundred years ago. Several species have been described as extremely rare or occurring in very small population on the borders of Pakistan, and of these, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) and hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) are already regarded as being extinct in Pakistan (NCCW, 1978). Many other species like Indus dolphin, grey wolf, snow leopard, brown bear, Suleman markhor, lynx, Marcopolo sheep, etc. are among some of the threatened mammals in Pakistan.
Macaca Mulatta
Local name: Bandar (Urdu)
Description and Biology:
APPEARANCE: Rhesus macaques are brown and adults have a red face and rump. The underparts are lighter brown. The tail is medium lenght and the hair on the top of the head is short. The locomotion is quadrupedal.
SIZE: Rhesus monkeys weigh 5.6-10.9kg (males), 4-10.9kg (females), and the body length is 470-531mm for females and 483-635mm for males.
REPRODUCTION: The mating season is variable, usually March-Jun. The female's bright red bottom indicates estrus. Subadults males have a pink scrotum: adult males have a red scrotum. The monkeys reach sexual maturity at 48-72months and the gestation period is 164 days.
SOCIAL SYSTEM: The Rhesus monkey has a multimale-multifemale social structure. They usually have a 2-tiered class system. A female associates with and supports the family and class in a strict female-bonded matrilineal hierarchy. Males are dominant to females but are peripheral to the group and change groups every few years. The group size varies from 10-50.
The Rhesus monkeys are diurnal, mostly terrestrial, and partly arboreal. Rhesus monkeys often reconcile after and aggressive interaction by lip smacking and embracing. Often when treatened by a dominant, subordinates redirect their aggression by threatening low-ranking bystanders.These monkeys spend about 10-13% of their daily activity on grooming. Thy feed at heights to 10 meters above the ground. In Pakistan some 45% of the day is spend feeding. Rhesus monkeys are quiet tolerant of human disturbances and are found quiet close to cities.
DIET: The main diet is fruits, seeds, leaves, gums, buds, grass, clover, roots, bark, resin, and small invertebrates. Rhesus monkeys raid crops. In the dry season they drink 3-4 times per day Habitat and Distribution:
This species of primate can live in a variety of habitats. This animal mostly inhabits mountainous regions of the moist temperate forest and also found in dry temperate forest.
Rhesus monkeys are mainly found in the northern hill regions of Murree, Swat, Khagan, Azad Kashmir and Chitral. This animal occurs throughout the high hills of Hazara and Malakand civil divisions. It is also found in Sakra mountain range in Mardan civil division. They are also found in the Margalla Hills. The Rhesus monkey is still common in Pakistan, but it is trapped by local people and sold to local gypsies or "Kalanders" to entertain people in big cities. It also comes into conflict with farmers, due to its nature of raiding crops.
Langur
Semnopithecus Entellus
Local name: Langur (Urdu)Description and Biology:
APPEARANCE: The Hanuman Langur's coloration varies across subspecies, from gray to dark brown to golden, with varying amounts of black. The locomotion is quadrupedal.
SIZE: Langurs weigh 18.3kg (males), 11.2kg (females), and the body length is 406-680mm for females and 510-780mm for males.
REPRODUCTION: The monkeys reach sexual maturity at 46.5-47 months and the gestation period is 168-200 days.
SOCIAL SYSTEM: Langurs have variable socail structure. 1-male-multifemale, multimale-mutifemale. Larger groups may break into subgroups in some seasons. The male defends his mates: females defend their resources. Average group size is 11-64 individuals.
The Langurs are diurnal, terrestial and arboreal. Hanuman Langurs are the most terrestial of any colobine. They spend up to 80% of the day on the ground, and almost all feeding is within 5 meters of the ground. In 1-male groups the alpha male's tenure is usually less than 2 years. When a new male takes over a troop, he systematically kills infants sired by the previous alpha male. This reproductive strategy was first documented in this species. Juvenile males leave when a new male takes over. Allomothering is also documented in this monkey .
DIET: The Hanuman Langur eats mature leaves, fruit, buds, flowers, young leaves, animal prey, exudates, bark, soil, herbs. The Himalayan subspecies rely on pinecones, bark and twigs during snowy winter months These langurs will raid gardens and crops.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Hanuman Langur prefers tropical, subtropical, pine, alpine forests and urban areas. This animal is very adaptable species and is distributed in dry savannah country and tropical rain forests in different parts of the sub-continent. In Pakistan, however, it is confined to Azad Kashmir and Siran Valleys of Mansehra and Kohistan districts
This monkey is very rare in Pakistan. It has only been sighted in Azad Kashmir and in Khagan, In Sharan forest reserve and in Shogaran. It is not found in Murree or Swat hills. Excluding Azad Kashmir, the total population is less than 200 (T.J Roberts, "Mammals of Pakistan"). However, a survey by N.W.F.P Wildlife Department in 1997 found that the numbers were much higher than 200.
Brown Bear
Ursus arctos
Local name: Bhora Reech, Bhora Bhalo (Urdu)
Discription and Biology:
APPEARANCE: The brown bear is a large animal, usually dark brown in color, though it can vary from a light creamy shade through to black. The long guard hairs over the shoulders and back are often tipped with white which, from a distance, gives a grizzled appearance. The brown bear is characterized by a distinctive hump on the shoulders, a slightly dished profile to the face, and long claws on the front paws.
SIZE: There is considerable variability in the size of brown bears from different populations, depending on the food available. Determining representative weights of specific populations is also difficult as there are seasonal considerations to take into account-for instance, some bears can weigh twice as much in the fall as they might weigh in spring. Adult males may weigh 135 to 390 kilograms (300 to 860 pounds) compared with 95 to 205 kilograms (205 to 455 pounds) for females. At birth, cubs weigh 340 to 680 grams (11 ounces to 1 pound 6 ounces).
REPRODUCTION: Female brown bears reach sexual maturity at four-and-a-half to seven years of age. Males may become sexually mature at a similar age but are probably not large enough to be able to enter the breeding population until they a re eight to ten years old. Mating takes place from early May to the middle of July but implantation does not occur until about October or November. The young are born from about January to March. The litter size ranges from one to four, but two is most common. Cubs remain with their mothers for at least two-and-a-half years, so the most frequently a female can breed is every three years.
SOCIAL SYSTEM: Under most circumstances, brown bears live as lone individuals, except for females accompanied by their cubs. During the breeding season, a male may attend a female for up to two weeks for mating. Brown bears are distribut ed in overlapping home ranges and male home ranges are larger than those occupied by females.
DIET: Brown bears mainly eat vegetation such as grasses, sedges, bulbs, and roots. They also eat insects such as ants, fish, and small mammals. In some areas they have become significant predators of large hoofed mammals such as Marcopole Sheep, Ibex and Bharal
Habitat and Distribution:
Their preferred habitat includes mountain forests, open meadows and large river. The Brown Bear in Pakistan is now very rare due to constant persecution by local villagers and by hunting. But the main threat to this bears survival is from local gypsies or "Kalandars", who earn their living from dancing bears and bear baiting (read a special report about bear baiting in Pakistan from WSPA). These bears are caught after their mother is shot. It is sad to see more bears on the streets of the big cities of Pakistan than in the wild .
This bear inhabits the remote northern regions of Pakistan. It is found in baltistan, Hunza, Gilgit, the slopes of Nanga Parbat, Khunjerab National Park and the Deosai Pleatue near Skardu. The Deosai Pleatue is a declared National Park and is the last stronghold of the Brown Bear in Pakistan. The total population in this National Park is 25-27 individuals. Elsewhere this bear is normally found solitary.
Ursus thibetanus
Local name: Kala Reech, Kala Bhalom, Mum (Urdu),(Baluchi: Baluchistan)
Discription and Biology:
APPEARANCE: This medium-sized, black-colored bear has a lightish muzzle and ears which appear large in proportion to the rest of its head, especially when compared with other species of bears. There is a distinct white patch on the chest , which is sometimes in the shape of a V, and white on the chin. A brown color phase also occurs.
The Balochistan black bear is a sub-species of the Asiatic or Himalayan black bear. It is smaller and possesses short, coarse, rufous brown fur in the specimens from the south while those from the north are much darker as compared to the Himalayan black bear. It prefers to (Olea ferruginea), Ber (Zizyphus nummularia) as well as the starchy rhizomes and fruits of the dwarf palm, insects and lizards.
SIZE: There is limited information available on these bears, but total length of adults is 130 to 190 centimeters (50 to 75 inches). Adult males range from 100 to 200 kilograms (220 to 440 pounds) and adult females from 50 to 125 kilogra ms (110 to 275 pounds).
REPRODUCTION: There is little detailed information on reproduction in Asiatic black bears. Sexual maturity of females is thought to occur at three to four years of age. In Pakistan, mating has been reported to occur in October, with young being born in February. Cubs are weaned at less than six months old, but may stay with their mothers for two to three years. Females have sometimes been reported with cubs of different ages. Baluchistan black bears are thought to mate in October and cubs are born in February.
SOCIAL SYSTEM: In Russia, the home range is reported to be 10 to 20 square kilometers (4 to 8 square miles). Little information is available on social organization. The bears are reported to be mainly nocturnal, sleeping in trees or caves during the day. The Baluchistan black bear is usually sighted in the rainy season from August to November.
DIET: Asiatic black bears have been reported to feed on a wide range of foods, including fruits, bees' nests, insects, invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion. They occasionally kill domestic livestock, but the degree to which they prey on wild hoofed mammals in unknown. In fall they frequently make crude leafy feeding platforms in nut-bearing trees. The Baluchistan bear prefers to (Olea ferruginea), Ber (Zizyphus nummularia) as well as the starchy rhizomes and fruits of the dwarf palm, insects and lizards
Habitat and Distribution:
Asiatic black bears live predominantly in forested areas, especially in hills and mountainous areas. In summer, they have been reported at altitudes over 3,000 meters (9,900 feet), descending to lower elevations during winter. Apparently, they den for winter sleep in the northern parts of their range. It has been suggested that in the southern limits of their range, where it is quite hot, they do not undergo winter sleep, but this has not been confirmed.
In Pakistan the Himalayan Black Bear is found in the mountains of Azad Kashmir, Khagan, Swat Kohistan and Southern Chitral, in Chitral Gol National Park. It is also found in Ayubia National Park. The subspecie, Baluchistan Bear is found in the higher hill ranges of Baluchistan, such as Takht-e-Suliman and Toba Kakar. It is also found in Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar.
The Baluchistan Bear is one of the world's most rarest mammal and is listed in the IUCN's Red List of threatened species. The Baluchistan black bear (Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus) locally known as "Mum" was once widely distributed in most of Balochistan. A number of stories and mysterious tales have been perpetuated about the species among the locals i.e. dragging humans to caves etc. The Balochistan black bear's habitat ranges from Iranian Balochistan to the Pakistan's Baluchistan province. According to T.J. Roberts, this species has been reported in the Sulaiman Range, Ziarat, Harnai, Khuzdar, Kharan and the Lasbela Hills, but now it is considered extinct in most of the areas. The major stronghold of the species is now in the Pub Range (Khuzdar Hills) where it is mostly confined to arid sub-tropical thorn forest. Two surveys have been conducted one by WWF-Pakistan in 1993-96 and the other by the Himalayan Jungle Project in 1994 and both confirmed the presence of the species in the Pub area. The population status is not certain, but local hunters report 8-10 animals still survive in the area. A WWF survey team has also reported scats and footprints of the Black Bear in the Sulaiman range in 1998.
The black bear is threatened with extinction due to loss of habitat and from local Gypsies, or "Kalanders", who capture bear cubs for bear baiting and for dancing (read a special report about bear baiting in Pakistan from WSPA). The main threat to the species is its persecution by the locals. Bears are usually killed when they are found predating on goats and their kids. People also kill the bears to sell its fur and to collect its fat for medicinal use. The second important factor that threatens the species is that it has not been explored and studied properly. The habitat has been seriously disturbed during the decades of the 80's and 90's.
Grey Wolf
Canis lupus
Local name: Bhaghyar (Urdu)Discription and Biology:
Description: The largest wild canid. Fur is thick and usually grey, but can vary from nearly pure white, red, or brown to black. Head-and-body length: 100- 150 cm. Tail length: 31-51 cm. Shoulder height: 66-81 cm. Weight: 16-60 kg, males heavier than females.
Reproduction: Time of mating: January-April. Gestation: 6 1 63 days. Litter size: 1-1 1, mean 6. Duration of lactation: 8-10 weeks. Age at sexual maturity: 22-46 months, occasionally 10 months. Longevity: up to 13 years in the wild, 16 years in captivity.
Social Behavior: A pack-living animal with a complex social organization. Packs are primarily family groups. The dominant pair breeds, with sub-dominant females under behaviourally induced reproductive suppression. Packs include up to 30 individuals, but smaller sizes (8-12) are more common.
Diet: Extremely variable, but the majority of the diet is large ungulates. Grey wolves will also eat smaller prey items, livestock, carrion, and garbage
Habitat and Distribution:
There are two subspecies of the Grey Wolf in Pakistan. In the northern mountanious regions, the Tibetan Wolf (Canis Lupus Campestris) is found. The Tibetan Wolf inhabits the barren rocky mountanious valleys of Baltistan, Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral, Upper Swat and Khunjerab National Park. In the south of the country the Indian Wolf (Canis Lupus Pallipes) is found. Here the wolf inhabits the deserts of Cholistan and Thar. Further West the wolf inhabits the lower hills of the Baluchistan pleatue where it is widespread. The wolf is also found in N.W.F.P, but it is rare in this region.
The wolf has declined greatly in numbers during the last few decades. Local people kill the wolf because it is considered destructive to livestock. The wolf may became extinct in the east of the country if hunting is not stopped and it is not protected. Its survival in Baluchistan and the northern areas is slightly better. There is no information about the exact number of wolves in Pakistan.
Canis aureus
Local name: Gheedhar (Urdu)
Discription and Biology:
Description: Coat varies with season and region, but is usually a pale gold-brown, or brown tipped yellow. Fur is coarse, and not very long. Dorsal area is black and grey; head, ears, and sides can be rufous. Underside is frequently ginger or nearly white. The tip of the tail is black. There is sexual dimorphism of approximately 15% in body weight. Head-and-body length: 60-106 cm. Tail length: 20-30 cm. Shoulder height: 38-50 cm. Weight: 7-15 kg.
Social Behaviour: Usually in mated pairs, territorial, territory size 0.5 to 2.5 km2 Helpers (last year's young) can increase reproductive success. In many areas, C. aureus is nocturnal and diurnal, but it becomes strictly nocturnal in areas inhabited by humans. Deviation from usual social organization is found in areas where food is abundant, with up to 20 members in a group and with home range areas of 0.11 km2.
Diet: Omnivorous: fruits; invertebrates; reptiles; amphibia; birds; small mammals; carrion. Opportunistic foragers, but cooperation between mated pairs can greatly increase hunting success. In areas around human habitation, it can subsist on garbage
Habitat and Distribution:
The Golden Jackal is found in open country with trees and brush, grass and copse. This is a very common animal in Pakistan and is usually seen around human settlements. It is widespread and is found throughout much of the country, except the northern most mountanious regions.
Cuon alpinus
Local name: Jungli-kuta (Balti: Baltistan)
Discription and Biology:
Description: A fairly large, doglike canid, with rounded ears and a long, moderately bushy tail. Legs are rather short, pelage is evenly tawny or dark red with a slightly darker tail and lighter underparts. Head-and-body length: 90 cm. Tail length: 40-45 cm. Shoulder height: 50 cm. Weight: 15 -20 kg; female 10- 13 kg.
Reproduction: Litter size: 8-9, but 3-4 common. Lactation: At least 8 weeks. Age at sexual maturity: 1 year. Longevity: 10 years, up to 16 years in captivity.
Social Behavior: Dholes live in packs which are an extended family unit of usually 5-12 animals with aggregations of up to 25 animals occasionally noted. Packs are territorial. In a study in Bandipur, southern India, more than three adults took part in feeding both the lactating mother and the pups. Pack continues to care for pups after they leave the den, by regurgitating meat and allowing them access at kills.
Diet: The primary component of the diet is other vertebrates, particularly medium-sized ungulates. The dhole will also include berries and reptiles in its diet
Habitat and Distribution:
There is no confirmed report of Dholes ocuuring in Pakistan, but it is thought that they migrate from Chinese Turkestan to the Shimshal area in Northern Pakistan. It has not been observed in Pakistan for 15 years.
Vulpes vulpes
Local name: Loomari (Urdu)
Discription and Biology:
Description: A medium-sized canid, the largest fox in the genus Vulpes. Large bushy tail, often tipped in white. Ranges in colour from greyish and rust red to a flame red, usually reddish-brown. Black backs to ears; lower limbs often black. Enormous geographical range and corresponding wide variation in all measurements. Measures given here are ranges with selected European averages. Head-and-body length: 58-90 cm, males 67 cm, females 63 cm. Tail length: 32-49 cm, males 45 cm, females 38 cm. Shoulder height: 35-40 cm. Weight: 3-11 kg, males 6.7 kg, females 5.4 kg.
Reproduction: Time of mating: variable with latitude and habitat, usually in late winter/early spring. Gestation: 49-55 days, usually 51-52. Litter size: 3-12. Lactation: 4 weeks, completely weaned at 6-8 weeks. Age at sexual maturity: 9-10 months. Longevity: 10- 12 years in captivity.
Social Behaviour: Variable with habitat, but generally territorial with basic social unit the monogamous pair, which may or may not be share territory with non-breeding kin. Mainly crepuscular/nocturnal, but more diurnal where undisturbed. Pups are cared for by both parents, and remain in or near the den for the first three months of their lives. Communal denning, with more than one litter and/or adopted pups have been reported, but a single pair with pups is the most common breeding unit. The breeding pair is often associated with non-breeding family members. These are usually female and may act as helpers. Almost all males and a variable proportion of females disperse at 6 to l0 months, however males tend to disperse earlier and move greater distances. Mean dispersal distance varies widely between populations, and is positively correlated with home range size.
Diet: Extremely varied, including invertebrates (particularly beetles and earthworms), small mammals (rodents and lagomorphs), birds (including game species), and fruit along with garbage and carrion. Generally caches food surplus to requirements, and has highly developed memory for locations of hoards
Habitat and Distribution:
The natural habitat of the Red Fox is dry, mixed landscape, with abundant 'edge' of scrub and woodland. It is also found in uplands, mountains (crosses alpine passes), deserts, sand dunes, and farmland. The Red Fox flourishes especially in affluent suburbs and, in many habitats, appears to be closely associated with humans. In Pakistan the Red Fox is widespread and common throughout most of the country. In the hill ranges like Murree and Azad Kashmir, is found a subspecie of the Red Fox, the Kashmir Hill Fox. Further north in the high mountanious regions such as the Karakoram and Hindukush is found another subspecie the Tibetan Red Fox. The Red Fox is killed in enormous numbers each year for its valuable pelt and because it is considered destructive to poultry, but it has survived this persecution and still survives in good numbers where ever it is found.
( Panthera Pardus )
Local name: Guldar, Teendwa, Chita (Urdu)Description and Biology:
The leopard is most easily recognised by its rosette patterned coat and extremely long, darker tail. This large cat is sometimes confused in appearance with the South American Jaguar - the leopard though is less stocky and unlike the jaguar, its rosette markings are generally smaller and have no internal spots. The overall size of the leopard depends very much on the subspecies and location, with the largest animals growing to a length of nearly 5 feet with an additional tail length of some 3 feet - generally the male is between 20-40% larger than the female. The base coloration of the coat also varies greatly depending upon location, ranging from golden/yellow in open grasslands, through yellow/cream in desert areas to deep gold in mountain and forest regions. All black or melanistic leopards, sometimes commonly called ‘Black Panthers", are born in the same litter as normally marked cats and also carry the rosette markings, although these are masked by the darkness of the fur. It has been observed that the melantistic leopard is most generally found in the dense, wet forested areas of India and south east Asia, where the coloration advantages the cat in its hunting. The leopard is a versatile hunter and generally nocturnal in its pursuit of prey - however the increased frequency of hunting found in the female raising young often leads to more opportunist hunting during daylight hours (information from Big Cats Online). The main prey in Pakistan is Rhesus Monkey, Wild boar, Chinkara, Urial, Sind Wild Goat and Porcupines. Average litter size is 2-3 cubs which are born after a gestation period of 4 months.
Habitat and Distribution:
The common leopard frequents Himalayan mountains upto the tree limit in the forest of chir, kail, deodar and fir. It also inhabits broken arid mountainous country in association with scrub and thorn forest.
The Leopards in Pakistan are mainly found in the highlands of Baluchistan and Sind, and the mountain forests of Punjab, N.W.F.P and Azad Kashmir. The leopard is found in the Kirthar Mountain Range of Sind and the Toba Kakar, the Mekran and the Sulaiman Range of Baluchistan. In the northern mountanious region it is found in the Murree Hills, Swat Kohistan, Dir, Chitral, Abbotabad and Lower Gilgit. It is also found in the Kaghan valley and the Margalla Hills. In Azad Kaashmir it is found around the hill ranges of Muzaffarabad and the Neelum Valley. Its survival in the Salt Range in Punjab is not clear, though they still do exist in very small numbers. The leopard sparsely inhabits the Kala Chita hills as well.
The total population in Pakistan is unknown. A study on the common leopard to estimate its population, distribution pattern and habitat preferences was done from 1998-1999 in Rawalpindi District by M. Anwar Maan and A. Aleem Chaudhry(Tiger Paper Vol. 27:No.4 Oct-Dec 2000).. The study period was carried out in four sessions. The first session was conducted in May-June 1998. The second in October, the third in November, and the fourth in February 1999. Population estimates for common leopard, density over square km, distribution pattern and preference for particular habitat were studied. The habitat was surveyed to determine the population of common leopard following the strip census method. Transects three to four km long and 100m wide were studied. Indirect evidence such as droppings, pugmarks and wildlife and livestock species preyed upon by leopard were searched out during the study. During the study 74 transects were studied covering an area of 40-60 square km. In one transect, only pugmarks were observed, which were transformed into population estimates. Three goats preyed upon by leopards were also witnessed. On the basis of indirect information(i.e. pugmarks) the per square km density of 0.018 -+ 0.016 leopards was assessed. The overall population estimate within a 281 square km habitat was 5.058 -+ 4.496, indicating that 1-9 leopards survive in its distribution range. On the basis of observations recorded during the study period, it was concluded that the population of common leopard was randomly distributed, showing no preference for a particular habitat.
Squardon Leader, Mr. Zulfikar Ahmed reports the sighting of a leopard in the year 1995 when a leopard was sighted at the top of Mount Sakesar in the Salt Range. The animal was seen by a number of people from close range in broad daylight. The mammal remained there for three days (as confirmed by multiple sightings), whichspread a wave of terror amongst the local inhabitants. Just a couple of months back an animal descended from the mountains (probably because of starvation) and entered into the town of Quaidabad, where it was shot dead. During the same time frame a calf was killed by Leopard near the Sakesar top (as reported by calf owner) The remains of the calf were poisoned by the locals. However the results of poisoning are not known. Quite recently (summer of 2000) a sighting of a female Leopard along with two cubs has been reported in the Western Salt Range . This female and the two cubs were later captured by the N.W.F.P Wildlife Department from Manglot National Park near Nizampur (CONSERVATION OF WILD LIFE AND ITS HABITAT IN SOAN VALLEY, Zulfikar Ahmed, November 2000).
The N.W.F.P wildlife department carried out a census in the province in 1997 and has put the number of leopards in that province at 76 (Distribution and Status of Wildlife in the N.W.F.P, 1997. N.W.F.P Wildlife Department). Further there might be ( a guess) 40-50 in the forests of Azad Kashmir. Sind Wildlife Department reported 7 leopards occuring in the Kirthar National Park in Sind in 1982. The total population of this beautiful cat in Pakistan may be inbetween 150-250.
( Uncia Uncia )
Local name: Barfani Chita (Urdu), Ikar (Balti: Baltistan)
Description and Biology:
Although sharing its name with the common leopard, the snow leopard is not believed to be closely related to the Leopard or the other members of the Pantherine group and is classified as the sole member of the genus Uncia uncia. Due to the under-development of the fibro-elastic tissue that forms part of the vocal apparatus the snow leopard cannot give a full, deep roar and this along with differences in skull characteristics help to separate it from its fellow ‘big cats’. In appearance, the snow leopard is strikingly different from the common leopard. Although it has similar rosettes and broken-spot markings, they appear less well defined and are spaced further apart. The fur is long and woolly and helps protect the cat from the extreme cold of its generally mountainous habitat. The general ground coloration of the cat is predominantly grey with brownish/yellow tinges on its flanks and lighter, often white fur on its belly, chest and chin. The head, which sports small ears and a distinctive heavy brow, is rounded and comparatively small for its body size, which can be up to 1.3 meters length and weigh up to around 70kg. The long tail, which can measure as much as 900cm, helps the cat balance as it moves over rugged and often snowy terrain. The powerful limbs of the snow leopard are relatively short for its body size and are supported by large, powerful paws.
Generally crepuscular in its hunting activities, the snow leopards main prey is that of wild sheep such as Bharal (Blue Sheep) and Argali, goats, including Markhor and Ibex. Other prey taken includes Musk Deer, marmots, various species of hare and birds. The cat often uses the natural protection of the terrain to stalk its prey, keeping low below the skyline and pouncing down onto its victim. Commonly the animal is a solitary hunter but may share the task with its mate during its breeding season. It has been know that one animal will stalk the prey while the other lies in wait to make the kill. With larger prey, it is common that the snow leopard will remain close to its kill and return over a period of three to four days to feed. his well built, muscular cat can bring down prey more than two to three times its size, as is the case with the native Yak. However, unlike its distant neighbours the Tiger and Leopard, the snow leopard is generally not aggressive toward man. Where human habitation does come close to the range of the snow leopard, it is common, during the harsh winter months for the cat to take domestic livestock. Some conservation organisations are now working with local inhabitants to help educate in the need for conservation management and to supply financial reparation for the loss of domestic stock. Due to the often-harsh weather conditions that prevail cubs are always born in the spring, with mating taking place some three months earlier in late winter. This ensures that a food source is abundant and less effort is needed to secure a kill. The litter size is usually between 1-4 (typically two) cubs and they are born after a gestation period of approximately 98 days. The cubs weigh between 320-708g at birth -have a daily average weight gain of approximately 48g per day and stay with their mothers until they are over 18 months old (all above information from Big Cats Online).
Habitat and Distribution:
The snow leopard generally inhabits elevations between 2000-4000 meters although it can occasionally be found at lower altitudes to the north of its range and as high as 5500 meters in Himalayan regions. The cat is generally associated with generally rocky terrain such as high valley ridges, rocky outcrops and mountain passes. As summer gives way to winter, the snow leopard will follow its migrating prey down below the tree line to the lowland forests that cover much of its habitat-however the cat is rarely associated with dense forestation.
In summer it is found in alpine pastures upto 5100 m, evelation while in winter it descends to lower altitudes. In the alpine pasture snow the following vegetation characterizes snow leopard habitat:
Primula macrophylla, Sibbaldia cuneata, sedhm recticaule, Cerastium, cerastiodies, Oxytropis immersa
In Pakistan the Snow Leopard is found in the high mountains of the Karakoram and the Hindukush. There are mainly found in Baltistan, Chitral, Gilgit, Upper Swat Valley, the Slopes of Nanga Parbat, Khunjerab National Park and the Chitral Gol National Park. The total population of the snow leopards in Pakistan is 100-200 ( IUCN's Cats Specialist Group).
(Felis Chaus)
Local name: Jangli Billi (Urdu)
Description and Biology:
The jungle cat has long legs and a slender build. The fur is generally sandy brown, reddish or grey, and is unpatterned except for stripes on the legs and occasionally the throat, which are very light in the south of its range and darker in the north. The winter coat is darker and denser than in summer. Melanistic individuals are occasionally reported. Jungle cats have black ear tufts. The tail is relatively short, averaging about 40% of head-body length. Males are markedly larger than females (6.1±1.5 kg [n=20] vs. 4.2±1.1 kg [n=12]: Pocock 1951). In captivity, males are very protective of the cubs, even more so than females, and sexual dimorphism may be linked to this behavior. Family groups -- male, female and cubs - have been seen in the wild.
Jungle cats are frequently observed in the daytime. They feed primarily on rodents, including large rodents. Jungle cats also take hares, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and the young of larger mammals such as wild pig . They are strong swimmers, and will dive to catch fish, or to escape when chased by man or dog. One cat in India, observed hiding in a bush while stalking a group of grey jungle fowl, appeared to make deliberate clockwise movements of its head, rustling leaves and attracting the curiousity of the birds (All above information from Iucn's Cats Specialist Group).
Habitat and Distribution:
The jungle cat, despite its name, is not strongly associated with closed forest, but rather with water and dense vegetative cover, especially reed swamps, marsh, and littoral and riparian environments. It is able to satisfy these requirements in a variety of habitats across a wide geographic area. In sandy and stony desert country (sometimes with only very sparse shrub cover: Roberts 1977), it occurs along riverbeds.
Jungle cats have adapted well to irrigated cultivation, having been observed in many different types of agricultural and forest plantations throughout their range, with sugarcane frequently mentioned in Tropical Asia. Jungle cats are often spotted amidst human settlement (and are frequently reported to take chickens). Jungle cats have adapted well to irrigated cultivation, having been observed in many different types of agricultural and forest plantations in Pakistan. This cat is found through out the riverine tracts of the Indus and the cultivated and irrigated lands of Punjab and Sind. This is the most common wild cat in Pakistan.
(Prionailurus bengalensis) Local name: Chita Billi (Urdu)
Description and Biology:
Broadly speaking the leopard cat is a little larger than a big domestic cat and has a base fur colour that ranges from yellow/brown to grey/brown, found mostly in the north of its range. The underparts, chest and lower head are usually white as is a large spot which is commonly found on the back of the otherwise black ears. In varying intensity, depending on the sub-species the leopard cat is covered with medium to large dark brown to black spots which often coalesce into solid stripes on the top of the back and thin stripe markings on the top and side of the head ( all above information from Big Cats Online).
Rodents form the principal prey. The diet also includes young ungulates, hares, birds, reptiles, insects, eels and fish, as well as occasional carrion. Although often described as primarily nocturnal, Leopard Cats are active in the day time as well (all above information from Iucn's Cats Specialist Group).
The average litter size is 2-3 individuals.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Leopard Cat occurs in a broad spectrum of habitats, from tropical rainforest to temperate broadleaf and, marginally, coniferous forest, as well as shrub forest and successional grasslands. The northern boundaries of its range are limited by snow cover; the leopard cat avoids areas where snow is more than 10 cm deep. It is not found in the cold steppe grasslands, and generally does not occur in arid zones, although there are a few records from relatively dry and treeless areas in Pakistan (Roberts 1977). Leopard cats usually live in proximity to a water source, and can occupy refuge strips of riverine forest in areas. Leopard cats can live close to rural settlements, occasionally raiding poultry.
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