Hingol National Park - By Raghib Khesal

FACT FILE:
Geographical Location:25*30'N-65*30'E
Physical Location:Makran coast, Baluchistan province. Approximately 190 km west of Karachi
Total Area:610, 043 hectares
Date Established:1988 and 1997 (includes Dhrun Wildlife Sanctuary)
Best Time to Visit:Mid October to November and December to mid March

Covering about 610,043 ha, Hingol National Park, the largest National Park in Pakistan, lies on the Makran coast approximately 190 km from Karachi. The area was for the first time declared reserved in 1988.

The park area covers parts of the three districts, namely; Lasbela, Gawader and Owaran of aluchistan province containing a variety of topographical features and vegetation, varying from arid sub tropical forest in the north to arid montane in the west. Large tracts of the NP are covered with drift sand and can be classified as coastal semi desert. The National Park includes the estuary of the Hingol river which supports a significant diversity of bird and fish species.

Currently, 20 staff members including 18 game watchers, two deputy rangers are responsible for the management of the Park under the guidance of the park Manager who reports to the Conservator and the Secretary Wildlife, Forest, Livestock, Environment and Tourism.

Wildlife:
Although no detailed inventories of wildlife have been undertaken, Hingol is known to support threatened invertebrates in addition to a variety of bird species. One reliable source informed that
the park has been an excellent habitat to wild animals including over 3000 ibexes, and 1500 Urials and more than 1200 Chinkara, besides number of resident and migratory birds. The Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), Dalmatian and Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) are regular visitors to the area.

The River Hingol has been nurturing crocodiles for centuries. The Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Green Marine Turtles (Cheloniamydas), endemic
and threatened species of fish, such as the Mahasheer occur and schools of Plumbeous Dolphins (Sousa plumbea) are known from close in-shore areas.

Mammals:
Mammals in the park include--------Sindh leopard (T), Indian Fox (R), Jungle cat (C), Jackal (C),
Sind Wildgoat (V), Blandford's Urial (T), Chinkara Gazelle (T), Honey Badger (R), Indian Pangolin (R),
Hedgehog (C), Porcupine (C), Indian Grey Mongoose (C), Cairo Spiny mouse (?) and the Rock Mouse (C).

Note:
T=Threatened, V=Vulnerable, R=Rare, C=Common, ?=Unknown.

Birds:
Birds in the park are-------Houbara Bustard, Dalmatian and Spot-billed Pelican, Bonnelli's eagle, Imperial eagle, Tawny eagle, Golden eagle, Eurasian griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, Cinereous vulture, Lagger falcon, Red-headed merlin, Kestrel, Close-Barred sandgrouse, Grey partridge, See See partridge, Stone Curlew, Indian sand grouse, Coronetted sand grouse, Painted sand grouse, Eagle owl , Sind pied woodpecker, Hume's chat, Brown rock pipit, Striped buning, Finche larks, Hoopoe, Shrikes and Wheatears.

Reptiles:
The Marsh Crocodile, Olive Ridley and Green Marine Turtles, Desert Monitor lizard, Yellow Monitor lizard, and different species of lizard and chameleon.