Rare, Endangered Animals Of Pakistan That We Must Save

Pakistan is home to a versatile and potent wildlife, which sadly, is running low on numbers. Endangered species all over the world get special attention and security – whilst the Pakistani animals strive to survive in these challenging conditions.

Just like we protect our fellow humans and our culture in this country, we need to have a solid and potent way of saving these endangered species before they are wiped off the face of Pakistan. Solid steps need to be taken to save these beautiful animals before they become extinct.

Here’s a list of the most beautiful and endangered animals of Pakistan.

INDUS RIVER DOLPHIN

The Indus River Dolphin is found in the Lower Indus Basin. These friendly creatures are often seen jumping around boats and putting on performances for anyone that wants to watch. Although endangered, over a 1,000 of these marine mammals still remain in Pakistan.

WOOLLY FLYING SQUIRREL

The Woolly Flying Squirrel is a nocturnal rodent native to the Gilgit region of Pakistan. This unique creature looks like a bat but is actually a squirrel. 1.5 to 2 feet in height, the flying squirrel is one of the largest squirrels in the world. Loss of natural habitat has seen them labeled as Critically Endangered Species.

MOON BEAR

Kipling describes the Moon Bear as, “The most bizarre of the ursine species.” The bear makes its home in the Himalayas. Known as the Asian Black Bear, the crescent shaped, white patch on the chest has led to it being called the Moon Bear. Although herbivore by nature, it can be quite aggressive when defending its territory.

SNOW LEAPORD

Native to the mountainous regions of Pakistan in Khyber Pakhtunkwa, this ferocious animal is the National Heritage Animal of Pakistan. Although smaller than the other “big cats”, the Snow Leopard weighs a respectable 30-70 kg. It is listed on IUCN’s List of Endangered Species.

WHITE HEADED DUCK

This colorful duck can be found in open bodies of water across Pakistan. The adult male with its white head and blue bill is a sight to behold, one of the many miracles of nature. The females have a brown bill to go with the white head and brown body. The White Headed Duck has also recently become endangered due to a large decline in population.

MUGGER CROCODILE

Found in lakes and marshes around Karachi, the Mugger Crocodile is one of the largest, most ferocious creatures found in Pakistan. Once easily observable basking in the sunlight during summer months in places like Manghopir, the Mugger Croc has been hunted and killed for its hide and is now on the List of Endangered Species.

FISHING CAT

Cats are afraid of water, or so you thought. This incredible species of wildcat makes its home in Pakistan. Once, a common sight in wetlands, the population has dwindled due to the destruction of the cat’s natural habitat. As the name suggests, the Fishing Cat hunts fish. Not only that but it can also swim large distances upto 15-20 km, making it an astounding creature that needs to be marveled.

SIBERIAN IBEX

The Siberian Ibex live above the tree line in Northern Pakistan. These heavily built goats boast large horns that grow upto 45 inches in height and a tan hide that keeps them warm in the cold climate.

SOFT SHELLED TURTLE

The Soft Shelled Turtle or Trionychidae is one of the rarest types of turtle to have been found on Pakistan soil. This amazing reptile with its elongated snorkel-like nostrils and leathery shell is quite unique and easily distinguishable from other turtles.