Wildlife
Endangered and flagship species
Pakistan's flagship species include the markhor, the national animal, the snow leopard, the Indus river dolphin and the Balochistan black bear. The Indus dolphin is one of the world's rarest freshwater cetaceans, with a population estimated at fewer than 2,000, concentrated between the Chashma and Kotri barrages.
Quick facts
- National animal
- Markhor
- Indus dolphin population
- Fewer than 2,000
- Markhor status change
- Near Threatened since 2015
- Main dolphin range
- Chashma to Kotri barrages
Background
Community conservation has changed some trajectories. Markhor numbers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral rose after regulated trophy-hunting schemes returned most permit revenue to local communities, and the species was reclassified from Endangered to Near Threatened in 2015. Vulture populations collapsed in the 2000s from veterinary diclofenac, and captive breeding programmes now operate in Punjab and Sindh.
Key entries
- Markhor
Wild goat of the northern and western ranges.
- Snow leopard
High-altitude predator of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush.
- Indus river dolphin
Blind freshwater dolphin of the middle Indus.
- Houbara bustard
Migratory desert bird, subject of hunting controversy.
- Himalayan brown bear
Deosai plateau population, closely monitored.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Pakistan's national animal?
- The markhor, a wild goat found in the northern and western mountain ranges.
- How many Indus river dolphins are left?
- Fewer than 2,000, mostly between the Chashma and Kotri barrages on the Indus.