Kirthar National Park – Adventures In Southern Pakistan

Location and Overview

The Kirthar National Park is mapped to the southern region of Pakistan in the Sind province. Approximately one-third of the park lies in Karachi, the 2nd largest city in the world, and two-thirds are situated in the Dadu district north of Karachi city. Home to two wildlife sanctuaries, the Kirthar National Park is also one of the most important wildlife reserves in South Pakistan, regularly attracting adventure tourists who frequent the rugged landscape for a hike or a few days long escapade.

History and Geography

Kirthar National Park was established and designated as a national park in 1974. The following year it became Pakistan’s pioneering entry into the United Nation’s list of national parks and protected areas around the world. The climate is arid and remains hot and dry throughout the year except the notable exceptions of the seasonal monsoons which make July and August the wettest months of the year. The diverse range of often precipitous terrain comprises of hills, stony valleys, and parallel rock formations. Kirthar National Park is spread over an area of 3,087 square kilometers. Until the establishment of Hingol National Park in 1988, areawise, it was the largest national park of Pakistan.

Habitat and Biodiversity

Kirthar National Park comprises of a wide variety of terrain and serves as a vital habitat for a large assortment of mammals and reptiles. The warm climate makes it an excellent sanctuary for both resident and migrating birds. The park serves as home to the rare classes like the Indian pangolin and honey badgers. A large number of wildfowl and both small and big game like the Sind ibex, urials (wild sheep) and chinkara gazelles also reside here. An extremely rare species of the black buck has been recently reintroduced into the mix, and the numbers have thrived. The park also welcomes over 60 documented species of birds which includes residents like numerous kinds of eagles, partridges, falcons and vultures. The winter migrants are usually vultures. Reptiles like vipers, snakes monitor lizards and chameleons are also found.

Threats and Conservation

The Kirthar National Park is home to several endangered or near threatened species of mammals like leopards, hyenas, wolves, caracals and also to the critically endangered and near extinct species of the Sind crocodile. A large number of predators have been shot or killed due to the imminent danger they pose to the visiting tourists and adventurers. The Kirthar National Park was also a favorite hunting ground for enthusiasts who have been responsible for documented losses of endangered species.

Tourism

Kirthar National Park’s proximity to the country’s largest cosmopolitan hub and also its largest airport makes it one of the most easily accessible wildlife tourist destinations in the country. The park is home to some spectacular spring bloom during the wet months of July and August, which is when large numbers of tourists visit the park to enjoy the scenic beauty. The game reserves to the east are open and accessible throughout the year. Historical attractions include about 200-year old tombs and also ancient archeological remnants of Koh Tarash. The facilities also include lodges and camping sites. Kirthar is a heaven for the wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike simply because of the wide variety of adventures to offer. A meek drive on the craggy, irregular and unpaved dirt roads is bound to make you come back to this forgotten destination and remember it as an adventure of a lifetime.

Written By: Bilal A. Usman, Pakistan