| Species
of Special Concern
The term 'species
of special concern' is defined by
WWF to include endangered, threatened
and nationally important species,
irrespective of their global status.
Pakistan is host to a number of
endemic species and sub species,
including six mammals: Indus dolphin,
Woolly flying squirrel, Chiltan
markhor, Suleiman markhor, Balochistan
black bear, and Punjab urial. Although
no completely endemic bird species
have been found, some birds have
their principal surviving population
located in Pakistan. Out of the
16 amphibian species recorded to
date, two are endemic. For invertebrates,
exact data is not available but
a number of butterfly species are
endemic, especially in the North-west
Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindukush
mountains.
The Northern Areas of Pakistan provide
a habitat for a number of globally
significant wildlife species. Bar,
Karambar, Shinaki, Gulkin and Bulashbar
valleys, the five selected sites
for a WWF-P projects, are representatives
of this rich wildlife and habitat
diversity and of the threats faced
by these wildlife species. The valleys
provide critical habitat to Musk
deer, Snow leopards, Markhors, Himalayan
ibex, Woolly flying squirrels, and
Brown bears. The survival of these
species is threatened by loss of
habitat stemming from human activities,
excessive hunting by locals and
outsiders, and weak enforcement
of wildlife protection laws. WWF-P
has been working in the Bar Valley
for over three years. It plans to
extend the scope of its work there
and also implement the programme
in four other valleys. The project
aims to conserve key wildlife species
by improving the economic and social
conditions of the communities through
sustainable development and enhancing
the management capacity of stakeholders.
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