Pakistan Wildlife: Complete Guide to the Wildlife of Pakistan
Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most diverse wildlife — from the snow-covered mountains of the north to the deserts, wetlands, plains, and coastal regions of the south. With over 668 species of wildlife, including endangered animals like the snow leopard and Indus river dolphin, Pakistan offers a rich natural heritage worth exploring and protecting.
In this guide, we cover the top wildlife animals in Pakistan, their habitats, national parks conservation status, and more.
Wildlife of Pakistan – A Rich Biodiversity Across Regions
Pakistan’s wildlife is spread across five major ecological zones:
- Himalayan & Karakoram Mountains
- Forests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Punjab
- Sindh Wetlands & Indus Delta
- Balochistan Deserts & Highlands
- Arabian Sea Coastline & Mangrove Forests
Each region hosts rare mammals, colorful birds, reptiles, and unique plant life.
Famous Wild Animals in Pakistan
Below is the list of the most iconic Pakistan wildlife animals found across the country.
1. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
- Habitat: Gilgit-Baltistan, Khunjerab, Chitral
- Status: Endangered
- Known as the “Ghost of the Mountains”
2. Markhor (National Animal of Pakistan)
- Found in: Gilgit, Chitral, Kohistan
- Known for: Spiral horns
- Conservation Success: Population increasing due to trophy-hunting programs
3. Himalayan Brown Bear
- Habitat: Deosai National Park
- One of the rarest bear subspecies
4. Indus River Dolphin
- Found only in: Indus River (Sindh & Punjab)
- Status: Endangered
- Nickname: “Blind Dolphin” due to weak eyesight
5. Snow Partridge
- Habitat: High mountains of Hunza, Skardu, Naltar
- Popular among bird watchers
6. Ibex (Siberian & Himalayan)
- Habitat: Hunza, Khunjerab, Shimshal
- Seen on rocky cliffs and high-altitude habitats
7. Black Bear
- Found in: Azad Kashmir & KP forests
- Mostly nocturnal
8. Desert Animals of Pakistan
- Chinkara (deer)
- Caracal
- Indian Desert Cat
- Habitat: Thar Desert & Cholistan Desert
9. Reptiles of Pakistan
- Mugger Crocodile
- 5 species of Cobras
- Monitor Lizard
- Found in Sindh wetlands, Punjab rivers, and warm deserts
Marine Life (Coastal Pakistan)
- Green Sea Turtles
- Olive Ridley Turtles
- Arabian Sea Dolphins
- Habitat: Karachi, Gwadar, Hingol
National Parks to See Wildlife in Pakistan
Here are the best protected areas for wildlife viewing:
Deosai National Park
(Himalayan Brown Bear, Wolves, Marmots)
Khunjerab National Park
(Snow Leopard, Ibex, Markhor)
Hingol National Park
(Crocodiles, Ibex, Fox, Marine Life)
Margalla Hills National Park
(Leopards, Monkeys, Birds)
Cholistan Desert Wildlife Park
(Chinkara, Desert Cat)
Kirthar National Park (Sindh)
(Wild Goats, Urial, Chinkara)
Conservation Efforts in Pakistan
Pakistan is actively protecting its wildlife through:
- Trophy hunting programs supporting local communities
- Expanding national parks
- Snow Leopard & Markhor conservation projects
- Indus River Dolphin sanctuaries
- WWF and government joint projects
Despite improvements, threats remain:
- Habitat loss
- Illegal hunting
- Climate change
- Water pollution
Why Pakistan’s Wildlife Matters
Pakistan’s wildlife supports:
- Tourism & eco-travel
- Biodiversity balance
- Cultural significance
- Scientific research
From high-altitude predators to rare river species, the wildlife of Pakistan is an important part of global ecology.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s wildlife is incredibly diverse, ranging from snow leopards in the north to dolphins in the Indus River and chinkaras in the deserts. National parks and conservation projects continue to protect these precious species, making Pakistan one of the most naturally rich countries in South Asia.
Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, nature lover, or traveler — the Pakistan wildlife experience is unforgettable. book your pakistan tour packages
