M Zaheer Khan, Syed Ali Ghalib, Abdur Razzaq Khan, Afsheen Zehra, Rehana Yasmeen, Babar Hussain, Saima Siddiqui, Darakhshan Abbas, Farina Fatima, Abeda Begum, Tanveer Jabeen, Fouzia Tabassum and M Usman Ali Hashmi
Keywords: Protected area, Khar Centre, Karchat Centre, distribution, status.
Abstract: Studies were undertaken in the Khirthar Protected Area Complex (KPAC) during 2010 and 2011 to record the species of mammals, their main habitats and distribution in this area. A total of 33 species of mammals were recorded and 22 main habitats of mammals were identified. The occurrence of 11 key species of the mammals was recorded in the different components of the KPAC. These species included Sind Ibex or Sind Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus), Urial (Ovis vignei), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Caracal (Felis caracal), Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis), Indian or Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus), Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Desert Cat (Felis silvestris) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). During the study, 1200 Sind Ibex, 1000 Urial and 150 Chinkara were sighted. Disturbance, human and wildlife conflicts, and degradation of habitats are the main threats to the wild animals particularly to Chinkara. These adverse environmental impacts need to be mitigated.
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