Fauna in the Mountains

Mammals

NAs has a variety of mammal species particularly, large mammals. It is estimated that around fifty-four species of mammals are found in this region with only one endemic specie i.e. wholly flying squirrel. Other species include 1 shrew, 10 bats, 18 carnivores, 6 artiodactyls, 3 lagomorphs and 16 rodents.

Upper Hunza and the triangle between the Indus and Astore rivers are the two areas which are the hub of large mammals in NAs. Snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, Himalayan brown bear, black bear, musk deer, flare-horned markhor, Ladakh urial, blue sheep and Himalayan lynx are amongst the significant species of mammals in NAs also facing the threat of extinction.

Avifauna

According to estimates around 230 species of birds are found in NAs. These numbers can vary as NAs has one of the most diverse avifauna of the mountain regions of the world, but unfortunately, little information is available on the distribution, status and ecology of many of the bird species. Various species include passage migrants, vagrant, resident, breeding and irregular visitors. Studies on species are focused on certain areas such as Khunjerab National Park, Deosai Plateau in Baltistan and Naltar Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the rare species of raptures such as Lammergeyer and golden eagle do not only occur in NAs but also breed here. According to Birdlife International (2001) out of 27 species reported to be threatened in Pakistan, 7 occur in NAs. Their list is given below:

Reptiles and Amphibians

As compared to the lower mountainous regions and plains, diversity of reptiles and amphibians is less in NAs due the cold blooded nature of these species and their survival in the harsh climatic environments in high altitudes. Nonetheless, amongst the available species, there is a huge number of endemic species. Overall there are about 3 families of amphibians and 8 families of reptiles, of which 6 species of amphibians and 23 species of reptiles have been reported from NAs. More specifically there are 9 species of lizards, 14 of snakes, 2 of frogs and 4 of toads present in the NAs.

Deosai Frog, Batura Toad, Pakistani Rock Agama, Auffenberg’s Rock Agama, Khan’s Rock Agama and the Batura Bent-toed Gecko are some notable amphibians and reptiles of the mountains in the NAs.

Freshwater Fish

The water resources of NAs including rivers, streams and lakes are fed by the snowmelt and glacier waters and provide home to the several species of fish. These fish population is also effected by the high turbidity, low water temperature, high water speed, low benthic productivity and long stretches of narrow gorges of rivers.

In the absence of research and proper documentation of biological resources of NA, the total estimate of fish population is yet to be described in detail. However, according to some recent studies, there are about 17 species of native fish and 3 of exotic fish, belonging to five families. The exotic species include brown trout which is wide spread into the rivers and streams of District Gilgit and Ghizer, however the other two i.e. the North American Rainbow trout and Chinese carp are limited to the area where they were introduced.

Fish in NAs is facing threats due to use of explosives for its catch and introduction of exotic species, which are in competition for food and survival with the indigenous species, specially the local trout. Moreover, indiscriminate use of pesticides, construction of roads, logging and diversion of water to irrigation channels are some of the major causes that are threatening fish fauna and their habitat.

As a valuable natural resource, the role of fish in supporting the livelihood of rural communities has not been studied well. Exploitation of fishery resources is relatively small, but it is an important source of food protein and vitamin A for many mountain communities. Most of the fish caught by the locals is consumed at home, although sometimes it is also offered for sale.

Mountain Biodiversity || Flora in Mountains || Conservation Efforts