Chitral Gol National
Park is situated in
the beautiful valley
of Chitral in
Pakistan. Chitral
Gol is a narrow
valley, its gorge
running for some
18km before
broadening out into
a basin surrounded
by high peaks.
Numerous tributaries
drain into the
Chitral Gol, which
flows southwards
into the Kunar
River. Visitors and
Visitor Facilities
Include two hunting
lodges, originally
built by the Mehtars.
Wildlife
This park is famous
for its Markhor
goats, estimated
100-125 in 1970, and
225 in 1975. A more
recent estimate
indicates a
population size of
650. Other
ungulates, such as
Siberian ibex and
Ladakh urial (Shapu),
occur in very small
numbers, as do black
bear. The status of
snow leopard changed
from tenuous
security in 1970 to
seriously threatened
by 1974. The species
does not appear to
be resident,
visiting the park
occasionally. Wolves
are seen less
frequently following
restrictions on
grazing by
livestock.
Mammals
Mammals in the park
include---Snow
leopard (T), Kashmir
Markhor (V),
Siberian ibex (V),
Ladakh urial (T),
Black bear (T),
Tibetan Wolf (V),
Red fox (C), Yellow
throated martin (C)
and Himalayan otter
(V).
Birds
Common bird in the
park are----
Lammergier vulture,
Himalayan Griffon
vulture, Golden
eagle, Demosille
crane (Passage
migrant), Peregrine
falcon, Himalayan
snowcock, Himalayan
monal, Snow
partridge and rock
Partridge.
It should be noted
that the Chitral Gol
is still claimed by
HH The Mehtar of
Chitral as his
personal property
and their is
constant litigation
between His Highness
and the Government
of Pakistan
concerning the legal
status of the
valley. |
