Wildlife of Pakistan - Otter Specialist Group

Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012A view of Khunjerb National Park © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWFbiologically, geologically andculturally important, the nationalparks also serve to cater foreducation, recreation and scientificpurposes for the public. Peoplevisit the parks to see and share thewonders of their land and to learnabout the forces and the peoplewho have shaped it through thecenturies. Outstanding scenery,majestic places, natural flora andfauna in natural state renderspositive impacts on visitors’ mindthus helping divert a nation’s attitudetowards a healthy tract. Nationalparks ensure the preservation ofnational natural heritage, cultureand monuments, and present themto the public.Role of National Parks in NatureConservationDue to the growing threats to naturelike global warming, populationexpansion, habitat destruction andworldwide reduction of biologicaldiversity, the national parks are nowbeing considered as the ecologicallaboratories, gene pools andbulwarks against the irreversiblechange or the loss of species andhence, preserving the nature andensuring the ecological health of theplanet. National parks are the idealplaces for eco-tourism, tracking,bird and animal watch and naturephotography. National parks withtheir lush green forest componentsneutralize the carbon emissions inthe surrounding environments.WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN13A view of Hingol River, Hingol National Park © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF