Suleiman Mountain inhabits rare species
Mayen Khan:
QUETTA: Mountains manifest the greatness of the creator; it leaves one in awe and wonder. The mountains of Southern Pakistan, the Suleiman Mountain Range have a rich history, its peaks tower over 3000 meters, it is inhabited by rare species, and it is covered by juniper forest.
Initiating sustainable mountain tourism and protecting the fragile ecosystem depends largely on empowering local communities and field workers, such as guides, forest guards, game watchers, rangers, etc. Numerous adventure tourism activities can be counted in these mountains, but not at the expense of disturbing the wildlife in these terrains.
Hunting of wild animals has led to the extinction of a few species
Unfortunately, decades of uncontrolled hunting of wild animals have led to the extinction of a few species. Urial, the wild mountain sheep is now extinct in most of its former habitats. Other prestigious species that inhabit these mountains include Suleiman Markhor, Chiltan Wild Goat, Sindh Ibex, Chinkara Gazelle, Leopard, and Wolves etc.
Carnivorous animals are facing a lot of threats
Carnivorous animals are facing a lot of threats, unfortunately, no steps are being taken for the conservation of carnivores. Adult wolves are often killed, and cubs are caught. Finding a wolf in the wild is now quite difficult. Protection of these places will result in creating livelihood opportunities for local communities and it will attract foreign tourists. Government authorities must play a key role in prohibiting activities such as habitat destruction, industrialization, deforestation, crushing plants, illegal hunting, and livestock grazing. I captured all these photos in Balochistan, these are the few remaining treasures in our mountains.
The author, Mayen Khan belongs to District Killa-Abdullah. He is an environmental activist and a wildlife photographer.
