Hingol National Park


Hingol National Park or Hungol National Park, covers an area of. It was established in 1988.
In 2004, the Makran Coastal Highway which links Karachi with the port town of Gwadar was opened.

Geography

Hingol National Park is along the Makran coast in southwestern Balochistan Province, southwestern Pakistan. It lies within sections of Lasbela District, Gwadar District, and Awaran District. The Gulf of Oman of the Arabian Sea are to the south. The provincial capital of Quetta is approximately 717 km. The provincial capital of Sindh is 190 km to the southeast on the coast.
Hingol National Park also includes famous Kund Malir Beach and Princess of Hope. In the past due to the political situation, people didn't prefer to go there. But now things have changed and many people go to Kund Malir on weekends from Karachi and other areas of Sindh to explore the beach.

Natural history

Flora

Hingol National Park contains a variety of topographical features and habitats, varying from arid subtropical forest in the north to arid montane in the west. Large areas of the park are covered with drift sand and can be classified as coastal semi desert. The park includes the estuary of the Hungol River which supports a significant diversity of bird and fish species.
Some 250 plant species were recorded in the initial surveys including 7 yet undescribed species. Many more species are yet to be collected.

Fauna

Hingol National Park is known to support at least 35 species of mammals, 65 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 185 species of birds. The park forms an excellent habitat to wild Sindh ibex, Baluchistan urial, and chinkara gazelle. Ibex is found in all steep mountain ranges and are numerous in the Hinglaj and Rodani Kacho Mountain areas. The population is estimated over 3000.

Mammals

There are 14 species of birds of special conservation interest on account of being threatened, very rare or key species of the park.
According to independent reports, 20 staff members, 18 game watchers and 2 deputy rangers are responsible for the management of the park. They are under the guidance of the park manager, who reports to the conservator and the Secretary of Wildlife, Forest, Livestock, Environment and Tourism.