There is no denying that wildlife sanctuaries and preservation zones are absolutely essential for the protection and survival of animals facing the risk of extinction. These reserves provide endangered species with a safe and natural habitat so they can hunt and breed without the fear of being driven out of their home. Asian Leopard Preservation Zone, a unique biodiversity spot nestled in the magnificent Margalla Hills National Park, is one such example of conservation areas that aspire to establish a “balanced relationship” between humankind and nature.
The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board inaugurated the unique biodiversity spot earlier this year to preserve the Asian leopards spotted along National Park Trail-6 of Margalla Hills in the Kalinjar area.
“It’s a very unique reserve as it is right next to a thriving capital city and provides an excellent example for creating a balanced relationship between humans and nature while conserving the critically endangered leopard that chose to live next to a city,” Prime Minister Imran Khan’s aide on climate change, Malik Amin Aslam, told an international media outlet. “The special leopard zone will provide a healthy ecosystem to predators, permanently inhabiting the hills.”
The move was widely applauded by wildlife conservative organizations. However, in a bid to raise awareness about the critically endangered wild cat, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board has introduced guided tours to the Leopard Preserve Zone. These tours along the scenic route will mainly focus on educating the visitors about the habits of these animals without causing any disturbance to their habitat.
So far, the authorities have identified at least seven leopards on the popular hiking trail.
“We decided to track them by closing Trail-6 for the public. The entire 17,000 hectares of the national park was divided into 20 zones and 20 camera traps were placed in it,” stated Islamabad Wildlife Management Board Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan, according to a leading publication. “Leopards have now become permanent residents of the Margalla Hills National Park. Earlier, they used to descend from upper peaks in winters and leave Margalla in the summers… During the COVID-19 lockdown, their population further increased.”
So, are you interested to learn how leopards mark their territory and hunt their prey? If yes, you may want to register for a tour at your earliest convenience.
How to Register for a Guided Tour of the Asian Leopard Preservation Zone
Here is everything you should know about signing up for a guided tour of the country’s first-ever Leopard Preserve Zone.
Step 1: Call 0309-5302425 to register for the tour.
Step 2: Provide your CNIC or passport details to confirm your spot on the tour.
Step 3: Once your registration is complete, meet the management of Islamabad Wildlife Management Board at the Visitor Information Centre behind Faisal Mosque in Sector E-7, Islamabad, at the decided time.
Please note that the authority will conduct one guided tour to the Asian Leopard Preservation Zone per day. Moreover, only 15 registered individuals will be allowed on the trail each day. The authority will provide a tour from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM depending on the weather conditions. Also, children under the age of 6 are not allowed to register for this tour.
According to the instructions tweeted by the chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, it is mandatory to register in advance for this one-of-its-kind guided tour to see leopards in Islamabad.
It is also worth mentioning that the Leopard Preserve Zone on Trail-6 of Margalla Hills is not the only protected nature reserve in the country. You can take a look at our complete list of wildlife sanctuaries in Pakistan to explore some off-the-road tourist attractions that serve as natural habitats for domestic flora and fauna. Furthermore, you can check out our guide on the incredible wildlife in Pakistan for more information on the topic.
Stay connected to Zameen Blog to learn more about places to visit in Islamabad. You can also share your feedback with us at blog@zameen.com. Moreover, don’t forget to like our Facebook page and receive the latest updates on real estate investment opportunities in your area.
