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Abstract.- Surveys were undertaken in different habitats of Hingol National Park from 2005-2007 to record the bird fauna of the area. Out of the total of 204 species of birds recorded, 7 species are threatened and 2 species are near- threatened. Fourteen species are of special conservation interest on account of being threatened/near-threatened, scarce or key species (being integral part of the Park). The potential threats to the birds of the area are: human population pressure, developmental activities, deforestation, habitat degradation and disturbance. Management plan for the HNP is under preparation for the conservation of the biodiversity of the Park and its future development.
Key words: Balochistan, Biodiversity, Birds, Protected Areas, Hingol National Park.
INTRODUCTION The Hingol National Park (HNP) is located in Lasbella, Awaran and Gwadar districts of Balochistan. It covers an area of 619,043 hectares with 5,000 households spread in more than 200 scattered villages. Hingol National Park was notified in 1997 (Fig. 1).
The park contains important biodiversity. Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), Sindh Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus) and Urial (Ovis orientalis blanfordi) are the key species of the area. Occasionally, Common Leopard (Panthera pardus), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Desert Cat (Felis libyca), Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena). Desert Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus), Wolf (Canis lupus) and Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) have been recorded. Significant birds species include Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), Spotted-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippinus), Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), See-see Partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis), Giant Heron (Ardea goliath), Black Bittern (Dupetor flavicollis), White-backed Vulture (Gyps fulvus), Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Crowned Sandgrouse (Pterocles coronatus), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanii), Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor), Close-barred/Lichtenstein Sandgrouse (Pterocles lichtensteini), Grey Partridge (Francolinus pondicerianus), Stone Curlew/Stone Plover/Eurasian Thick-knee (Burhinus oedicnemus), Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) and Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis). The site has vital habitats for reptiles. Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is distributed in the Hingol river particularly in the estuarine area. Nesting of green turtle takes place near Wadh, Poti Bundar and Kund Malir area. Indian Fringe-toed Gecko, Indian Sand Swimmer, Sindh Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus orientalis) are commonly found in Aghor area. Among Amphibians, Skittering Frog (Rana cyanophlyctis) and Indus Toad (Bufo stomaticus) are quite common in the Hinglaj area. Among fishes, Mahaseer (Tor putitora), Botchee (Scaphiadon irregularis) are found in Hingol river...