Kohistan Wildlife

Kohistan Wildlife Division created as a separate Division in July 2011. This Division has geographic jurisdiction over an area of approximately 7200 sq.kms and covers two districts namely Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan.

This Division is well known for its unique and endemic wild resources. Tragopan Pheasant, Monal Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant and Koklas Pheasant are found in Palas, Keyal and Kandian Valley. Markhor, Ibex, Musk Deer, Goral and Snow Leopard are also found in valleys of Kohistan Wildlife Division. Many game birds such as Chukar Partridge, Black Partridge, Brown Partridge, See See Partridge, Snow Cock and Snow Partridge are also found in the area. Besides, variety of medicinal plants and other non-timber forest produce (NTFPs) are also found in forests and local communities are dependent on these resources.

Palas valley of Kohistan Wildlife Division has been declared as biodiversity hot spot due to the habitats of the unique and internationally renowned wild resources.

Kaigha Community Game Reserve is known for its viable population of Markhor. Successful Trophy Hunt is being carried out in this Game Reserve since 2005 as a tool of conservation.

Beside Palas and Kaigha, Dubair, Keyal, Shoori, Kandian and Sazeen Valleys are important biodiversity hot spots in Kohistan Wildlife Division. Efforts have been made to conserve resources of these valleys with the help of local communities.