Uzma Ali, Roohi Kanwal, Afsheen Zehra, Saima Siddiqui, Ghazala Yasmeen, Babar Hussain, M. Asif Iqbal, Ubaid Ullah, Uzma Manzoor and Syed Ali Ghalib
Keywords: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, protected areas, endemics species
Abstract: Pakistan has unique biodiversity, that belongs to a blend of habitat and types of ecosystem. These habitats support a variety of species that contribute to the overall biodiversity. In the present study, 87 species of mammals were recorded through Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in different prime habitats of wild mammals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The protected sites of the species have been listed, of which the National Parks found to be the most potential sites for the conservation of Woolly Flying Squirrel, Snow Leopard, Indian Pangolin, Indian Wolf, Leopard, Musk Deer, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Markhor, Striped Hyaena, Common Otter etc. The conservation status of the threatened /near threatened species, from IUCN Red List 2017 has been mentioned. A list of wildlife protected areas has also been provided for reference in future scientific studies. Habitat degradation and poaching were recorded as main threats to species. The need for regular monitoring of key species is urgently required for their sustainability.
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