Hingol National Park: A Jewel of Pakistan's Natural Heritage

Hingol National Park is a testament to Pakistan's natural and cultural heritage. Its unique integration of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, coupled with its rich biodiversity, makes it a site of global significance. By implementing sustainable management practices, involving local communities, and promoting ecotourism, Hingol Serving a model for conservation in the region. It is our collective responsibility to preserve this natural jewel for future generations to cherish Hingol National Park, named after the Hingol River, derives its name from historical and mythological accounts. The river flows centrally through the park, linking diverse habitats such as mountains, valleys, estuaries, sand dunes, and the Arabian Sea. Hingol National Park is the largest national park in Pakistan, featuring both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

The Park has a unique setting being the largest National Park in Pakistan and the only one with integrated terrestrial and marine habitats. The Hingol River, the largest river outside the Indus River system forms the integrated link between mountains, valleys, riverine habitats, coastal sand dune areas, estuary and the Arabian Sea. It is the life support system for both the wildlife and the people living in the Park.

Hingol is a natural jewel of Balochistan inhabited by several tribal groups such as Degarzai, Angaria, Channal, Umradi, Mangiani, Kurd, and Bizanjo. It has unique features including the centuries old and world renowned pilgrim site of Hinglaj, magnificient clay mountains and rare mud volcanoes, a diverse coast with sand dunes, salt flat, estuary, beaches, rock headlands and the Arabian Sea.

The park was established in 1988, consolidating areas including the Dhrun Wildlife Sanctuary, Hingol area, and the intervening Rodani-Kacho and Northern Plains. The park's marine zone was later expanded in 1997, extending to waters up to 9 meters deep. The terrestrial area spans approximately 625,000 hectares, and the marine zone covers 47,000 hectares.

Geographical and Ecological Significance

Hingol's unique setting is defined by its diverse habitats, which include mountains, valleys, riverine systems, coastal dunes, estuaries, and the Arabian Sea. Central to its ecosystem is the Hingol River, the largest river outside the Indus system, which serves as a lifeline for the park's wildlife and the communities residing within its boundaries.

The park lies at the convergence of three zoogeographical regions:

1. African (Ethiopian) Region: Home to species like Chinkara gazelle, sandgrouse, and Acacia senegal.
2. Palarctic Region: Supporting Afghan Urial, Sindh Ibex, and winter migratory birds such as the Houbara Bustard.
3. Oriental Region: Habitats for Bengal foxes, Indian cobras, and Indian porcupines.

It features an extraordinary combination of landscapes, including:

• Coastal regions with sand dunes, estuaries, beaches, and mudflats.
• Mountainous areas, including the Hingol River valleys and the Tranch ranges.
• Marine zones, forming a natural marine-terrestrial linkage.

Unique geological formations include mud volcanoes (e.g., Chandragup), spectacular clay mountains, and salt flats.

The main core areas will include the West estuary (Kund Malir side), the  Gurangatti-Hinglaj-Gri mountain block, the Rodani Kacho area, the north Dhrun slopes, the Regati-Kundh triangle (Babro-River), and the Upper Pachri and Guran Valley (East of Tranch). Four Game Reserves will be developed in the Buffer zone outrside the Park, but to be integrated in the Park management system, including Sangori and Sarhad in Las bela district, Washiab East of Dhrun in Awaran district, and SarBhat-Ballard in Gwadar district.

1.3 Flora and Fauna

Hingol lies at the intersection of three zoogeographical regions—African (Ethiopian), Palearctic, and Oriental—resulting in remarkable biodiversity.

Flora

Hingol National Park, located in southern Balochistan, is home to a diverse range of vegetation that reflects the Saharo-Sindian type, extending from the Sahara Desert in Africa to the Mekran Coast and Thar Desert in India. The park's flora is influenced by its unique landscape, with vegetation thriving in valleys, floodplains, riverbeds, and coastal plains, while large areas, such as mudflats and rocky terrains, remain barren.

Key features of the park’s vegetation include:

• Low Species Diversity: The overall diversity is limited, with relatively richer vegetation found in moist mountain valleys and higher altitudes.
• Dominant Vegetation: Common trees include Tamarix species, Prosopis cineraria (Mesquite), Acacia nilotica, and Salvadora oleoides. Bushes like Haloxylon sp., Aerva javanica, and Sueda sp. dominate, alongside grasses like Cenchrus sp., Panicum spp., and Saccharum spontaneum.
• Endemics: Certain species, such as Tamarix stricta and some Heliotropis, are endemic to the region, contributing to its ecological significance.

Special habitats include:

1. Riverbeds and Floodplains: Dense vegetation of Tamarix spp., Salvadora, and Prosopis species, with grasslands in sandy streambeds.
2. Inland Sand Dunes: Vegetation includes trees like Zizyphus nummularia, Cadaba farinosa, and bushes such as Calligonum polygonoides and Commiphora mukal.
3. Estuarine Saline Flats: Dominated by Tamarix sultanii and succulent plants like Arthrocnemum sp.

The park boasts approximately 150 recorded plant species, with its flora playing a critical role in sustaining the ecological balance and supporting wildlife in this arid region.

Fauna

Summary: Fauna of Hingol National Park

1. Wildlife of Coastal Foothills and Plains

The coastal area of Hingol National Park supports diverse wildlife due to its sand dunes, rocky hills (Sappat Mountains, Aghore Hills, Jabal Haro-Kund Malir), and agricultural fields. Unique species include:

• Sand Dunes: Sand swimmer lizards (Ophiomurus) and Saw-scaled Sand Viper (Echis carinatus sochureki).
• Plains and Dunes: Red Fox, Golden Jackal, Balochistan Gerbil, Indian Gerbil, Desert Jird, Sandgrouses, Larks, Wheatears, and several sand lizards (Acanthodactylus species).
• Rare Species: Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) is limited to one population. Chinkara Gazelle, Desert Wolf, and Hyena populations have nearly disappeared.

2. Wildlife of Beaches and Estuaries

The beaches are home to crabs and endangered sea turtles like the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), though sightings are rare. The estuaries serve as feeding grounds for migratory birds like plovers, sandpipers, flamingos, and spoonbills. Year-round residents include the Pacific Reef Egret (Egretta gularis), Caspian Tern, and Whiskered Tern.

3. Wildlife of Central Hingol Floodplains and Riverbanks

This area includes floodplains, tamarix vegetation, and tree-rich habitats. Wildlife includes:

• Birds: Spotted Owlet, Sindh Woodpecker, Rufous-tailed Shrike, Grey Heron, and the critically endangered Sociable Plover.
• Reptiles: Marsh Crocodile, Indian Water Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), and Baloch Green Toad. Human activity and flooding have reduced populations of lizards, rodents, and predators like leopards and jungle cats.

4. Wildlife of V-shaped Mountains and U-shaped Gorges

The V-shaped mountain walls support limited wildlife like Ibex, Black Rock Agama, and birds of prey. U-shaped valleys with ephemeral pools provide habitats for Chinkara, Caracal, Leopard, and partridges, although water is scarce.

5. Wildlife of Eastern Mountains

This lesser-studied area, including Pachhri, Sarhad, and Deo-Beharo valleys, has potential for diverse wildlife. Notable species include Urial, Hyena, and Leopard. Chinkara populations are nearly extinct, requiring reintroduction for ecosystem restoration. Key wildlife corridors connect this area to surrounding valleys and ridges.

6. Microhabitats

Key microhabitats include:

• Sand Dunes: Provide habitats for rodents and lizards.
• Ephemeral Pools: Essential for crocodiles, fish (e.g., Mahseer), and birds.
• Caves: Limited but home to bat populations (e.g., Dhrun Mountain). Marine microhabitats like coral reefs and littoral zones are vital for aquatic species.

Human activity, habitat destruction, and natural disasters (e.g., floods) have greatly impacted the park's wildlife. Restoration efforts, including reintroducing species like Chinkara and enhancing water resources, are critical to preserving the park's rich biodiversity.

1.4 Human Population

The park’s population of 5,600 individuals, consisting of about 1,000 families, resides in small tribal communities, primarily engaged in fishing, herding, and subsistence farming. Tribal groups such as Degarzai, Kurd, and Bizanjo are present.

Key settlements include:

• Interior communities in Central Hingol, Northern Plains, and Tranch Valley.
• Coastal communities, notably in Kund Malir, Sangal, and Malan areas.

2. Management Issues and Development Options

2.1 Challenges

1. Wildlife Conservation: Decline in species due to habitat degradation, hunting, and reduced prey availability.
2. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Overgrazing, livestock intrusion, and predator attacks create conflicts with custodial communities.
3. Infrastructure Development: Projects such as the Makran Coastal Highway and industrial activities pose threats to natural ecosystems.
4. Lack of Resources: Limited funding, trained personnel, and research facilities hinder effective management.
5. Tourism Impacts: Increased visitation, especially for spiritual tourism at Hinglaj, is causing overcrowding and environmental stress.

2.2 Development Opportunities

1. Ecotourism Potential: Coastal and marine ecotourism in Kund Malir and Malan. Wildlife viewing in areas like Machi and Hinglaj. Pilgrimage tourism focused on Hinglaj Mata shrine.
2. Research and Education: Establish research stations in Pachhri Valley and Rodani Kacho. Develop an information center and educational programs at Aghore.
3. Rewilding Initiatives: Reintroduce species like Chinkara Gazelle and Wild Donkey. Protect wildlife corridors and core habitats.
4. Community Development: Empower local custodial communities through vocational training, eco-tourism, and game management. Promote differential development to reduce over-reliance on park resources.

3. Management Prescriptions

3.1 Zoning and Core Areas

1. Core Areas: Strict protection zones include: Kund Malir estuary and coastal plains. Rodani Kacho, Upper Pachhri, and Gurangatti-Hinglaj areas.
2. Buffer Zones: Four game reserves outside the park—Sangori, Sarhad, Washiab, and SarBhat-Ballard—will integrate sustainable use activities.

3.2 Wildlife Management

1. Protection Measures: Enforce bans on hunting and overgrazing in core zones. Fence valley entrances to exclude livestock.
2. Species Reintroduction: Reintroduce Chinkara Gazelle in Pachhri Valley and coastal Sappat. Establish a safari area around Chandragup mud volcano.

3.3 Tourism Development

1. Infrastructure: Develop eco-lodges and camping facilities at Kund Malir and Qadu Goth. Construct an Alexander the Great historical safari route.
2. Activities: Dolphin and whale watching, hiking, and birdwatching. Educational tours for schools and tourists.

3.4 Research and Monitoring

1. Research Focus: Monitor populations of Ibex, Urial, Chinkara, and large predators.
2. Collaboration: Partner with academic institutions, NGOs, and tour operators for conservation and education initiatives.

3.5 Community Integration

1. Custodial Community Role: Employ locals as community game watchers and eco-tourism guides. Establish village conservation funds.
2. Education and Training: Provide vocational training and establish primary schools. Encourage alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on livestock grazing.

Overall

The Hingol National Park Management Plan offers a comprehensive framework for conserving biodiversity while integrating socio-economic development. By focusing on habitat protection, species reintroduction, ecotourism, and community involvement, the park can sustain its ecological integrity and contribute to regional development. Collaborative efforts and adaptive management are essential to ensure the park’s success as a natural and cultural treasure of Pakistan.

The Author was part of Hingol National Park “ Protected Areas Management Plan and implementation team” during 2005-2006.