By Momina Shehzadi | BS Zoology Graduate, Pakistan In this article, we will learn Fungi - Morphology, Reproduction, Physiology and Importance - in simple words with diagram. This topic is very important for BS Zoology and Microbiology students. Fungi are found everywhere around us. They are present in soil, in water, in air, on dead plants, on dead animals, on our food, on our skin and even inside our body. When bread becomes old, green or black spots appear on it. These spots are fungi. When we see mushroom growing after rain, that is also a fungus. When yeast is used to make bread soft, that is also a fungus. Fungi are very different from bacteria and plants. They are eukaryotic organisms. It means their cells have a true nucleus and other membrane bound organelles. They do not have chlorophyll, so they cannot make their own food like plants. They get their food from other living or dead things. That is why they are called heterotrophic organisms. The study of fungi is called mycolog...
By Momina Shehzadi | BS Zoology Graduate, Pakistan
In this article, we will learn about National Parks of Pakistan with complete list in simple words. This topic is very important for BS Zoology students.
What is National park?
(Simple Definition)
A National Park is a large area owned by the Government. It is established to protect and preserve its outstanding natural beauty, plants (flora) and animals (fauna) in their natural state. Hunting, cutting trees, and building houses are strictly prohibited in this area.
In Simple Words: National Park = A Hospital for Nature where animals and plants are protected and safe.
IUCN Definition of National Park
According to IUCN: "Large natural or near natural areas (at least 1000 hectares) set aside to protect large-scale ecological processes, which also provide a foundation for environmentally scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities."
Concept of National park
1. It is an area of outstanding scenic merit and natural beauty where landscape, flora and fauna are protected in a natural state.
2. Public access for recreation, education and research is provided.
3. Access roads and other facilities should be planned so they do not conflict with main objectives.
History of National parks
The idea of National Park was first given by English poet William Wordsworth in 1810. He described Lake District as a sort of national property. Later American artist George Catlin in 1832 wrote about preserving Native Americans and wildlife in a magnificent park.
The first practical effort was in USA on April 20, 1832, when President Andrew Jackson signed legislation to establish Hot Spring Reservation in Arkansas. The first ever national park in the world was Yellowstone National Park (USA) established in 1872. After that many countries started making national parks.
Role of National parks in nature conservation
Due to modern threats like global warming, population expansion, deforestation and habitat destruction, national parks are now more important than ever. They are considered as ecological laboratories, gene pools and bulwarks against the loss of species. They are ideal for eco-tourism, tracking, bird watching and nature photography. Their lush green forests neutralize carbon emissions and give fresh oxygen. They protect endangered species.
Prohibited Acts within National parks Important for Exam
Following acts are strictly prohibited by law in a national park:
i) Hunting, shooting, trapping, killing or capturing of any wild animal inside or within 3 miles of boundaries.
ii) Firing of guns or any other acts which may disturb wildlife or cause noise pollution.
iii) Felling, tapping, burning or damaging any plant or tree.
iv) Clearing of land for cultivation or agriculture.
v) Construction of human settlements, roads, highways or damaging land for mining.
vi) Polluting water flowing in and through the park.
vii) Burning of vegetation or setting fires in forest.
viii) Picking or removing flowers, fruits or any other vegetation.
ix) Engraving or defacing trees, bark or stone with names.
Purpose and objectives of national parks
1) Preserving the nation's unique natural scenery and beauty.
2) Protection of wild fauna and flora, especially endangered species.
3) Preserving historic and archaeological sites inside parks.
4) Providing public recreation and healthy environment.
5) Provide areas for scientific research for students.
6) They provide areas having unique landscapes for education.
7) To show biodiversity representative of the nation to future generations.
Complete List of major National Parks of Pakistan with details
Pakistan has more than 30 National Parks. Here are 10 most important ones for BS Zoology students:
1) Lal Suhanra National Park
Location: Bahawalpur District, Punjab. It is one of the largest parks in South Asia and a UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve. Area: 51,368 hectares. It was declared on 26 October 1972. Objective was to save Black-buck and Chinkara. It has 302 species of plants, 31 mammals, 119 birds including Houbara Bustard.
2) Kirthar National Park
Area: 308,733 hectares. Location: South-western part of Sindh, near Karachi. Established in 1974. It is the second biggest park after Hingol. It is the first park from Pakistan to be included in United Nation's list in 1975. Its objective is to protect Sindh Ibex (Capra hircus), Urial and Chinkara.
3) Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park
Location: 20 km south-west of Quetta, Balochistan. Area: 15,555 hectares. Established in 1980 by merging Hazarganji and Chiltan forest. Main objective is to restore population of Chiltan Markhor which is found only here.
4) Khunjerab National Park
Area: 226,913 hectares. Established in 1975 by late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Located in Gilgit, near China border. It is one of the highest national parks in the world. Elevation is 4000m. It was established to protect Marco Polo sheep, Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex. Total mammal species: 16.
5) Chitral Gol National Park
Area: 7,780 hectares. Located in Hindukush range, west of Chitral town, KPK. Established in 1984. Famous for its Markhor goats. Population was 100-125 in 1970 and 650 estimated recently. Also home to Snow Leopard.
6) Deosai National Park
Also called Deosai Plains. Located in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. It is known as High Altitude Plateau. Average height is 13,500 feet above sea level. It is the second highest plateau in the world. Established to protect Himalayan Brown Bear. It has only 20-28 brown bears left.
7) Ayubia National Park
Total area: 1,684 hectares (later expanded to 3312 ha). Established: 1984. Located in Murree hills, KPK. Named after former President Muhammad Ayub Khan. It is very close to Islamabad and famous for leopards.
8) Margalla Hills National Park
Total area: 17,386 hectares. Established: 1980. Located in foothills of Himalayan range near Islamabad. It is the most accessible park in Pakistan. Daman-e-Koh is also part of this park. Home to Common Leopard, Grey Goral, Barking Deer and Monkeys.
9) Hingol National Park (Largest Park of Pakistan)
Located in three districts of Balochistan - Lasbela, Gwadar, and Awaran. Area: 6100 sq km (610,000 hectares). It is the largest National Park of Pakistan. Declared in 1997. It has more than 3000 Ibex, 1500 Urial and 1200 Chinkara. Famous for Princess of Hope and Hingol Mud Volcano.
10) Chinji National Park
Located in Chakwal, Punjab, near Salt Range. Area: 6,095 hectares. Established in 1987 to protect the threatened species of Punjab Urial. It has very beautiful landscape.
Conclusion
National Parks are very important for conservation of biodiversity in Pakistan. Pakistan is blessed with many beautiful parks from sea level to high mountains. As a Zoology student, you must visit at least one national park and understand its importance. If we protect these parks, our wildlife will be safe for future.
FAQs for National Parks of Pakistan
Q1: Which is the largest National Park of Pakistan?
Ans: Hingol National Park in Balochistan is the largest.
Q2: Which is the first National Park in the world?
Ans: Yellowstone National Park in USA (1872).
Q3: How many National Parks in Pakistan?
Ans: More than 30 National Parks.
Q4: Which National Park is famous for Brown Bear?
Ans: Deosai National Park.
Also read previous complete topic Difference between vertebrates and invertebrates
Written by Momina Shehzadi from Pakistan. I made these notes for my exams.
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