The Margalla Hills, Islamabad

I cannot believe that I am back here again today. Blogs must be quite addictive, especially if they mean you are keen on writing. I had only managed to visit the Margalla Hills National Park at this stage. The first time I had visited the Margalla Hills was by accident. I did nt even know it was a national Park. The Margalla Hills stretch from Wah to North of Islamabad and then merge into the Murree hill range. The highest point within the Margalla Hills is about 1600m plus high. The hills just north of Islamabad are green but further west you go it becomes more barren and some hills have been quarried. The first time I visited the Margallas was in December 1996 but then I managed to visit again in July 1998. There was a zoo just at the foot of the Hills and then a steep climb to a view point called Daman I Koh where one can see Rawalpindi and Islamabad below and ona clear day as far as the Salt Range. I had seen many species of birds there. The Margallas were home to leopards, Hyaenas, Goral - a goat antelope, Barking Deer, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey's, Porcupines and many smaller mammals. Birds included the rare Khalij and Cheer Pheasants. The Margalla Hills was is one of the richest areas of bird life in pakistan - the highest number of species has been recorded here. It was understandable as it is quite a dense forest which receives quiet alot of rainfall.
I have never managed to hike to trek here - I have taken a small walk in the forest but nothing major. One of the biggest problems the Margalla Hills faces is habitat destruction. The trees are cut down for firewood and villagers graze their livestock here. The villagers do not know much about over grazing and the serious effects of deforestation. On top of that the Government does little to combat these issues. There is a fast growing population who is placing severe pressure on the natural resources. The population growth must settle down before anything can be done to solve the environmental problems.
The Margallas were once upon a time home to Tigers, the Back Bear. The tiger is now extinct within pakistan while the Black Bear is found in more desolate regions. The last tiger was shot in Bahawalpur, by a man of the British Government I believe in 1906. The Margallas are a great way to enjoy a day out in Islamabad.