Machiara National Park
by MairaS on November 12, 2009
in Travel Pakistan
Machiara National Park is one of the three significant national parks in the world chosen for Global Environmental Facility sponsored project. It is situated in The Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. It covers an area of 13593 hectares. The region was declared a National Park in 1996 to save the vegetation (the mixed broad leaf coniferous forest) and wildlife of the area.
The most endangered specie of the area is the Western Tragopan Pheasant. The park provides a breeding ground to the birds whose number was fast dwindling in the past. The Himalayan griffon vulture and lammergeyer (large vulture) are also found here. The park also provides sanctuary to the Himalayan Brown Bear, Ibex and Snow Leopard.
The local community is very protective towards the past and is trying its utmost to save the threatened animals as well as their natural habitat.