Dewosai National Park last destination for brown bears

10 Feb, 2004

The world's unique specie brown bear, that has almost been vanished is found in abundance in Dewosai National Park in Northern Areas, which is said to be its last destination and refuge, wildlife experts told APP here on Monday.
The sources disclosed that the government was taking concrete measures to protect the wildlife in the area particularly by declaring national parks as no hunting zone.
The sources added that nine areas have been declared community-hunting areas and the community was co-operating with the government to ensure the protection of wildlife.
The government has introduced the trophy hunting in the region and one can hunt only an Ibex by paying 3,000 dollars whereas 15,000 dollars are fixed for Markhoor.
They added that 80 percent revenue collected from the trophy hunting is being given to local community for its development while 20 percent set aside for the protection of the wildlife.
Official sources were of the view that Northern Area of Pakistan is the lone destination where blue sheep are found.
Morocco polo sheep migrated from the lower parts of area due to construction of Karakoram Highway and other valley roads. To a question the sources said that more than 5,000 Ibex are present in Khunjarab Park in Gilgit district.
Northern Areas forest department is working on five development projects ie Khunjarab National Park, Dewosai National Park, Shandure National Park, City Park and Wildlife Conservation, sources stated.
So far Rs 5.3 million have been spent on development of these national park while Rs 1.5 on City Park Gilgit.
In Northern Areas, experts said, due to illicit and ruthless forest cutting and increase in population was the major factor of their vanishing from the area, however, the government is taking all out efforts for their protection and safety.

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