The Hazarganji National Park was established in 1980 to provide protection to the Markhor goats whose number was dwindling at an alarming rate. Markhor incidentally is the national animal of Pakistan.
The Park is situated 20kms south west of Quetta and covers a total area of 325000 acres. It is present in Mastung District of Western Balochistan. The Chiltan Hills and the Hazar Ganji Range lie in the east and west respectively hence the name.
This national park is considered as one of the most important reasons for which people visit Quetta. The Chiltan Hazarganji National Park is very popular among tourists. Besides the peaceful environs, the park also has a museum, rest house and picnic spots to entertain the visitors.
The Park was established primarily to save the Markhor (wild goats). The number of Markhors has increased ever since the establishment of the park. There are 30 species of mammals; 9 species of large mammals and 21 species of small mammals. There are 120 species of avifauna; 36 resident and 84 migratory. There are also 30 species of reptiles.
Five kinds of Markhors found here. There are about 300-400 rare Sulaiman Markhor and around 800 Chiltan ibex present within the park boundaries. Other animals in this protected zone are Urial sheep, Indian wolf, Striped hyena, Red fox, leopard, jackal, porcupine and desert hare.
A variety of birds like bearded vultures, golden eagles, European bee-eater, partridges, warbles, falcons, hawks, Houbara bustard are either found here or are frequent visitors. Python, Cobra, Monitor and other wild lizards, Afghan tortoise, Russell Viper and Levantine are the creatures from the reptile kingdom to be seen here.
The trees in the forest include Pashtun Junipur (Juniperus macropoda), pistachio, almond and ash trees. The park is governed by Balochistan Wildlife Department.
