Beyond the Leopard: Wildlife of the Margallahs

The leopard may be the Margallahs' most famous predator, but it is only one part of a much larger wildlife community.

A biodiversity survey of Margalla Hills National Park recorded 117 bird species, 27 reptiles and 30 mammal species. The recorded mammals included barking deer, wild boar, golden jackal, red fox, leopard, monkeys, fruit bats and pangolins.

Newspaper reporting has likewise documented the variety of animals found across the hills. Barking deer, Kalij pheasants, wild boars, porcupines and foxes have all featured in accounts of wildlife recovery and camera-trap observations. This diversity matters because every species occupies a different ecological role.

The hills also demonstrate how closely Islamabad's residents live alongside wild habitats. Monkeys are commonly seen near popular routes, while more secretive mammals tend to remain away from busy visitor areas. The fact that a national park supports both highly visible animals and elusive predators so close to a major city makes the Margallah landscape unusual.

Protecting the Margallahs therefore means looking beyond one flagship species. Forest cover, water, prey populations, nesting areas, quiet habitat and responsible visitor behaviour all contribute to the survival of the wider community of wildlife.