Chitral
is surrounded by high Hindukush peaks and is a habitat of a number of wildlife
species like Markhor, Ibex, Snow leopard, Chakor, Ram Chakor, Pheasent,
Marco Polo Sheep and a large variety of birds. Some of the World’s
endangered species are also found there. This area of 14800 square kilometres
is mostly mountainous, 14% is forest area and 36% make out arable lands.
The region stretches from Arandu in the south to Broghil Pass at Chiantar
Glacier in the northeast. It includes the Chitral Gol National Park and
Udren Gol and Rosh Gol wildlife reserves for the Ibex which is still found
in abundance. Snow leopards are frequently seen at low altitude in the Terich
valley and Tooshi to be photographed at easy distance.There is a vast scope for wildlife photography in the area and even trophy hunting, for those interested in game shooting.
This playful Markhor is friendly with people and sometimes keeps on awaiting for visitors to turn up, who hold him by the screwing big horns and play on the roadside at Tooshi, the wildlife sanctuary and the game reserve 25 minutes drive from Chitral town, where the worth of one trophy hunt is USD 52000 to 80000. In winter the illusive snow leopard is also seen in the game reserve as it comes down near the riverbank chasing wild goats and Markhor.
The endangered snow leopard, ['purdom' in Khowar language], visits the Tooshi game reserve due to heavy snow and severe cold weather. The beautiful wild cat is normally seen in the game reserve mostly in winter as it comes there for at least four days to one week. During this time he feasts on a wild goat or two. Many local people and forign tourists visit Tooshi to have a glimpse of the snow leopard.
