Here is a detailed insight into the wild and domestic animals of Gilgit Baltistan. The untamed life populace is diminishing rapidly In Gilgit Baltistan, because of informal administration and merciless chasing previously.
In 1970, as indicated by sources, there were 500 Marco Polo sheep in the Khunjerab National Park, however in 2004 they were just 75, comparably, Snow leopards and other important species are additionally diminishing.
In any case, still, you can discover uncommon creatures and winged creatures in Gilgit-Baltistan, as Marco Polo sheep, blue sheep, markhor, mountain bear, darker beer, Chakor and Ram Chakor.
Wild and Domestic Animals of Gilgit Baltistan
Animals here include markhor, (Shafo arial), sheep, leopard, black bear, palm bear, black eagle, fox, seagull, wild cat, rabbit and marmot. Domestic animals include Cow (Zou and Zomo), Tol, Yaak, Horse, Donkey, Sheep, Goat and Chicken.
Among other types of birds, the Chakor, Ramchakor, duck, pigeon, dove, bulbul are found therein Gilgit Baltistan. Fish are found in abundance in the rivers and water bodies here, most of which are small in size. Trout fish are also found in the clear waters of some streams and lakes.
There are two principal classifications of creatures like, domestic and wild animals which can be found in various places of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Wild and Domestic Animals of Gilgit Baltistan: Domestic Animals
In the rundown of domestic animals, we can incorporate, Yaaks, Cows, Bulls, Zou, Zumo, Sheeps Goats, Horses, and Donkeys.
Wild and Domestic Animals of Gilgit Baltistan: Wild Animals
Wild animals of Gilgit-Baltistan are; Ibex, Markhor, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Black bear, Jackals, Fox, Wolves, and Marmots.
The domestic animal types of this region are for the most part from the Central Asian inception and were brought to these territories by the Nomadic Tribes of Central Asia who migrated from their lands for settlement in this area. According to Balti elders, the first animal domesticated in this area was the Goat.
The other animal which conveys some authentic worth is the Yaak. however, it tends to be said that this creature was restrained in ancient days and the references about this creature are found in Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian creatures.
It is important to make reference to that this creature was under the broad utilization of Mongolian Tribes at the time of Changez Khan.
There is no verifiable proof on how Yaak was first utilized in crossbreeding yet this reality is very significant that the Central Asian individuals had the knowledge of the advantages of cross breeding for a very long time.
The Yak in this area not only serves as a sire but also as a beast of burden. The hair is used for the weaving of local matting (Charra).
Local tobacco pipes (Huka) are made from its horn. In Ladakh, the Yaak legs of ornamental chairs are made from it. The offshoots of the first generation of Yak and Cow are known as Zou and Zomo.
Wild and Domestic Animals of Gilgit Baltistan: Domestic Animals Category
Cow and Bulls
This area has no breeds of serious value but the animals are of the short and stumpy size and their size varies consistent with the climatic and topographical conditions of the various areas.
For example, the animal from Shigar and Rondu district is bigger in size, thanks to better soil and good fodder facilities in these areas. These animals yield a higher milk quantity than the remainder.
Normally the animals are a poor producer and can’t yield quite two pounds of milk during a lactation period of 1 hundred and eighty days.
These animals can hardly serve the other purpose than providing manure for the farmer who prefers it to exploit because the crop production of the world is very hooked into animal and human manure.
Sheep and Goats
The breeds of this area also are like bovine breeds and considerably different in size and character. The wool of sheep during this area is of fine quality but the fiber is brief long. The wool is employed within the manufacture of Pattus.
The goat hairs are utilized in Charra making. The skins of those animals are utilized in place of gunny bags for storage of grains etc., and foot wrapping during the winter season.
Local footwear referred to as PAPOO is additionally made from goat or Yak hairs and is extremely comfortable during winter.
In the Chhorbat area, one Goat breed is understood to possess been yielding Pashmina of a coffee quality which is employed in ‘Fard’ making, a well-known industry of the world which has gone under deterioration since the liberation of this area as most of the raw Pashmina was brought from Laddakh on the barter system. so as to enhance the Pashmina, some goats from Angora are being imported.
Horses
The horses of this area are short and stumpy with a strong neck and compact body. The well-known breed of the horses is ‘Zanskari’ ponies which are considerably sure-footed and may withstand the acute climatic condition of this area. The diseases amongst horses are mentioned for a real while.
An account has also been given by Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat, who writes that while going back to Kashgar, Sultan Abu Sayeed died and his body was carried to Kashghar. On the way, their horses died of Lung diseases.
Wild and Domestic Animals of Gilgit Baltistan: Wild Animals Category
The Markhor
The word Markhor derives its origin from two Persian words i.e. ‘MAR’ means ‘snake’ and ‘KHOR’ means ‘eater’. Thus ‘Markhor means ‘Serpent-eater’. there’s a standard belief among the locals of this area that Markhor eats snakes and through mastication, foam comes out of its mouth and forms into a solid mass referred to as “Taryaq”.
According to the assumption, this Taryak is an efficient antidote for venom. it’s further said that the skin of this animal liberates a special odor, which prohibits the presence of snakes near its vicinity. The Markhor is species of a big goat.
It is migratory and is found everywhere in Baltistan. Markhor lives on far more dangerous grounds. This animal is out there in, Astore, Stakcho, Chamacho, Skoyo, Bayicha, Cheri and range between Kowardo, Strangdongmon, and Niali.
Kail Or Ibex
This animal is found in mountains in most parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. In winter and spring, the Ibex can easily be found, but in summer when the grass is plentiful on mountains, they cover an excellent deal of ground and are often difficult to seek out.
In the past, the locals used dogs to hunt Ibex, trained Dogs drive them up amongst rocks and caves from which they can’t get down and keep them there until the hunters shoot them. Generally, the breeding season of Ibex commences from November and December.
This rare animal is often found in, Nar, Mashupi, Alchori, Tormik, Bagicha, Shigharthang, Basho, Katisho, Mantho, Thalay, Hushe, Bara, Kundus, Saltoro, and Frano.
Shapho or Arial
Shapho may be quite a bovid. it’s got a robust sense of smell and grazes within the open ground which makes it difficult to approach. The meat is especially delicious. it’s found in Gol, Nar, Sarfaranga, Katisho, Chorka, Alchori, Hashupi, Thaley, Bara and Kundus villages.
Musk Deer
This animal is found in Tormik, Basho, Chamacho, Shengus, Basha, and Arandu. The hunters usually extract Musk from this animal. The hunting of this rare animal is completely prohibited.
Marmot
It is found in the Deosai plains (Plateau) at an altitude of 13000 to 14500 feet. it’s as large because of the fox of a dull yellowish color. it’s said that this animal is usually prey to an eagle.
It emits a shriek cry on the approach of danger. This animal can dig very lengthy holes for its habitation where it constructs different long holes for various purposes i.e. store for food during winter, living hole and some for the restroom.
Wolf
This animal is also found throughout Baltistan. The grey wolf population is largely dependent on livestock, primarily sheep and goats. They also eat small rodents like rats.
Snow Leopard
This wild beast is found at a height of 13 to 14 thousand feet and above. The fur of this beast is extremely fine and may fetch an honest deal amount. This beast isn’t confined to any particular locality as its range of walking/running in search of its prey is extremely vast.
Bears
Bears are found in Deosai plain at an altitude of 13000 to 15000 feet, during the summer season when the plains are accessible for four months from July to October after which it’s snowbound for the remaining 8 months of the year. This beast is additionally available within the Basha and Braldo area of Shigar.
Read also: Natural resources of Gilgit Baltistan
