The Hingol National Park in Pakistan is the largest National Park of the country. It is situated at the Makran Coast in the province of Balochistan. It covers an area of 619,043 hectares and is spread over three districts namely Lasbela, Gawadar and Owaran. It was declared a shelter for various species of wildlife in 1988.
The park is unique in the sense that it provides refuge to land as well as marine creatures. The topography of the park varies from coast lines, beaches, sand dunes, barren mountains and a river. The area is mostly semi desert. The governing body over the park is Wildlife and Parks Department of Government of Pakistan.
A large number of animals exist in this rocky and marshy area some of whom are close to extinction. The estuary of the Hingol River is the home to many species of fish. Marsh crocodiles are also found here. These are few in number only around 50.
Olive Ridley Turtles and Green Marine Turtles are occasionally seen here. The river is a resting place of many migratory water fowls such as Dalmatian and Spot billed Pelican, Sociable Plover, Spoonbills, and Black Ibis etc.
Around 35 species of mammals including the Sindh Ibex, Afghan Urial and Chinkara Gazelle are found here. There are 65 species of reptiles and amphibians and 185 species of birds in the park. Besides animals, 250 species of plants are housed in the Park too.
Another claim to fame of the area is the Shrine of Devi Hingali commonly known as Nani Mandir. It is a sacred Hindu temple. The Balochistan Sphinx, also known as lion of Balochistan, is also present there. It is a natural rock that resembles a sphinx. Princess of hope is another natural rock formation present in the park that resembles a princess looking beyond the horizon.
