CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE AND ITS HABITAT IN SOAN VALLEY

摘要

The southern edge of the Potohar Plateau is demarcated by the famous Salt Range of Pakistan. The Salt Range extends from Mianwali in the west, to Jhelum in the east. The western end of the salt range forms a semi-loop, creating a valley called the Soan Valley. The average elevation of the valley is 2,000 feet above mean sea level. The mountains surrounding the valley are covered with subtropical forests. The highest peak in the western Salt Range is Mount Sakesar, which rises 5,200 feet above mean sea level (Ref: Atlas of Pakistan). The valley has three lakes, which play a vital role in the climate and ecology of the region. These lakes are the staging areas of winter migrating flocks of some of the endangered species of waterfowl and other birds.