Lal suhanra National Park

Lal suhanra Overview

Lal Suhanra National Park, locally known as لال سہانرا نیشنل پارک, is a significant protected area in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Spanning approximately 255 square miles (658 square kilometers), it is located near the city of Bahawalpur and holds the distinction of being one of the largest national parks in South Asia.

The park sits at the edge of the Cholistan Desert and features a unique combination of desert, forest, and wetland ecosystems. Its location within the Indus River plains and proximity to urban areas makes it both ecologically important and easily accessible.

The terrain of Lal Suhanra National Park is marked by flat expanses of sandy desert, grassy plains, and irrigated forest plantations. The Cholistan Desert extends into the southern portions of the park, creating large stretches of dunes and arid scrubland.

In contrast, the central region contains man-made irrigated forests dominated by sheesham and kikar trees, while the northern area includes freshwater wetlands fed by the Desert Branch Canal. This diverse landscape supports a variety of plant life, including wild grasses, acacia species, mesquite, and tamarisk shrubs that provide cover and forage for wildlife.

The park hosts a wide array of wildlife, offering a sanctuary for species that have become increasingly rare in other parts of Pakistan. Among the prominent mammals are the blackbuck, an antelope species that has been successfully reintroduced into the park, along with chinkara gazelles, wild boars, desert hares, and jackals. The blackbuck, in particular, is a key conservation success story for the park.

Birdwatchers may encounter peafowl, Indian rollers, partridges, kingfishers, and various waterfowl near the wetland areas. Migratory birds such as flamingos and herons visit seasonally, attracted by the park’s artificial lakes and ponds. Reptiles including monitor lizards, snakes, and desert tortoises also inhabit the region.

A popular feature of Lal Suhanra National Park is its Blackbuck Reserve, where visitors can view herds of this rare antelope in a protected setting. The park also includes a visitor education center, picnic areas, and a small zoo with native species.

The mix of natural beauty and managed conservation areas makes it suitable for educational trips, family outings, and nature-based tourism. Its proximity to Bahawalpur further enhances its accessibility, making it one of the most visited parks in the region.

Visitors to Lal Suhanra can explore the park through guided jeep tours, hiking trails, and birdwatching spots, particularly around the wetlands. Photography and educational visits are also popular, with some areas of the park offering accommodation for overnight stays. The park is designed to balance conservation with public engagement, providing opportunities for both recreation and wildlife protection.

In terms of conservation, Lal Suhanra National Park has been a model for species reintroduction and habitat restoration. The blackbuck breeding program has helped stabilize the population of this once-endangered antelope in Pakistan.

However, challenges remain, including encroachment, water management issues, and pressure from tourism. Continuous support from provincial wildlife authorities and active management are helping to preserve its biodiversity, though ongoing monitoring and community involvement remain vital to the park’s long-term sustainability.

Park Map

Lal suhanra National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

With its unique blend of desert, wetland, and forest habitats, Lal Suhanra National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park supports both resident and migratory bird species, many of which gather around the lakes and canals.

White-tailed Lapwing
This wetland wader is frequently seen near the park’s water bodies, where it feeds on aquatic insects and small invertebrates. Its yellow legs and fluttering flight make it easy to spot.

Black-winged Stilt
With its long pink legs and delicate build, the black-winged stilt wades gracefully through shallow waters, feeding on insects and crustaceans.

Indian Peafowl
The national bird of India and a common resident of the park, the peafowl is known for its iridescent plumage and extravagant mating displays, especially during the monsoon season.

Grey Heron
A tall, elegant bird often seen standing still at the edge of lakes or canals, the grey heron hunts fish, frogs, and aquatic invertebrates with precision.

Little Grebe
A compact diving bird, the little grebe is frequently found in the park’s lakes, where it dives underwater to catch small fish and insects.

Common Kingfisher
With its vivid blue and orange plumage, the kingfisher is a flash of color along the water’s edge, where it waits patiently before darting into the water after fish.

Greater Flamingo
Occasionally seen in larger wetland areas of the park, this elegant bird uses its curved bill to filter-feed in shallow waters, often gathering in small flocks.

Cattle Egret
Often seen following livestock, the cattle egret feeds on insects disturbed by animal movement and is a common sight in open grassy areas of the park.

Black Drongo
A glossy black bird with a forked tail, the black drongo is an aggressive insect hunter that often perches openly and fearlessly defends its territory.

Red-wattled Lapwing
Known for its loud, alarm-like calls, the red-wattled lapwing is a ground-nesting bird found near water and open fields. It is easily identified by its black head and red facial wattles.