Manglot National Park

Manglot Overview

Manglot National Park, locally known as مانگلوت نیشنل پارک, is a relatively small yet ecologically significant protected area in the Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Covering approximately 23 square miles (59 square kilometers), the park lies along the western bank of the Indus River and is nestled within the dry hills of the Peshawar Valley. Established in 1990, Manglot was created to conserve the region’s natural woodland, native wildlife, and unique landscape in a setting that borders both riverine and mountainous ecosystems.

The terrain of Manglot National Park is primarily composed of low, rocky hills and rugged ridges that rise above the river plains. The landscape is dry and arid for much of the year, with seasonal streams cutting through narrow valleys. Vegetation consists mainly of subtropical dry scrub forest, including native species such as phulai (Acacia modesta), wild olives, and sanatha (Dodonaea viscosa).

These hardy plants have adapted to the park’s semi-arid conditions and provide food and cover for wildlife. Though the area appears barren in parts, seasonal rains bring bursts of greenery and wildflowers that briefly transform the landscape.

Wildlife in Manglot National Park is representative of the dry subtropical environment found in northern Pakistan. Key mammal species include the Indian porcupine, wild boar, Indian hare, jackal, and the occasional Indian pangolin.

The park is also known for its population of gray partridges, which are commonly sighted, as well as birds of prey such as the shikra and black kite. Reptiles, including monitor lizards and a variety of snakes, are also commonly encountered. Although the park does not support large predators, it plays a vital role in conserving the local biodiversity of this transitional zone between forest and steppe.

Among the park’s more popular features is its proximity to the Indus River, offering scenic riverbank views and opportunities for picnicking and nature observation. The park’s dry hills and forested patches are particularly valued for their relative tranquility and proximity to urban centers like Nowshera and Peshawar.

Though not heavily developed for tourism, the park serves as a valuable green space for local visitors and students interested in ecology and conservation.

Visitors typically experience Manglot National Park through short hikes, nature walks, and informal birdwatching. Educational tours and community outreach programs have been organized in recent years to promote awareness of the park’s environmental importance.

Basic facilities such as walking trails and shaded rest areas exist in select locations, but the park remains largely undeveloped, offering a more rustic and natural outdoor experience.

Conservation efforts in Manglot focus on protecting its dry forest habitats and preventing illegal logging and poaching. The small size of the park presents challenges in terms of enforcement and ecological resilience, but its protected status has helped curb some of the habitat degradation common in surrounding areas.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department continues to support reforestation projects and engage with local communities to strengthen long-term stewardship. While the park faces pressures from human activity, its value as a biodiversity reserve in a densely populated region makes it an important part of the province’s conservation landscape.

Park Map

Manglot National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The dry forests and rocky slopes of Manglot National Park provide ideal habitat for a wide range of birds. From ground-foraging partridges to soaring raptors, the park’s avifauna is both diverse and visually striking.

Grey Francolin
A ground-dwelling bird with speckled brown plumage, the grey francolin is often seen in pairs or small groups, feeding on seeds and insects and calling loudly during early morning hours.

White-throated Kingfisher
Easily identified by its bright blue wings and chestnut body, this kingfisher hunts insects, small reptiles, and fish from perches near water or open ground.

Indian Peafowl
Known for its vivid plumage and dramatic display dance, the Indian peafowl is commonly found in forest edges and open clearings, foraging on seeds and insects.

Common Kestrel
A small, agile falcon often seen hovering in place before diving onto prey. It hunts lizards, insects, and small mammals in the park’s open landscapes.

Shikra
A small and fast hawk that glides through trees hunting small birds and reptiles. It is commonly seen perched quietly in the canopy, scanning for movement.

Black Drongo
A sleek black bird with a forked tail, the black drongo is highly territorial and aggressive toward larger birds. It catches insects mid-air and perches prominently on trees and wires.

Laughing Dove
This pinkish-brown dove has a gentle coo and is often seen walking along the ground in search of seeds. It thrives in both forested and semi-urban areas of the park.

Common Hoopoe
A striking bird with a fan-like crest and zebra-striped wings, the hoopoe uses its long, curved beak to probe the ground for insects and larvae.

Red-wattled Lapwing
With its loud, piercing calls and bold black, white, and brown plumage, this ground-nesting bird is frequently seen near open ground and water sources.

Indian Roller
Brilliantly colored in blue and purple hues, the Indian roller is often seen perched along roadsides or flying in open areas, known for its acrobatic courtship flight displays.

Manglot National Park, located in the Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a compact yet ecologically important reserve. With dry subtropical forests, rugged hills, and open scrublands, the park supports a variety of resilient wildlife species native to the region’s warm and arid environment.

Indian Pangolin
This nocturnal, insectivorous mammal is covered in keratin scales and feeds primarily on ants and termites. Shy and elusive, the Indian pangolin burrows underground and is threatened due to poaching.

Indian Crested Porcupine
A large, heavily quilled rodent, the porcupine is nocturnal and digs for tubers, roots, and fruits. When threatened, it raises and rattles its sharp quills as a defense mechanism.

Golden Jackal
An intelligent and opportunistic carnivore, the golden jackal inhabits scrub forests and open ground. It preys on small mammals and scavenges carrion, helping to clean the ecosystem.

Indian Fox
This slender canid with large ears and a bushy tail is adapted to arid terrain. It hunts insects and small vertebrates and often seeks shade in burrows during the heat of the day.

Wild Boar
A powerful omnivore with a stout body and tusks, the wild boar roots through the soil for food and is known for its adaptability and resilience in various habitats.

Jungle Cat
This mid-sized feline prefers areas with tall grasses and bushes. It is a solitary hunter of birds, rodents, and reptiles, often active at dusk and dawn.

Small Indian Civet
A nocturnal and secretive carnivore, the civet moves through underbrush in search of rodents, insects, and fruits. It is recognized by its ringed tail and musky scent.

Indian Hedgehog
A small, spiny mammal that emerges at night to feed on insects and invertebrates. It curls into a ball when threatened, using its sharp spines for protection.

Rhesus Macaque
This adaptable monkey forms large social troops and is commonly seen near water sources. It feeds on fruits, seeds, and even human food scraps when available.

Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
Light-footed and elegant, the chinkara is well-suited to dry, open habitats. It survives on sparse vegetation and can go for long periods without drinking water.