Coronavirus outbreak: Leopards spotted in Islamabad's Margalla Hills

Rangers in Islamabad's Margalla Hills National Park say they have seen an increase in animal activity after the city was locked down in March

AFP

May 16, 2020

In this picture taken on on May 6, 2020, Islamabad Wildlife guard Imran walks on the hiking trails on Margalla Hill National Park after checking the hiding cameras to observe animals movement during the government. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: With much of the city under lockdown, leopards, jackals and other creatures living in the federal capital have been enjoying a rare break from the throngs of hikers and joggers that normally pack Islamabad’s tree-covered trails.

Rangers in the federal capital’s Margalla Hills National Park saw animal activity increase soon after the city was locked down in March to counter the coronavirus.

Islamabad’s normally reclusive leopards have been roaming onto deserted pathways, and social networks are rife with talk of purported sightings.

Motion-triggered wildlife cameras have been clicking away as animals explore areas they had long been nervous to visit.

"There is a big increase in the number of animals (seen) in the national park," ranger Imran Khan -- not to be confused with the namesake prime minister -- said.

Islamabad Wildlife guard Imran checks the hiding cameras to observe animals movement on the hiking trail on Margalla Hill National Park during the government imposed nationwide lockdown. PHOTO: AFP

Images the park provided to AFP include pictures of leopards padding along paths, an inquisitive jackal and a muddy boar.

"Wildlife is comfortable as there are no visitors here. They are wandering here comfortably, which is a good sign for the jungle," Khan said.

Also read: Karachi’s shuttered Empress Market echoes of wailing animals amid lockdown

The park was locked down for about a month and foot traffic remains light as families, picnickers and walkers stay away during the fasting period of Ramadan.

Sakhwat Ali, Islamabad’s assistant wildlife director, said the space is home to 38 mammal species, 350 bird species and 34 reptile species including 27 types of snake.

Ali added that rangers are conducting a survey and had already noticed new creatures.

"There are some species of butterfly which were not reported earlier, but these are visible now," Ali said.

Lock downs in various cities around the world have seen urban wildlife grow bolder as people stay home. A gang of goats was spotted in a Welsh town and coyotes were seen exploring deserted streets in San Francisco.