WATCH: Persian leopard spotted near Nani Mandir in Balochistan

A Persian leopard has been spotted at the Nani Mandir, an important site for Hindu pilgrimage, after many decades. 

The leopard, scientifically known as panthera pardus tulliana, was located by a person visiting the temple inside the Hingol National Park along Balochistan coast.

Balochistan's Chief Conservator Wildlife Sharifuddin Baloch said that the person recorded the leopard on the cliff opposite Nani Mandir.

This Persian leopard is locally known as "phulang" and is native to Hingol National Park. The majestic animal, which is elusive in nature, is rarely sighted in this area. 

World Wide Fund for Nature's (WWF) technical adviser Muhammad Moazzam Khan said that the Persian leopard was found in the major parts of Balochistan, especially in the coastal area.

However, he added, due to hunting and lack of food — which includes wild goats, urial goats, chinkara gazelles — the population of this top predator is decreasing and they are now endangered species.