ISLAMABAD: Guided tours for the public in the protected Leopard Preserve Zone in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) have been successfully launched.

People will now be able to venture safely into the habitat of common Asian leopards. The tours have been organised by Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB).

IWMB Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan informed this agency that the wildcat was a shy animal and human interference could lead to human-wildlife conflict and damage to the natural habitat.

“Therefore, it is necessary to educate and make people, particularly the youth, aware of ways to protect the endangered species,” she said, adding that the tours will start from Feb 19 onwards for nature lovers and hikers.

She said only 15 registered individuals per day would be allowed. Moreover, the tours would take place every day if the weather permits however registration in advance would be compulsory.

“No one will be allowed without registration and an individual’s CNIC or passport number is required for registration. However, children below six years of age are not allowed in the park due to wildlife risk,” she said, adding that the zone would remain open for guided tours from 11am till 12:30pm whereas meeting point for people would be the Visitor Information Centre behind Faisal Masjid, E-7 Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2022