Hawk

any of various small to medium-sized falconiform birds, particularly those in the genus Accipiter, known as the true hawks, and including the goshawks and sparrowhawks. The term hawk is often applied to other birds in the family Accipitridae (such as the kites, buzzards, and harriers) and sometimes is extended to include certain members of the family Falconidae (falcons and caracaras). The great majority of hawks are more useful to humans than they are harmful, but there is still widespread prejudice against them. Occasionally they destroy poultry and smaller birds, but usually they eat small mammals, reptiles, and insects. Hawks have many foraging techniques, but the most typical in their pursuit of prey is raking, or swiftly following the animal's efforts to escape. Once the hawk has secured the prey with its powerful talons, the bird dismembers it with its sharply pointed, strong beak. Hawks occur on the six major continents. Most species nest in trees, but some, such as the marsh hawk, nest on the ground in grassy places, and others nest on cliffs.
BIRDS CALLED NIGHT HAWKS ARE FROM THE OWL ORDER,

SHIKRA

(Accipiter badius)

The Shikra (Accipiter badius) is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae found widely distributed in Asia and Africa where it is also called the Little Banded Goshawk. They have a sharp two note call and have the typical flap and glide flight.

SIZE
The Shikra is a small raptor (2630 cm long) and like most other Accipiter hawks, this species has short rounded wings and a narrow and somewhat long tail. Adults are whitish on the underside with fine rufous bars while the upperparts are grey. The lower belly is less barred and the thighs are whitish. Males have a red iris while the females have a less red (yellowish orange) iris and brownish upperparts apart from heavier barring on the underparts. The females are slightly larger.

FEED
They feed on rodents (including, squirrels, small birds, small reptiles (mainly lizards but sometimes small snakes) and insects. Small birds usually dive through foliage to avoid a Shikra

and a Small Blue Kingfisher has been observed diving into water to escape. Babblers have been observed to rally together to drive away a Shikra. They will descend to the ground to feast on emerging winged termites, hunt at dusk for small bats.

VALUE IN CULTURE
The Shikra was a favourite among falconers in India and Pakistan due to the ease with it could be trained and was frequently used to procure food for the more prized falcons. They were noted for their pluck and ability to take much larger birds including partrigdes, crows and even young peafowl. The word shikra or shikara means hunter in the Hindi language.

Kite
any of numerous birds of prey belonging to one of three subfamilies (Milvinae, Elaninae, Perninae) of the family Accipitridae. LOOKS Typically, a kite is lightly built, with a small head, partly bare face, short beak, and long narrow wings and tail. Kites occur worldwide in warm regions. DIET Some kites live on insects; others are primarily scavengers but also eat rodents and reptiles; and a few are strictly snaileaters.
They are attracted to smoke and fires, where they seek escaping prey. This behaviour has led to Australian native beliefs that kites spread fires by picking up burning twigs and dropping them on dry grass. Kites have also been seen to tear and carry away the nests of Baya Weavers in an attempt to obtain eggs or chicks.

Falcons
any of nearly 60 species of hawks of the family Falconidae (order Falconiformes), diurnal birds of prey characterized by long, pointed wings and swift, powerful flight. The name is applied in a restricted sense, as true falcons, to the genus Falco, which numbers more than 35 species. Falcons occur virtually worldwide.

OUTLOOK They range in size from about 15 cm (6 inches) long in the falconets (Microhierax) to about 60 cm (24 inches) in the gyrfalcon, an Arctic species. In true falcons the female is the larger and bolder of the sexes and is preferred for the sport of falconry. Falcons have plumes called flags on their legs and a notch in the beak that is well developed in the genus Falco to form a tooth. DIET Some species capture birds of their own size or smaller in midair. Others live mainly on hares, mice, lizards, and insects.

The Shaheen Falcon (Falco peregrinus peregrinator), also known as the Indian Peregrine Falcon, Black Shaheen, Indian Shaheen, or simply the Shaheen, is a non-migratory subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon found mainly on the Indian subcontinent and the nearby island of Sri Lanka. Description The Shaheen is a small and powerful-looking falcon with blackish upperparts, rufous underparts with fine, dark streaks, and white on the throat. The complete black face mask is sharply demarcated from the white throat. It has distinctive rufous underwing-coverts. It differs in all these features from the paler F. p. calidus, which is a scarce winter migrant to Sri Lanka. Males and females have similar markings and plumage; apart from size there is no sexual dimorphism. The birds range in length from 380 to 440 mm. The male is about the size of a House Crow (Corvus splendens); the female is larger. Distribution and habitat The Shaheen is found in South Asia from Pakistan and Kashmir region over across to the Republic of India and Bangladesh in the east and to Sri Lanka and southeastern China. In the Republic of India, it has been recorded in all states (except Uttar Pradesh), mainly from rocky and hilly regions. The Shaheen has also been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Ecology and behaviour

The Shaheen is usually seen as a solitary bird, or in pairs on cliffs and rock pinnacles. Peregrines typically mate for life. Because of the size difference between a male and a female, a mated pair generally hunt different prey species. It is adapted to taking prey in the air and can achieve a speed of 240 kmh in level flight; when diving after prey it can exceed speeds of 320 kmh (200 mph). Feeding Shaheens mostly hunt small birds, though medium-sized birds such as pigeons and parrots are also taken. Strong and fast, they dive from great heights to strike prey with their talons. If the impact does not kill the prey, the falcon bites the neck of its victim to ensure death.

MAMMALS
GAZALLE (FAMILY BOVIDAE)
A gazelle is any of many antelope species in the genus Gazella, or formerly considered to belong to it. Gazelles are known as swift animals some are able to run at bursts as high as 60 miles per hour (97 km/h), or run at a sustained speed of 30 miles per hour (48 km/h). Gazelles are mostly found in the deserts, grasslands and savannas of Africa, but they are also found in southwest and central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. They tend to live in herds and will eat less coarse, easily digestible plants and leaves. Gazelles are rather small antelopes, most standing 23.5 ft (61110 cm) high at the shoulder, and are generally fawn-colored.

Chinkara or Indian Gazelle

( Gazella Bennettii ) Local name: Hiran (Urdu) Shoulder Height: 65cm. . Weight: 23kg.

Description: The Chinkara, whilst resembeling closely the Goitred Gazelle in external appearance and colouring, is on average a slightly smaller animal. The principal differences related only to the absence of any enlargement or swelling in the larynx, differences in the pelage, and the development of the horns. In summer coat, the Indian Gazelle is of warm biscuit, or reddish-buff colour, with the fur smooth and highly glossy. Even in winter coat the white belly and throat fur is smooth and short in contrast to that of the Goitred Gazelle. The tail is medium long and covered with a dorsal crest of black hairs. There are indistinct horizontal and pyreal stripes bordering the flanks and caudal areas in summer coat. The sides of the face are also patterned with broad dark chestnut stripes from the corner of the eye to the muzzle bordered above and below by white stripes. The average horn length of males is 25.5-30.5 cm (10-12 in) measured over the curve, with record horns reaching just over 39cm (15.5in). Habitat and Distribution: A very adaptable animal , it seems to be able to exist in extensive sand-dune areas down to sea level as well as in stony plateaus and low hilly regions up to 1,500m elevation. The Chinkara is severly reduced in numbers, perhaps to the point of extinction, in the desert regions of all along the eastern border of Pakistan. It is not however , in danger of extinction in the country as a whole, because it is so widespread and also lives in rocky escarpment areas. The Chinkara is now rare in the Thal desert. They survive in good numbers in Sibi plains, Mekran, Turbat and Lasbela in Baluchistan. They are also found in Kirthar hills and also in Margalla hills, but numbers in Margalla hills are believed to be very small. Isolated populations are also found in Salt Range, Kala Chitta hills and Cholistan in Punjab and Thar desert in Sind. A helicopter survey conducted in November 2000 by the staff of the Sindh Wildlife Department, Zoological Survey Department and the University of Melbourne yielded estimates of the total populations of the Chinkara at 1060 580 in Kirthar National Park. Chinkara's are ruthlesly hunted by local people and hunters and this has resulted in the reduction of once plentiful population in Pakistan

Goitered Gazelle(black tailed, persian gazelle)

( Gazella Subgutturosa Subgutterosa ) FAMILY BOVIDAE

Size: Body Length: 90-115 cm / 3-3.8 ft Shoulder Height: 60-80 cm / 2-2.6 ft Tail Length: 15-20 cm / 6-8 in Weight: 18-33 kg / 40-73 lb Description: The light brown body darkens towards the belly, where it joins with the white underparts in a crisp line. The typical facial marking of gazelles are pronounced only in juveniles - with age the forehead and nose bridge turn white, with only the brown eye-nose stripe remaining. The tail is black in colour, conspicuous against the white buttocks when raised in flight. Unlike the rest of the "true gazelles", only the male goitered gazelle carries horns, which grow 2543 cm / 10-17.2 inches long. Black in colour and sharply diverging, the horns form an "S" shaped, bending up backwards, and turning in at the tips. During the rut, the larynx of males bulges outwards, resembling a goiter. Habitat and Distribution: The Goitered Gazelle inhabits the semi-desert and desert steppe in the West of Baluchistan. It survives in the Chagai hills and Nushki hills south west of Quetta. Goitered Gazelle are also found at Chaman, near the border with Afghanistan. This gazelle is very rare and local in distribution in Pakistan. Depite this fact, it is hunted by local people and by visiting Arab hunters, who come each year to hunt Houbara Bustard. Because of this it is declining in number and will become extinct if hunting is not stopped in these regions.

Hog Deer (family cervidae)

( Axis Porcinus ) Local name: Para ( Urdu )

Description: The Hog deer is a close relative of the Axis deer or Chital, which is now extinct in Pakistan, but is found in neighbouring India. Adult Hog deers have a brown coat that gets darker in winter. Though spotted with indistinct spots, hog deer don't have as bright and conspicuous spots as spotted deer (chital) do. The older hog deers get, dimmer the spots become. Hog deers have slender, three-

tined antlers rising from bony pedicals; the browline making acute angles with the main beam. Diet: Being predominantly grazers, they prefer short grasslands nearby riverbankds and swamps. Habitat and Distribution: The Hog deer's prefered habitat is grasslands or swamps near rivers. In Pakistan it is mainly found in Riverian forests of river Indus in Lower Sind. The Hog deer is found in the east Nara and the indus delta forests in the extreme south of Sind. Due to the controlling of river Indus by building dams and barrages the habitat of Hog deer has greatly been reduced to one or two pockets. It is also hunted extensively by hunters and the local people. The result is that it has become extremly rare and is now on the verge of extinction.

Barking Deer (family cervidae)

( Muntiacus Muntjak ) indian muntjac/ Local name: Kakar ( Urdu )

Shoulder Height: 1 foot 8 inches to 2 feet Weight: 45 lbs Description: Barking deer are the smallest in size of all deer. The stags have very small antlers, not more than 4 inches long, with short brow lines and straight, unforked beams which grow backwards. Their coat is bright chestnut and their gait are unlike that of the hog deer, with heads down and stiff-legged. Social Behavior: On hearing their name -- Barking Deer -- one may be prompted to ask whether this deer can bark like a dog. The name `barking deer' was given to them for their loud, sharp calls resemble the barks of dogs. Besides this loud and sharp "bark", this deer also produecs an indistinct rattling sound when running. Barking deer live mostly in pairs. Come the mating season, the adult males fight their rivals. In so doing, they use their sharp-pointed antlers and razor-sharp canine teeth, badly wounding each other. do. Habitat and Distribution: Browsers and grazers, barking deer are found in both sal and riverine forests, but in Pakistan this little deer is found in a very limited mountanious area. This deer is mainly found in the Margalla Hills. It is also found in very few numbers in Azad

Kashmir. The main threat to this deer's survival is loss of habitat, which is so limited in Pakistan. Uncontrolled livestock grazing may lead this beautiful deer to the verge of extinction. It's only future survival is in the Margalla Hills National Park, where there still may be 30-40 barking deer (T.J Roberts, "Mammals of Pakistan)

Himalayan Musk Deer (family moschidae)

( Moschus Chrysogaster ) Local name: Mushk Hiran ( Urdu ) Size: Body Length: 86-100 cm / 2.8-3.3 ft Shoulder Height: 51-53 cm / 20-21 inches Tail Length: 4-6 cm / 1.6-2.4 inches Weight: 11-18 kg / 24-40 lb Description: The general colour of the coat, composed of brittle hairs, is a slightly grizzled brown. As the name suggests, on the chest is a wide vertical whitishyellow stripe which extends up the throat to the chin. The ears are tipped with yellow hairs. The body slopes forward, as the hind legs are almost one third longer than the forelegs, causing the height at the rump to be almost 10 cm / 4 inches above the shoulder. The ears are large and rounded, generally lined with whitish fur. Both sexes have well-developed upper canines, and in males these may reach a length of 7 cm / 3 inches and protrude from the mouth in a fang-like manner. The canines are constantly growing, but, due to their mobility and fragility, they are easily broken. There are no antlers as in other deer species. Social Behavior: Himalayan musk deer are most active between dusk and dawn, alternately resting and feeding throughout this period. At night, musk deer can be seen in the open areas of their habitat as they graze, while during the day, they remain in dense cover. Neighbouring individuals may utilize common latrines, an activity with becomes more frequent during the mating season. Himalayan musk deer are sedentary, remaining wthin a defined home range throughout the year. In females these are about 125 acres in size, while male musk deer will control a territory which encompasses the ranges of several females, defending it against intrusion by rival males. The Himalayan musk deer does not undertake any

seasonal migrations, remaining in the same area year-round despite harsh weather conditions. A shy animal, the musk deer depends on its sense of hearing to locate sources of danger. When frightened, they make broad leaps, each measuring up to 6 meters / 19 feet in length. Drastic changes in direction are made during flight, and every few jumps the animal will stop and listen. Communication between individuals is thought to be based primarily on their sense of smell, due to the high development of the glands of musk deer. Primarily silent, musk deer will emit a loud double hiss if alarmed, and may scream plaintively if wounded. Population densities are about 3-4 animals per square kilometer. Musk deer are normally found solitary. Habitat and Distribution: Himalayan Musk deer are found in alpine forest and scrub at elevations of 2,2004,300 meters / 7250-14,200 feet on the southern slopes of the Himalayas. In Pakistan the Musk deer is found in the remote higher mountain regions of Gilgit, Baltistan, Upper Swat and Hazara. The musk deer is also found in the Deosai National Park. It is rare in all of these regions because of relatively unfavourable habitat. But the main reason for its rarity is due to persecution from local hill people for its musk gland, which is used extensively in the manufacture of perfume, soap, and medicinal preparations. The musk produced by this genus of primitive deer is highly held for its cosmetic and alleged pharmaceutical properties, and can fetch U.S. $45,000 per kilogram (2.2 pounds) on the international market. Although this musk, produced in a gland of the males, can be extracted from live animals, most "musk-gatherers" kill the animals to remove the entire sac, which yields only about 25 grams (1/40 of a kilogram) of the brown waxy substance. Because of the demand for this substance, musk deer have been wiped out in parts of their range. Traps set for male musk deer often kill females or young. This endangered deer is still not protected in Pakistan.