Rare Punjab Urial Population Rebounds in Salt Range

The population of the rare Punjab urial is showing steady recovery in the Salt Range, with officials reporting fresh sightings of large herds in a positive sign for the vulnerable wild sheep.

Recent footage recorded near the Chakwal motorway showed herds moving freely across the mountains without visible fear or disturbance, suggesting that conditions in their natural habitat have improved.

Known locally as wild sheep, the Punjab urial is a distinct subspecies with reddish-brown fur that becomes lighter in winter. Although several types of urial are found across the wider region, the Punjab urial is unique to Jhelum and Chakwal, making it a globally significant species for Pakistan.

The animal depends heavily on the Salt Range, a rugged belt of mountains and scrub forest spread across Jhelum, Chakwal, Khushab and Mianwali. Wildlife officials say recent gains are linked to continued field protection efforts in the area.

During routine patrols, staff have reported seeing herds moving across cliffs in areas such as Sannapar and Phadial, pointing to better survival conditions and reduced disturbance.

Officials say the species is still listed as vulnerable and continues to face threats including habitat fragmentation, pressure from livestock grazing and poaching. However, the latest increase in numbers suggests conservation measures are beginning to deliver results.

According to department estimates, the Punjab urial population rose from around 3,700 in 2018 to 5,757 in 2022, before climbing further to 6,891 in 2023.