Indus River Game Reserve

Indus River Game Reserve is located in Dera Ismail Khan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is spread over an area of 81000 hectares.

The reserve features a wetland habitat, which is home to a variety of species, including cranes, ducks, Chakor partridge, and black partridge.

Originally established in 1974 to protect the Indus dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor), also known as the Indus blind dolphin, one of the world’s most endangered freshwater dolphin species. A 200 km long stretch of the river between Guddu and Sukkur barrages was specifically declared as the Indus Dolphin Reserve to safeguard this unique species. The area was later recognized as a Ramsar site, highlighting its importance as a wetland of international significance.

The reserve also plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by supporting other aquatic and terrestrial fauna, including waterfowl and snakes. Its wetland ecosystem contributes significantly to biodiversity conservation and provides critical habitats for migratory birds and native wildlife.