Terrain, wildlife & the case for conservation.

Dharabi Private Wildlife Reserve (DPWR) is located in the Salt Range, south of the Potohar Plateau and north of the Jhelum River. The reserve lies 9 km northeast of Kallar Kahar city, bordering Rakh Rana, a natural forest, and the Dharabi Dam.

The region is historically described as “Little Kashmir” because of its natural beauty and pleasant weather. Like other areas of the Salt Range, the terrain is rocky and features typical dry subtropical semi-evergreen scrub forest with some broad-leaved trees, shrubs, and a basal grass cover — an ideal and preferred habitat of the grey and black partridges.

DPWR is committed to preserving the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the region. It aims for the sustainable use of natural and biological resources for the benefit of present and future generations, with the participation of indigenous and local communities at all levels.

The integration of reliable water sources, diverse vegetation, and varied terrain has created a resilient ecosystem capable of sustaining wildlife throughout the year. This ecological stability strengthens DPWR's role as a vital link within the wider Salt Range ecosystem.

With effective implementation of its management plan and active community engagement, DPWR offers strong potential for long-term biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable wildlife management. By protecting habitats today, the reserve contributes to sustaining nature and wildlife for future generations.