Wildlife in Murree: spotting monkeys, leopards and birds

Wildlife Encounters: Spotting Monkeys, Leopards & Birds in Murree’s Forests | Pakistan Tourism Places

Wildlife Encounters in Murree’s Forests

Beyond its scenic beauty, Murree's forests teem with wildlife—from troops of playful monkeys to rare leopard sightings and over 200 bird species. This guide reveals the best locations, seasons, and techniques for observing Murree's wild residents responsibly, whether you're a wildlife photographer or casual nature lover.

Why Murree for Wildlife?

Murree's unique ecosystem supports diverse species due to:

Altitude Range: 1,800m-3,000m creates varied habitats
Protected Areas: Ayubia National Park's rich biodiversity
Migration Routes: Important for Himalayan birds
Low Hunting Pressure: Compared to other regions

"Murree is where the Himalayas begin to whisper their secrets. One morning you might photograph monkeys at sunrise, and by evening, hear a leopard's call echo through the valleys. It's Pakistan's most accessible wilderness." — Zahid Khan, Wildlife Photographer

Himalayan Monkeys: Murree’s Playful Residents

The Rhesus Macaque and endangered Kashmir Gray Langur thrive in Murree's forests. Observe them responsibly at these hotspots:

Patriata Monkey Point

The most reliable location for close encounters with habituated troops.

Photography Tips

Best light: Early morning (6-8 AM)
Use 70-200mm lens for portraits
Focus on juveniles for playful shots
Avoid feeding (causes aggression)

Behavior Note: Dominant males often sit higher in trees as lookouts.

Kashmir Gray Langurs in Ayubia

Spot these rare, leaf-eating monkeys in old-growth forests.

Best Trail: Mushkpuri Top hike
Season: Year-round, but most active in autumn
Identification: Silver-gray fur with black face
Conservation Status: Endangered (only 300 left in Pakistan)

Leopard Sightings: Murree’s Elusive Predators

While rarely seen, Murree's leopards leave unmistakable signs for those who know where to look.

Ayubia’s Leopard Trail

Camera traps confirm 8-12 leopards in this national park.

Tracking Tips

Look for pugmarks near water sources
Scat often contains monkey hair
Scratch marks on cedar trees at 2m height
Best season: Winter (clear tracks in snow)

Safety: Never hike alone at dawn/dusk in core areas.

"After 15 years guiding in Murree, I've seen leopards just four times—always at twilight, always when I least expected. Their gold-green eyes reflecting torchlight is a sight you never forget." — Nadeem Sheikh, Forest Guide

Birdwatching Hotspots: Feathered Jewels of Murree

Murree hosts over 200 bird species, including Himalayan rarities. Prime locations:

Pine Forest Birding Trail

Best for colorful pheasants and woodpeckers.

Top Species

Koklass Pheasant (endemic)
Himalayan Monal (Pakistan's national bird)
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker
Spot-winged Tit

Pro Tip: Use playback sparingly to attract shy species.

Wildlife Photography Tips

Essential Gear for Murree

Lenses: 100-400mm ideal for birds/monkeys
Support: Lightweight tripod for low-light forest shots
Clothing: Earth tones for camouflage
Extras: Rain cover for sudden mountain showers

"The golden hour in Murree is magic—fog often lingers in valleys, backlighting monkeys and birds with an ethereal glow. Arrive early, stay late, and patience always rewards." — Ayesha Mir, Nature Photographer