Kala Chitta Research Articles

Exploring botanical diversity, ecological traits, and edaphic determinants in Kala Chitta National Park, Pakistan: Implications for conservation and management

Globally, environmental degradation has prompted several countries to strengthen their protected area networks to halt biodiversity loss. National parks incorporate into their design, are based on scientific evidence, and offer a complete management mechanism to enable successful conservation for the most ecologically critical and vulnerable ecosystem. However, managing these protected areas effectively requires a grasp of the complex dynamics of plant ecosystems and edaphic factors. Nevertheless, Pakistan's protected areas have seen the least investigation of these relationships. To fill this knowledge gap, this study investigates the vegetation dynamics and edaphic factors that influence plant distribution in Kala Chitta National Park of Pakistan. A comprehensive botanical survey documented 203 plant species across 60 study sites, revealing a diverse flora comprising species from 160 genera and 54 families. The most abundant families were Poaceae (34 species) and Fabaceae (21 species), Amaranthaceae (13 species) and Asteraceae (15 species). The majority of species were herbaceous (49.2%), followed by grasses (16.7%) and shrubs (15.2%). Climbers and ferns constituted 1.4% and 1.9% of the total, respectively, with co-dominant habits of tall reed and sedge accounting for 2.9% of the vegetation. Ecologically, Therophytes emerged as the most numerous life forms (42.8%), followed by hemicryptophytes (17.7%) and megaphanerophytes (8.3%). Analysis of leaf spectra revealed Nanophylls as the dominant type (36.9%), followed by Microphylls (33%). Phytogeographical distribution highlighted three major clusters, with Asia Tropical, Asia Temperate, and Europe accounting for 45% of species. Four distinct plant communities were identified using TWINSPAN analysis: Senegalia-Dichanthium-Justica (SDJ), Neltuma-Lantana-Cannabis (NLC), Prosopis-Saccharum-Desmostachya (PSD), and Dodonaea-Alhagi-Oxalis (DAO). Each community exhibited unique species compositions and ecological gradients influenced by edaphic factors. PCA revealed associations between specific edaphic variables and plant communities, with available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK) linked to the NLC community. At the same time, total nitrogen (TN) was predominantly associated with the DAO community. These findings highlight the importance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity within Kala Chitta National Park. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring of vegetation dynamics and collaborative conservation initiatives involving local stakeholders to promote ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental change.

Litho- and biostratigraphy and hydrocarbon source-rock potential of the Jurassic–Paleogene strata in the Kala Chitta Range, northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan

In this study Jurassic–Paleogene strata were investigated to understand the litho- and biostratigraphic framework and hydrocarbon source-rock potential of various stratal packages. Biostratigraphic controls were used to establish the chronostratigraphic framework of Jurassic–Paleogene strata in the area. The Lower Jurassic (Hettangian) clastics saw an unconformity during the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian, while the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian)–Middle Jurassic (Bajocian) clastic–carbonate mixed strata is also separated by a Bathonian unconformity from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) to the Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) carbonate sequence. The Upper Jurassic Oxfordian strata are missing, while the Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian)–Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian) glauconitic sandstone and clays are the conformable sequences. The Lower Cretaceous (Hauterivian)–Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) clastics is a conformable sequence that is separated by a Coniacian–Santonian unconformity from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) pelagic carbonates. The Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary is marked by laterites, while the Paleocene (Thanetian) sequence is represented by a shale- and sandstone-dominated sequence. The Paleocene (Thanetian)–Early Eocene (Ilerdian) siliciclastic–carbonate mixed sequence marks the last episode of Tethyan sedimentation. Total organic content (TOC), organic petrography and Rock-Eval pyrolysis (REP) techniques were used to evaluate the hydrocarbon source-rock potential, kerogen type and level of maturity of the hydrocarbons. The majority of studied samples show the occurrence of type IV kerogen. However, the Middle Jurassic (Callovian)–Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) carbonate sequence of the Samana Suk Formation, the Kimmeridgian–Valanginian Chichali Formation, the Paleocene (Thanetian) sequence of the Hangu Formation and the Paleocene (Thanetian)–Early Eocene (Ilerdian) Patala Formation confirms the Type III kerogen, poor–fair source-rock quality, immature–mature, gas- and oil-prone indigenous hydrocarbon occurrence in the region.

Cretaceous stratigraphic framework and sedimentary architecture, Pakistan: signatures of rift–drift tectonics and submarine volcanism along the western continental margin of the Indian Plate

Abstract The lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and depositional environments of the Cretaceous successions in Pakistan were investigated to reveal the major geological events, including local, regional and global-scale tectonics, phases of volcanism, basin condensation, emergence of structural highs and episodes of non-deposition. The succession is entirely missing at Salt Range but is excellently exposed in the Kirthar–Sulaiman Fold-Thrust belts. Such deviating nature (e.g. Hazara, Kala Chitta, Surghar and Kohat), suggesting episodical tectonic activities, is associated with inter–intra rifting and drifting of the India–Madagascar–Seychelles and Antarctica–Australian plates during the Cretaceous. Correspondingly, several unconformities within the Cretaceous succession at numerous stratigraphic intervals consistently attest to the effect of tectonics throughout the period. The recognized unconformities over Kawagarh, Lumshiwal, Parh and Fort Munro formations testify to episodic uplifts on local and/or regional scales during the Coniacian–Santonian, Coniacian–Maastrichtian, Campanian and Maastrichtian in response to the separation of Madagascar from the India–Seychelles Plate. In contrast, there was continuous sedimentation of carbonate, clastic and/or submarine volcanics in the Kirthar and Indian–Eurasian suture zone. Significant geological events in the restricted regions, e.g. local-scale submarine volcanism (Bibai Formation), ironstone deposition (Dilband Formation) and basin condensation (Khuzdar), were also associated with such rifting–drifting phases along the WNW margin of the Indian Plate.

Investigating the impact of diagenesis on reservoir quality of the Jurassic shallow shelfal carbonate deposits: Kala Chitta Range, North Pakistan

The Middle Jurassic carbonate succession (Samana Suk Formation) in Kala Chitta Range, North Pakistan was studied in detail to investigate the impact of diagenesis on reservoir potential of the rock unit. The current study integrates detailed geological field, petrographic, scanning electron microscopic, and advance geochemical studies to reconstruct the diagenetic history of Jurassic carbonates and to evaluate its role in re‐shaping the reservoir potential. Based on field observations, five lithological units along with diagenetic features are recorded. Furthermore, various microfacies are defined within each lithological unit. Based on petrographic studies, it is observed that various diagenetic features including micritization, neomorphism, dissolution, compaction (mechanical and chemical), dolomitization, and cementation have played a crucial role in the porosity modification of various lithological units. The paragenetic sequence established in this study reveals modification of the carbonates in various diagenetic phases, for example, marine, meteoric, and burial (shallow and deep) diagenesis, followed by a phase of uplifting. Based on different types of microscopic porosities generated during various diagenetic phases, mudstone to wackestone carries good reservoir potential while the grainstone has moderate to poor potential. The plug porosity and permeability data further corroborate these findings. At outcrop, various large‐scale dissolution activities and dense network of inter‐connected fractures in all lithological units may have further enhanced the reservoir potential of the studied strata.

Integrating the palynostratigraphy, petrography, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy data for evaluating hydrocarbon reservoir potential of Jurassic rocks in the Kala Chitta Range, Northwest Pakistan

In this paper, we present the palynostratigraphy, petrography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations to evaluate hydrocarbon reservoir potential of the Jurassic clastic-carbonate mixed sequence of the Kala Chitta Range, northwest Pakistan. The chronostratigraphic sub-divisions of the diverse lithologies within the sequence were made by using palynostratigraphy. The clastic dominated sequence of Datta Formation was assigned Toarcian-Bajocian age, while the Shinawari Formation was deposited during the Bajocian-middle Bathonian. The carbonate shoal facies of the Samana Suk Formation showed late Bathonian-Tithonian time of deposition. The primary and secondary porosities augmented by the plug porosity and permeability data suggest that the sandstone of Datta Formation is an excellent reservoir. The dominance of diverse matrix within the Shinawari Formation occluded the primary porosity. However, based on dissolution and dolomitization, the Shinawari Formation is categorized as a moderate reservoir. The dominance of various types of matrix and cement with superimposed burial diagenesis has occluded the primary porosity within the Samana Suk Formation. However, the diagenetic dissolution and dolomitization during the telogenetic stage were supported by the SEM and bulk geochemical data. Such diagenetic overprinting has significantly enhanced the reservoir potential of the unit.

Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of the Jurassic Samana Suk Carbonate Formation, North Pakistan: Implications for Reservoir Potential

The paper aims to establish a possible link between the sequence stratigraphy and reservoir potential of the Middle Jurassic carbonates of Samana Suk Formation, Kala Chitta Range, North Pakistan. The Samana Suk Formation is comprised of a monotonous sequence of thin- to thick-bedded bioturbated, cross-bedded, ripple marked, sandy, bioclastic carbonates with shale interbeds. The rock unit is the best analog of shallow to marginal marine carbonates due to its pronounced thickness, enhanced lithological variations, and diverse diagenetic features. To establish a possible link between the sequence stratigraphy and reservoir potential of the rock unit, the outcrop and petrographic features are used to record eight microfacies, deposited in a wide range of shallow to marginal marine environments including mudflats, lagoon, back shoals, and sand shoals. Based on the vertical stacking pattern of microfacies in a given time of deposition (170–160 Ma), one second-order local cycle (SLC-1), three regressive systems tracts (RSTs) and two transgressive systems tracts (TSTs) are delineated within the succession. The primary and secondary porosity of selected microfacies from each systems tracts are investigated using petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The direct measurements of porosity and permeability of these microfacies types are carried out using high overburden pressure plug porosity and permeability analyses. Based on these investigations, higher reservoir potential is recorded for mudstones/wackestone microfacies of RST as compared to grainstone microfacies of TST. The higher porosity within RST and higher interconnectivity of available pores both in RST and in TST suggest that the Samana Suk Formation carries good reservoir potential.

Sedimentological and Geochemical Analysis of the Middle Jurassic Shinawari Formation, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan: Implications for Palaeoenvironmental and Hydrocarbon Assessment

Microfacies, palynofacies, and hydrocarbon source rock potential of Toarcian–Bathonian sediments of the Shinawari Formation are investigated in the Chichali Nala Section, Baroch Nala, Gulla Khel Nala, Surghar Range, and Askari Cement Factory Section, Nizampur Kala Chitta Range, Pakistan. The Shinawari Formation is dominated by a mix of limestone, sandstone, shale, marls, siltstone, and mudstone units with the association of laterite, hard grounds, coal layers, and coal disseminations. Microfacies analysis suggests that deposition of the Shinawari Formation occurred in peritidal lagoon, beach shoal to distal shelf setting. This interpretation is supported by sub-types of standard Tyson (in: Sedimentary organic matter, Springer, Berlin, 1995), palynofacies, which we have defined as palynofacies SFPF-A, attributed to a marginal dysoxic to an anoxic basinal setting, and palynofacies SFPF-B, deposited in heterolithic proximal platform settings. Some of the intervals have low ( $$\le 0.5\%$$ ) total organic carbon (TOC) values except for intervals with fair values (0.5–2.09%) in the Shinawari Formation in different stratigraphic sections. Despite some lower TOC values, and the presence of kerogen types III and II, spore colouration index of 5.0–8.0, thermal alteration index of 2–3+, and vitrinite reflectance (VR) of 1.16–1.35 indicate possible hydrocarbon source rock potential. The various geochemical plots obtained from TOC (%), VR and Rock-Eval pyrolysis data indicate that the Shinawari Formation specifies kerogen type III having Tmax ( $${}^{\circ }$$ C) range of 430–450 $${}^{\circ }$$ C and thermal maturity lies in the oil window.

An ethnobiological study in Kala Chitta hills of Pothwar region, Pakistan: multinomial logit specification

BackgroundThis paper constitutes an important ethnobiological survey in the context of utilizing biological resources by residents of Kala Chitta hills of Pothwar region, Pakistan. The fundamental aim of this research endeavour was to catalogue and analyse the indigenous knowledge of native community about plants and animals. The study is distinctive in the sense to explore both ethnobotanical and ethnozoological aspects of indigenous culture, and exhibits novelty, being based on empirical approach of Multinomial Logit Specifications (MLS) for examining ethnobotanical and ethnozoological uses of specific plants and animals.MethodsTo document the ethnobiological knowledge, the survey was conducted during 2011–12 by employing a semi-structured questionnaire and thus 54 informants were interviewed. Plant and animal specimens were collected, photographed and properly identified. Distribution of plants and animals were explored by descriptive and graphical examination. MLS were further incorporated to identify the probability of occurrence of diversified utilization of plants and animals in multipurpose domains.ResultsTraditional uses of 91 plant and 65 animal species were reported. Data analysis revealed more medicinal use of plants and animals than all other use categories. MLS findings are also in line with these proportional configurations. They reveal that medicinal and food consumption of underground and perennial plants was more as compared to aerial and annual categories of plants. Likewise, medicinal utilization of wild animals and domestic animals were more commonly observed as food items. However, invertebrates are more in the domain of medicinal and food utilization. Also carnivores are fairly common in the use of medicine while herbivores are in the category of food consumption.ConclusionThis study empirically scans a good chunk of ethnobiological knowledge and depicts its strong connection with indigenous traditions. It is important to make local residents beware of conservation status of species and authentication of this knowledge needs to be done in near future. Moreover, Statistically significant findings impart novelty in the existing literature in the field of ethnobiology. Future conservation, phytochemical and pharmacological studies are recommended on these identified plants and animals in order to use them in a more sustainable and effective way.

New middle Eocene archaeocetes (Cetacea: Mammalia) from the Kuldana Formation of northern Pakistan

ABSTRACT Two new species of fossil cetaceans (Pakicetus calcis and Pakicetus chittas) are described from a new locality in the Kuldana Formation (Lutetian, middle Eocene) of the Kala Chitta Hills in Northern Pakistan. Additional dentitions of the pakicetid Nalacetus ratimitus, the remingtonocetid Attockicetus, and additional dental material of the holotype of Ambulocetus natans are also described. Dental morphology of Nalacetus is intermediate between pakicetids and ambulocetids, as indicated by the presence of an ambulocetid-like P4, but pakicetid-like molars. Premolars of the specimen tentatively described as Attockicetus imply that some pakicetids and remingtonocetids were coeval. Furthermore, the new pakicetid dentitions described here are the most complete to date and further our understanding of pakicetid dental diversity.

Eocene actinopterygian fishes from Pakistan, with the description of a new genus and species of channid (channiformes)

ABSTRACT A collection of fossil material from Eocene deposits of Pakistan includes remains belonging to various taxa of actinopterygian fishes. The material comes from predominantly freshwater deposits, as well as a few marine deposits, in the Kuldana Formation in the Kala Chitta Hills, and from the Chorgali Formation near Gali Jaghir, in Attock District of Punjab Province. The Kuldana and Chorgali formations are early to middle Eocene in age. Isolated bones and teeth are identified as belonging to Eotrigonodontidae, Pycnodontiformes, Amiidae, Osteoglossidae, Siluriformes (cf. Bagridae), and Perciformes, as well as unidentified Teleostei. Some of the fossils are skulls of a channiform fish, which is here described as a new genus and species, Anchichanna kuldanensis. The faunal affinities of the Indo-Pakistan area during the Eocene are not clear, with previous studies suggesting it is faunally more similar to other parts of modern Asia, others as it representing a region of endemism, or even as being similar to northern Africa. The fish material reported here indicates a relationship between the Pakistan fauna in the Eocene with that of northern Africa.

The importance of nummulites and assilina in the correlation of middle and upper Eocene rocks

The abundance and identification of the fossil forams was investigated in the Kohat Formation (U. Eocene), Kuldana Formation (U. Eocene) and the Chorgali Formation (M. Eocene) exposed in Kala Chitta and Margalla Ranges and representing the unstable and fluctuating environments of the vanishing Tethys Sea during the collision of the Indian and Eurasian subcontinents. The Kohat Formation and Kuldana Formation are missing further south towards the Salt Range where the marls and argillaceous limestones of the Chorgali Formation are unconformibly overlain by the continental sediments of Rawalpindi Group of Miocene age. The limestones and marls of the oldest Chorgali Formation and youngest Kohat Formation represent marine environments with abundant fossil forams and other marine fauna, while the red shales and sandstones sandwiches Kuldana Formation display continental environments with vertebrate fossils of mammals and reptiles. The Kuldana Formation also occasionally displays thin bands of limestones/marls, representing the unstable environmental conditions. The detailed studies of fossils forams in these formations indicate the presence of mostly nummulites and assilina. The nummulites are abundant and dominant in the Chorgali Formation and in band intercalated with the continental sediment of the Kuldana Formation while assilina are subordinate. On the other hand, the assilina are dominant in the Kohat Formation with subordinate nummulites.

Ethnomedicinal Studies of Kala Chitta Hills of District Attock, Pakistan

Ethnomedicinal Studies of Kala Chitta Hills of District Attock, Pakistan

Wildlife Diversity in the Punjab (Pakistan)

The results of the study indicated that irrigated forest plantations are rich in wildlife diversity as compared to sub-mountainous tract. Changa Manga Wildlife Sanctuary was highly diversified with 74 wildlife species. In Kundian (WS) 65 species were identified. In Cheechawatni (WS) and Lal Suhanra (NP) 60 and 58 species were observed respectively. Only 35 species were observed in Shorkot (WS). In sub-mountainous tract, 38 species were observed in Kala Chitta Game Reserve, Attock and 33 in Kathar (GR). Variety of insect species were also noted during the study. Forestry operations, grass-cutting, kana stubbing and livestock grazing were major threats to wildlife. Forestry operations with the objective of wildlife management will be helpful for the conservation of diversified fauna.

Dental morphology of Remingtonocetidae (Cetacea, Mammalia)

The early radiation of Cetacea took place in the eastern Tethys region (Thewissen, 1998; Williams, 1998), and included the endemic Indo-Pakistani family Remingtonocetidae. In India, remingtonocetids are only known from Kachchh (=Kutch, Gujarat, western India), the classical marine middle Eocene sequence for the Indian subcontinent, which has yielded the genera Kutchicetus, Remingtonocetus, and Andrewsiphius (Sahni and Mishra, 1975; Kumar and Sahni, 1986; Bajpai and Thewissen, 1998). In Pakistan, two remingtonocetids, Remingtonocetus and Dalanistes, have been described by Gingerich et al. (1995) from the Sulaiman Range. A third genus, Attockicetus, is known from the Kala Chitta Hills (Thewissen and Hussain, 2000).

DENTAL MORPHOLOGY OF REMINGTONOCETIDAE (CETACEA, MAMMALIA)

The early radiation of Cetacea took place in the eastern Tethys region (Thewissen, 1998; Williams, 1998), and included the endemic Indo-Pakistani family Remingtonocetidae. In India, remingtonocetids are only known from Kachchh (=Kutch, Gujarat, western India), the classical marine middle Eocene sequence for the Indian subcontinent, which has yielded the genera Kutchicetus, Remingtonocetus, and Andrewsiphius (Sahni and Mishra, 1975; Kumar and Sahni, 1986; Bajpai and Thewissen, 1998). In Pakistan, two remingtonocetids, Remingtonocetus and Dalanistes, have been described by Gingerich et al. (1995) from the Sulaiman Range. A third genus, Attockicetus, is known from the Kala Chitta Hills (Thewissen and Hussain, 2000).

The Paleogene of the Kala Chitta Range, northern Pakistan

The Paleogene of the Kala Chitta Range, northern Pakistan

Attockicetus praecursor, A New Remingtonocetid Cetacean from Marine Eocene Sediments of Pakistan

A new early-to-middle Eocene cetacean from the Kala Chitta Hills of northern Pakistan is described: Attockicetus praecursor new genus and species. It is based on fragmentary cranial material, including a rostral fragment, P3–M3, endocast, and ectotympanic. Attockicetus is the first remingtonocetid from northern Pakistan, and the oldest member of its family. Attockicetus praecursor is smaller than the species of the other remingtonocetid genera, Remingtonocetus, Andrewsiphius, and Dalanistes. It is also more primitive in the retention of large protocones on the upper molars and the anterior position of the orbit. Known material for Attockicetus is fragmentary, but the taxon is important because it extends the geographic and temporal range of remingtonocetids, is one of the few remingtonocetids in which toothcrowns are preserved, and because it is probably the most plesiomorphic remingtonocetid.

Sedimentary geology and biostratigraphy of the Mianwali Formation, Kala Chitta Range, Northern Pakistan

Microfacies analysis and ammonite biostratigraphy of the Mianwali Formation of the Kala China Range were worked out on the basis of stratigraphic sections from Chak Jabbi and Bagh. Four microfacies were identified from the Chak Jabbi section while amrnonite biostratigraphy was studied from both the sections. Filamentous bivalves in micrite deposited along a shelf margin below normal wave base represent the first microfacies. The second microfacies contains bioclastic wackestone deposited in an open marine environment of normal salinity. The third microfacies consists of lime mudstone formed in a stressed environment of lagoonal conditions, whereas the fourth microfacies of dolomitised carbonate mudstone was formed by the diagenetic dolomitisation of the third microfacies.
 The new collection of ammonites includes Arctoceras tuberculatum, Anakashmirites aff. evolutus, Meekoceras gracilitatis, Stephanites sp., Pseudoceltites sp., Subvishnuites aff. welteri, Arnautoceltites sp., Owemtes sp. indet, Subvishnuites aff. enveris, Pseudosageceras sp. indet, Paranannites sp., Subcolumbites sp., Anasibrites sp., and Pseudaspidites sp, confirming the already known Sctythian age of the Mianwali Formation.

Microfacies and foraminiferal assemblages from the Early Tertiary rocks of the Kala Chitta Range (northern Pakistan)

Microfacies analysis and foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Upper Paleocene (Thanetian) Lockhart Limestone, Patala Formation and the Lower Eocene (Ypresian) Margala Hill Limestone from the Kala Chitta Range, northern Pakistan has been done by studying a large number of thin sections. Most common microfacies of the shelf environment are the bioclas-tic wack.es tone, packstone and grainstone. The biociasts are bentho-nic larger foraminifera including the genera Lockhartia, Ranikothalia, Nummulites, Assilina, Operculina, Alveolina and Discocyclina . The foraminiferal assemblage is age-diagnostic and as well as indicative of shallow shelf (inner shelf or inner neritic) marine environment.

The Kala Chitta foreland fold and thrust belt, Northern Pakistan

The present structural framework of the Kala Chitta Range evolved through movement between two detachment surfaces. The Precambrian Attock Slates acted as a basal detachment surface above which large scale horizontal compression took place to produce the main structural framework of the Kala Chitta Range. The Middle Eocene argillaceous and gypsiferous Kuldana Formation behaved as the upper detachment surface giving rise to blind thrusts which were later exposed due to the intense erosion of the overlying folded Miocene strata.