THE CHANGA MANGA FOREST (LAHORE)

The Changa Manga is a planted forest and a wildlife center in Lahore District, Punjab, Pakistan.
Forestry

The entering route to the forest is located the with a road from the N-5 Highway near Bhai Pheru.[1] It covers an area of 4,860 hectares (12,000 acres)[2] and is one of the largest man-made forests on the planet. The planting and irrigation of it took place in the 19th century in the era of the British Raj due to the need for timber for the Indian railway network. Most trees belong to the species of Dalbergia sissoo (sheesham), Acacia nilotica (kikar) or Morus alba (mulberry).

Wildlife center

The Changa Manga forest is a hot spot concerning wildlife in Punjab. Wildlife within the borders of the plantation include a small remaining population of Nilgai, hog deer, wild boar and possibly axis deer. Jackal and Asiatic wild cat can be found in Changa Manga as well. Changa Manga also serves as a wildlife breeding center.

Changa Manga plantation is also an important place for restocking projects of Asiatic vultures in Pakistan. A Gyps Vulture Restoration Program was started in 2006 by WWF-Pakistan to conserve and breed endangered species of Gyps, especially Gyps bengalensis.

Recreation center

Parts of the forest have now been developed into a park with a rail road which gives the visitor a 25 km ride on a miniature train through the forest. There is also a lake called Lunar Lake where boating is possible. The forest park has good recreational facilities and a good quality hotel.

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