Choa Saidanshah facts for kids

Choa Saidan Shah is a town and Tehsil (a type of administrative division) in the Chakwal District of Punjab Province, Pakistan. It is the main town and one of the seven local councils (called Union Councils) in its Tehsil.

Geography of Choa Saidan Shah

Choa Saidan Shah is located in the southern part of Chakwal. It's about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the center of Chakwal, along the road that goes to Khewra. The town is nestled in a valley that looks like a bowl, surrounded by hills. It is known for its many trees and fruit orchards. The area is also famous for its beautiful roses and perfumes.

History of Choa Saidan Shah

This town gets its name from a respected saint named Saidan Shah Shirazi. A local story says that this area used to be a dry desert. But when the holy man arrived, he struck the ground with his staff, and fresh, sweet water sprang up! The word "Choa" (چوآ) in Punjabi means "spring," which is how the town got its name. The saint's special resting place (shrine) is located near the main market. Every April, a special event called an urs is held there to honor him.

Amazing Wildlife of the Valley

Choa Saidan Shah is home to many interesting animals. The hilly areas and fields around the town are great places to spot them.

Wild Boar in the Hills

Wild boars are often seen in the hilly parts of the town. They are large animals that can sometimes damage crops like wheat, corn, barley, and sunflowers. Some local people use special trained dogs to find them.

Hares of Choa Saidan Shah

Hares are commonly found in the fields and mountains of this valley. They are known for being very quick and having great physical strength. People sometimes hunt hares for their meat, often during the first two weeks of the Islamic calendar when the moon is bright.

Yellow-Throated Marten

The yellow-throated marten is also called the kharza. It is the biggest marten in the Old World. Its tail is more than half its body length! This animal has bright, colorful fur with black, white, golden-yellow, and brown patches. It eats many different things, from fruits and nectar to small deer. The yellow-throated marten is a brave animal with few natural enemies. This is because it is strong, brightly colored, and has a smell that predators don't like. It is not very afraid of humans or dogs and can even be tamed. Only a few local people have seen this rare animal in the mountains.

Punjab Urial in the Mountains

The Punjab Urial is a type of wild sheep found in the steep mountains of this area. Male Urials have large horns that curve outwards and then back behind their heads. These horns can be up to 100 centimeters (39 inches) long! Female Urials have shorter horns. An adult male Urial stands about 80 to 90 centimeters (31 to 35 inches) tall at the shoulder. Some local people even keep these animals as pets.

Indian Pangolins in the Ground

A unique and beautiful animal called the Indian Pangolin is often seen in the grounds of Choa Saidan Shah. Pangolins are special because they are the only known mammals covered in large, protective scales made of keratin (the same material as your fingernails!). They live in hollow trees or burrows underground. Pangolins are active at night. They mainly eat ants and termites, which they catch with their very long tongues. They usually live alone, only meeting to have one to three babies, which they raise for about two years.

Crested Porcupine Features

The crested porcupine is a fascinating mammal. An adult is usually about 60 to 83 centimeters (24 to 33 inches) long, not counting its tail, and weighs between 13 and 27 kilograms (29 to 60 pounds).

Most of its body is covered with coarse, dark brown or black bristles. What makes it easy to spot are the quills that run along its head, neck, and back. These quills can be raised to form a crest, which is how it gets its name. It also has stronger quills, about 35 centimeters (14 inches) long, along its sides and back. These quills are used for defense and have alternating light and dark bands. They are not firmly attached, so they can come off easily. The porcupine has a shorter tail with special rattle quills at the end. These quills are hollow and make a hiss-like rattling sound when shaken.