Each year, on 3rd March, the world unites to mark World Wildlife Day, first initiated by the United Nations in 2013 as a global movement to promote awareness of endangered animals and conserve them. Pakistan, with its richly diverse ecologies that move from mountains to seashores, has an array of wildlife, many of whom are now on the brink of extinction with the loss of habitats, climate change and hunting.
Endangered Species in Pakistan
Some of the most threatened species in Pakistan include:
Indus River Dolphin
Found in the Indus River, this rare freshwater dolphin is one of the few remaining river dolphin species in the world. It is endangered due to water pollution, habitat fragmentation from dams and barrages, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets. Conservation efforts such as relocation programmes and protected areas have helped stabilise their population, but more needs to be done.
Snow Leopard
Native to the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, the rare snow leopard faces threats from poaching for its fur and bones, loss of prey species and human-wildlife conflict as local farmers retaliate against livestock attacks. Conservation programmes, including community-based initiatives and habitat protection, aim to mitigate these challenges.
Markhor
Pakistanโs national animal, this wild goat is famous for its distinctive twisted horns. Found in the northern and western mountainous regions, it has been hunted for trophies and meat, but conservation effortsโincluding regulated trophy hunting programmes that benefit local communitiesโhave helped its numbers recover slightly.
Houbara Bustard
Houbara Bustard is a migratory bird that travels to Pakistan from Central Asia during the winter. It is frequently hunted for falconry, especially by foreign dignitaries. Conservationists have urged stronger regulations to protect its dying population, while breeding and release programmes are also being explored.
Asian Black Bear
The Asian Black Bear is at risk due to deforestation and illegal capture for use in bear-baiting and traditional medicine. Found in the forests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, conservationists emphasise the need for forest protection and stricter laws against wildlife trade.
Balochistan Forest Dormouse
A lesser-known but critically endangered rodent species that resides in the forests of Balochistan is the Dormouse. Its biggest threat is habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change, and, unfortunately, there is very little conservation action currently in place.
Green Turtle
Found along Pakistanโs coastal areas, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, these turtles are threatened by marine pollution, poaching for their eggs and destruction of nesting sites due to human activity. Conservationists have set up protected nesting zones and community awareness programmes to safeguard their future.
Fishing Cat
The fishing cat is a rare and elusive wild cat species found in wetlands and riverine forests of Pakistan. Due to urban expansion and wetland destruction, its habitat is shrinking rapidly. Protection of wetland ecosystems and stricter conservation policies are essential to ensure its survival.
Pangolin
Hunted for its scales, which are used in traditional medicine, the Indian pangolin is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Found in forests and grasslands of Pakistan, efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and create protected reserves are crucial to its conservation.
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Chiltan Wild Goat
Endemic to Balochistanโs Chiltan mountain range, this species is at risk due to habitat degradation, overgrasing and illegal hunting. Conservationists have established protected areas and community-led initiatives to help preserve its population.
Conservation of Pakistan’s wildlife demands a multi-faceted approach. Strengthened anti-poaching legislations, habitat protection schemes and awareness programmes are needed. Promoting eco-tourism and community-led conservation can also enable locals to gain from conservation over exploitation.
What is Being Done?
Organisations such as WWF-Pakistan and the Sindh Wildlife Department are involved in conservation efforts such as dolphin rescue operations and turtle nesting programmes. The government has also set up protected areas such as the Hingol National Park and Khunjerab National Park to protect endangered species. Enforcing wildlife protection laws is still weak, with a need for greater government and public commitment.
World Wildlife Day reminds everyone that Pakistan’s rich biodiversity is something worth combatting. Everything countsโeverything mattersโto get to a place where these creatures can flourish.
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