Wildlife in Pakistan

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Wildlife Deptt rejects hyena’s attack on children in Mardan​

APP
Sat, 6 Aug 2022

Wildlife Deptt rejects hyena's attack on children in Mardan


PESHAWAR, Aug 06 (APP): The Wildlife Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has shown disagreement with report about hyena’s attack on children in Madey Baba village near Takker in Mardan district.

A couple of days earlier a dog-like animal attacked few children in Madey Baba village, injuring few of them. The animal quickly escaped when local people rushed to the site after listening shouts of terrified children.


In a press statement issued here on Saturday in a response to the claim of locals that few children were attacked by hyena in the area, the Wildlife Department argued that hyena was a nocturnal animal that comes out of den at night while the children were attacked at around 10:00 in morning.

Hyena is mostly visible in Lakki Marwat and D.I.Khan districts of KP and according to record, the animal has never been seen in Mardan district during the last 20 years, the statement reads.
Even in Lakki Marwat and D.I.Khan districts, no such reports of Hyena attack on human was reported, the Wildlife Department said.

The statement further said the department did not directly reject reports of locals about presence of hyena in the area as in view of changing climate and habitats of animals due to increasing population, migration of animal to the area could not be totally rejected.

The staff member of the Wildlife Department are vigilant and monitoring the situation besides remaining in contact with locals who are also educated about precautionary and safety measures to prevent any attack by animal in future, the statement concludes.

 

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Sindh wildlife department proposes ban on bird hunting amid floods​

Provincial govt has been recommended to stop issuing permits for up to 2 years due to floods

Aftab Khan
October 08, 2022

Around three to four thousand permits are issued to local hunters every year. PHOTO: EXPRESS

The Sindh Wildlife Department has proposed a ban on hunting of local and migratory birds, citing devastating floods and climate change.

Sources told The Express Tribune that the Sindh government had been recommended to stop issuing permits for the hunting of geese and partridge for up to two years.

Around three to four thousand permits are issued to local hunters every year. However, the recent heavy rains and floods have badly affected the wildlife along with humans.

The extreme heat in March and April has also affected the animal breeding.

Except Karachi, Kohistan, and desert areas, most of the bird habitats are hit by flooding.

The wildlife department has proposed to lift the ban after the population of wildlife is stabilised.

The department added that the ban should not be applied to the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as they remained unaffected by the floods.

It is worth mentioning that that every year from November to February, which is the non-breeding season, hunting of 10 pheasants and geese is allowed on every Sunday after paying a fee and obtaining a permit as per the law.

However, hunting is not allowed in areas designated as national parks and sanctuaries.

 

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Mesmerising arrival of feathered guests begins​

Last year 650,000 migratory birds came to coastal areas of Pakistan

Aftab Khan
December 02, 2022


KARACHI: Migratory birds from the world’s coldest region have started flocking into the coastal areas of Pakistan, including the water bodies of Sindh, especially Sea View, Hawke’s Bay and Russian Beach.

Every year, these feathered guests fly thousands of miles from Central Siberian tundra to spend three months in the coastal areas of Pakistan.

According to birdwatchers, these migratory birds leave Siberia in autumn in search of food and warm weather and enter Pakistan via the Central Asian state of Kazakhstan.

They follow an instinctively set flyway during this regular seasonal movement which is one of the great wonders of the natural world.

Flyways are defined as flight pathways taken by migratory birds while moving between their overwintering quarters and breeding grounds.

Pakistan is included in the list of countries that are covered by the Central Asian Flyway.

The flyway in Pakistan is also known as Green Routes or Indus Flyway Zone.

The migratory birds of Pakistan include ducks, cranes, geese, flamingos, swans, flacons, and waders.

Their favorite food and wild plants are found in abundance in the freshwater lakes of Sindh and along the coastline.

A flock of migratory birds flying in a particular formation is a mesmerizing sight to behold and you don’t have to be a birdwatcher to appreciate this stunning phenomenon of the natural world.

According to the bird census of 2021- 22, more than 650,000 migratory birds stayed in the coastal areas and water bodies of Sindh, said Mumtaz Soomro, Administrator of the Sindh Wildlife Department, while speaking to The Express Tribune.

“We are expecting more birds this season,” he said.

“We have formed teams at the district level to protect these feathered guests from predators.” George Sadiq, Program Officer at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said that these migratory birds are very sensitive.

“Usually, they prefer to fly to alternative countries instead of settling on dirt or polluted water,” he told The Express Tribune.

 

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. Orange color fox

 

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Balochistan CM orders action against hunting of migratory birds​

Saleem Shahid
April 30, 2023

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo has taken serious notice of the massive hunting of migratory birds, including houbara bustard, in Nushki, Zhob and other areas of the province.

He directed the authorities concerned to take strict action against the elements involved in poaching.

There have been reports about massive poaching of migratory and seasonal birds, especially houbara bustard, in different districts of Balochistan.

Foreign dignitaries also get permits from the Foreign Office to hunt these migratory birds.

The chief minister said the forest department and district administrations should ensure effective measures to prevent the hunting of migratory birds.

Mr Bizenjo said that hunting of innocent birds was inhumane and against the principles of nature.

“Forests and plants are a beautiful gift of nature whose protection is the responsibility of every conscious individual. We are already facing climate challenges by acting against the principles of nature,” he said.

 

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WINGS OF CHANGE​

Climate change & devastating floods have ravaged once familiar abodes of migratory birds, forever altering way of life

BY HEBA MOEEN |
JULY 02, 2023

LARKANA/KARACHI: It had become a winter ritual for us birders to visit Lungh Lake in Larkana to document flocks of local and migratory birds, and forage for content for our documentaries. This year, however it could not be materialised, as our friend Yasir Pechuho who lives in the area, informed us of the lake’s devastated state, after last year’s floods.

Quite a number of trees had succumbed to the wrath of these floods and the aftermath depicted an apocalyptic picture ― hardly welcoming for our migratory feathered friends who decided to opt for alternate options. The consequences of flooding are still being faced by living beings throughout the affected areas, be they humans or birds, several homes have been destroyed and many are still at the mercy of aid.

However, several new water bodies had formed causing the birds to find new abode and scatter around, even influencing census figures which are known to have declined in comparison to those of preceding years. To our surprise, we even spotted a few migratory species including ducks, glossy, ibises, snipes, and even a northern lapwing in water bodies formed around the residential area of Karachi’s DHA Phase 8, near the sea in September last year.

There was abundant food available to be foraged, and these birds were found busy partaking in a lavish, protein-rich platter of insects served by nature.

The following weekend was yet another treat for us as we filmed and documented the species for which we travelled several kilometres. The glossy ibis for instance, in its black brocade-like plumage with shimmers of a variety of hues and long bill was a prized sighting, something which I previously photographed in Thar, followed by Larkana. The rain, despite the troubles, did bring in several blessings, simultaneously.

On the other hand, local bird species have been massively affected as a result of land reclamation, especially along the coasts, and poaching of course. For instance, most people are not aware of the fact that flamingoes are also resident birds and were once sighted in great numbers along the mangroves near the Mai Kolachi route. Although they still do exist in Karachi, they are threatened by poachers.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department monthly climate summary for August 2022 the month alone witnessed an above average rainfall in Sindh, which experienced an increase of 726%, breaking a 62-year-old record.

Considering the dire water scarcity in Karachi including that artificially created, had we been equipped with proper rainwater preservation techniques, urban flooding could have been mitigated. Hence, rainwater harvesting is something to invest in. The birds evidently took advantage of the water bodies within the urban sprawl, humans could have too.

According to a bird census conducted by the Sindh Wildlife Department, 613,851 migratory birds had been observed in existing lakes and such temporary water bodies in the season of 2022-23 as compared to 661,537 in 2021 which is a decline of 7.8%. However, not all hope is lost as birders from around Sindh have varying observations and points of view.

“Because of the change in climate and weather patterns i.e. out of season heavy rains resulting in floods and creation of scattered wetlands all over the country, we could never be fully sure of the population of migratory and local birds as nesting, roosting, and relaxing spots for birds are far too many,” says Nusrat Ali, a seasoned bird watcher and photographer who spends his weekends documenting birds and analysing their migratory patterns. Meanwhile Usama Tabani, a wildlife photographer (and a gem that was discovered and polished during the pandemic lockdowns when he chanced upon his newfound hobby) has his own set of observations. He has been travelling domestically and international to document bird and animal species.

“There are several factors contributing to the decline in migratory bird numbers from year to year,” says Tabani, discussing his experience of birding this year and voicing his concerns about habitat loss as a result of a series of long term real estate developments. “Some of these factors are climate change, unregulated hunting, illegal poaching and increase in human pollution are some factors but the most critical one is the loss of habitat.

As a nation, we are converting all uninhabited and wild lands, which are the lifeline for these migratory birds, into housing societies across Pakistan. We need to coexist with the wild because the Earth is what we all have in common.”

Syed Khizar Sharif, a scuba diver and birder from Karachi agrees with Tabani. Introduced by Mirza Naim Beg, the late birding guru for Karachiites, Sharif has been in this hobby for well over five years. “Since many migratory bird species rely on certain environments for breeding, feeding, and resting during their lengthy migrations, it appears that a combination of vital factors, such as habitat loss, climate change, and human activities like hunting, pollution, and urbanisation, are to be blamed for the decline of these migratory birds that we’ve observed in Pakistan,” he says. “Particularly after last year’s floods that severely affected the Sindh province.

To sustain migratory bird populations and their critical ecological functions, we must address these issues through conservation projects and ecologically responsible practices.”

Flooding may appear to be a small factor in the entire equation of habitat loss, however, the prevailing ills such as netting and poaching have been a persevering menace and despite efforts by authorities, still linger on.

Pechuho, an ardent wildlife photographer with 353 species documented so far in Sindh has quite an optimistic take regarding the realities and perceptions pertaining to a decline in the migratory bird population this time around.

Also associated with the Sindh Wildlife Department, he has also been contributing to the annual bird census. “Birds were not normally found in large numbers in traditional lakes as the flood water had contaminated these and bird feed was affected too as a result,” he says. “Migratory birds mostly land in Hamal Lake and Lungh Lake, but the numbers were drastically limited. In an unusual case, a large number of birds were found in lakes, unaffected by floods despite the fact that they usually do not descend here, but they opted for these as a better alternative.

The birds seemed to also have opted for the water bodies in Badin, followed by Tando Muhammad, and Sufi Anwar Shah Safari Park where they were found in large numbers and could be seen on roads leading towards the local reserve in the area. Badin homed about 150,000 birds this time. Also, considering the number of misplaced people, whoever got a chance was hunting for these birds for food.”

According to Pechuho, there was a decent presence of birds this time, however, they had changed their resting spots and much to our surprise, they were abundantly found in some places, thus covering the skies in a blanket-like spectacle as they took flight.

Meanwhile, some species stayed beyond their anticipated time as compared to March last year as the weather became warmer bringing him to the conclusion that bird behaviour was quite extraordinary this time around and if allowed more time for conducting the census, the figure would have been far greater than what was calculated.

Yasir’s guidance is always quite obliging whenever we plan our birding trips and his knowledge very insightful, along with his amusing narration of events. He has been maintaining a record of bird species with their names documented, not just in English, but in Urdu and Sindhi as well, something which will be great help locally.

Although it may be too early to say for sure that migratory bird populations have declined, evidence suggests otherwise and even then the difference is not significant. Once, the flood effects dissipate completely and the lakes traverse back to their glory, the next migratory pattern will reveal whatever is in store for us.

 

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Indus river dolphin shot dead by villagers in Balochistan​

Sindh wildlife dept initiates investigation, seeks action against perpetrators

Sameer Mandhro
August 07, 2023

A Blind Indus River Dolphin was shot dead by villagers in the precincts of Balochistan province on August 6, 2023. PHOTO: EXPRESS

KARACHI: A 20-month-old Indus river dolphin was shot dead by unidentified villagers in Balochistan on Sunday.
According to the Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD), the mammal had traveled at least 150 kilometres from Sukkur Barrage to Balochistan through the Kirthar Canal.

“It was spotted by the local irrigation staff,” said SWD provincial head Javed Ahmed Mahar. “The villagers shot it dead before the rescue team could reach the area,” he added.

Commenting on the matter, Sukkur Division Deputy Conservator Adnan Khan said his department is in contact with the Balochistan government to take legal action against the killers of the dolphin.

Officials said the dolphin was shot twice.

Though the SWD has initiated an investigation, no formal criminal case can be lodged by them as the killing took place within the limits of the Balochistan provincial government.

According to the last survey which was held in 2019, there were as many as 1,419 dolphins between the Guddu and Sukkur barrages. The area in which they were counted is called the Indus Dolphin Reserves.

The villagers who shot the dolphin have been bitterly criticized by social media activists.
“A tragedy beyond words. We have become a cruel society taught that it’s better to shoot first then ask questions later. Grieve the cruelty we have been indoctrinated into,” tweeted Karachi-based artist and activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto junior.

 

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Wildlife laws in Sindh​

Reports have earlier suggested that several people in upscale areas keep wild animals as pets, as some owners see big cats — such as leopards, lions and tigers — as symbols of wealth and power.

According to officials, Sindh is the first province in the country to enact a new wildlife law three years ago — called the Sindh Wildlife Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management Act 2020 — to protect 326 species of birds, 107 species of crawling animals and 82 species of other animals.

Under the act, the lawful possession of any wildlife species has been attached with several stringent conditions, unlike the past practice of granting a two-liner official permit for setting up a mini-zoo, and that too without mentioning any specific species.

For instance, lawfully possessing exotic big cats is attached with 39 conditions, including one under which the owner is required to get the DNA certification for the animal, which can only be done at a handful of institutes across the country.

Besides, under the 2020 law, no new application for importing big cats will be entertained. The permit also bars citizens from keeping big cats in residential areas, and an applicant must acquire a no-objection certificate from the relevant union council, town committee and cantonment board.

 

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Ashy-crowned sparrow-lark , (Eremopterix griseus)
Islamabad