[🇵🇰] Wildlife in Pakistan

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Beautiful animals.

 

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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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Villagers kill rare white leopard in Kerthar National Park​

The body was recovered in the village of Mohammad Ali Faqeer; SWD registers case against 5 involved in the killing

Sameer Mandhro
January 23, 2024

 

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Leopard breed found in the mountains of Kaghan Valley. This leopard was found in injured condition today at Malkandi. It has been rescued and shifted to Dhodial Pheasantry.

 

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Auction fetches record $212,000 for single markhor kill​

Bureau Report
October 31, 2023

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department on Monday auctioned four licences for hunting of Kashmir Markhor in Chitral and Kohistan districts with one of them fetching a record $212,000.
A statement issued here said the highest bid was offered by M/S Mehran Safari for $212,000 for single markhor to be hunted in Toshi-I area of Chitral. “This is the highest rate ever offered in the history of markhor trophy hunting,” the statement said.

The second highest bid was offered by M/S Zoon Safari for $185,000 for a single markhor to be hunted in Toshi-II, Chitral. This was also the second highest rate ever offered in the history of markhor trophy hunting.

The third highest bid was offered by M/S Shikar Safari for $135,900 for a single markhor to be hunted in Keigah area of Kohistan. The fourth highest bid was offered by M/S Hunting Safari for $125,000 for a single markhor to be hunted in Gehrait area of Chitral.

The statement said that 80 per cent of the proceeds from the trophy hunting programme were distributed among the locals for community development and wildlife conservation activities in the respective villages.
Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2023