Pakistan’s varied landscape is home to an array of endangered species, making the country a critical area for global biodiversity conservation efforts. Recognized by both the IUCN Red List and international conservation agreements like CITES, these species are on the brink due to habitat loss and other major threats.
Addressing the struggle and protection of endangered species in Pakistan is not just about safeguarding the future of these animals, but also about maintaining the ecological balance essential for our own survival.
This article aims to shed light on the dire situation of various native species, emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts to preserve Pakistan’s incredible wildlife heritage.
List of Endangered Species in Pakistan
Snow Leopard
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), known locally as “Barfani Chita“, is a creature of the high mountains in Pakistan, facing a critical battle for survival. With an estimated global population of only 2,710-3,386 individuals, their existence is threatened by a range of factors. In Pakistan, their numbers are estimated to be between 200-420, residing in the rugged terrains of the Hindu Kush, Pamirs, Karakoram, and Himalayas.
Major Threats:
Major Threats to the Snow Leopard in Pakistan include conflicts with local herders over livestock predation, resulting in retaliatory killings. Additionally, habitat loss is accelerated by climate change, military activities, and infrastructure development, particularly in the Gilgit-Baltistan area. Furthermore, there’s a decrease in natural prey due to competition from livestock and illegal hunting of primary prey species such as ibex and Markhor.
Conservative Efforts:
Efforts are underway to tackle these threats. The WWF’s Species Action Plan aims to reduce poaching and trafficking, manage conflicts between humans and leopards, and address the impacts of climate change. Project Snow Leopard (PSL) and The Snow Leopard Foundation Pakistan work on-site to safeguard habitats, enhance livestock corrals, and educate local communities.
Markhor
The Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, stands as a beacon of conservation success, with its population now numbering around 5,621, a significant increase thanks to dedicated efforts across the country, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province. This glorious animal, known for its distinctive corkscrew horns that can extend up to 5 feet, plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, serving as prey for top predators like wolves and snow leopards. The revival of the Markhor is largely due to enhanced protective measures against poaching, habitat preservation, and the establishment of community conservation programs led by organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Major Threats and Conservation Efforts:
The Markhor, once endangered in 1996 due to habitat loss, low reproductive rates, and poaching, has made a remarkable comeback. The Torghar Conservation Project (TCP), initiated in 1986 in Balochistan’s Torghar district, focusing on the Suleiman Markhor and the Afghan urial, has been pivotal in reversing the decline.
Population Distribution in Key Areas:
Chitral is home to around 2,427 Markhors, showcasing the effectiveness of local conservation efforts. Additionally, Kohistan and Swat, with populations of 660 and 159 respectively, have witnessed a pronounced increase in Markhor numbers.
Markhor’s recovery story underscores the importance of community involvement and strict enforcement against illegal hunting, providing a blueprint for the preservation of other endangered species in Pakistan.
Mountain Weasel
The Mountain Weasel, known locally as the solongoi, is a fascinating species native to Pakistan among other central and east Asian countries. Here’s a closer look at this nimble creature:
Habitat and Lifestyle:
The Mountain Weasel is found in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and waterway valleys of Pakistan, specifically in Neelum Valley, Lulusar Dudipatsar National Park, and the Deosai Plateau. They are terrestrial, adept at swimming and climbing, and primarily nocturnal, though they may hunt during the day.
Physical Features and Diet:
These species weigh between 122g to 350g, with a body length of 217mm to 287mm, and a tail length of 100mm to 150mm. Their diet includes pikas, rodents, small birds, reptiles, insects, and a proportion of vegetation, with arthropods making up 26% of their overall diet.
Conservation Status:
The Mountain Weasel is classified as near threatened due to habitat and resource loss, with their numbers continuing to decline. Their home range size and exact population numbers in Pakistan remain unknown, highlighting the need for further research and conservation efforts.
Indus River Dolphin
In our effort to understand the intricate battle for survival faced by the Indus River Dolphin, it’s crucial to look into the multifaceted threats that are endangering this rare mammal and the concerted conservation efforts underway.
Major Threats:
Major Threats that are endangering these mammals include habitat fragmentation due to the construction of dams and barrages. Another threat is the pollution from untreated sewage and industrial waste that severely pollutes the waters. Additionally, fishing nets often entangle dolphins, leading to accidental deaths, and despite being illegal, hunting for meat, oil, and traditional medicines persists.
Conservative Effort:
Conservation Initiatives are actively addressing these threats. The WWF plays a pivotal role in rescuing stranded dolphins and mitigating immediate threats. A community-based conservation approach educates and involves local communities in sustainable practices. Moreover, the introduction of better management practices in agriculture aims to reduce water pollution and protect dolphin habitats. Fishing communities are also provided with alternative skills, reducing dependency on natural resources.
The Indus River Dolphin, with an estimated population of 1,960, is a testament to the resilience of nature amidst human-induced challenges. Its survival hinges on the balance between development and conservation, underscoring the need for an integrated approach to safeguard our aquatic heritage.
Asian Black Bear
The Asian Black Bear, also known as the Balochistan Black Bear finds its home in the southwestern mountain ranges of Balochistan, Pakistan, and Iran. This species is unique for its smaller size, with an average height at the shoulder of around 80 cm (2.5 feet) and a total length, from the head to tail, of approximately 160 to 180 cm (5 to 6 feet).
The Balochistan Black Bear is critically endangered in Pakistan, facing threats from habitat loss due to illegal logging, human population growth, and infrastructure development, as well as poaching for body parts and retaliatory killings.
Diet and Habitat:
The Balochistan Black Bear, being an omnivore, prefers fruits such as figs, bananas, olives, and Chinese dates. It also consumes insects and lizards as part of its diet.
Habitat Locations:
Primarily, the Balochistan Black Bear is found in the elevated mountain ranges of Takht-e-Suliman and Toba Kakar, as well as in areas in Ziarat, Kalat, and Khuzdar.
Conservation Efforts:
The Mountain Society for Research & Development Chitral has been actively involved in conservation efforts since 2021. Their focus includes habitat management, reducing human-bear conflicts, and raising awareness for the bear’s conservation.
The struggle for survival faced by the Balochistan Black Bear underscores the urgent need for continued conservation efforts. These efforts emphasize habitat management and community engagement to prevent further decline.
Asian White-backed Vulture
In the heart of South Asia, the Asian White-backed Vulture, locally known as Safed Peeth Gidh, faces a dire struggle for survival. Once hailed as the most abundant large bird of prey, its numbers have plummeted by up to 99.9% between 1992 and 2007, marking a catastrophic decline. This medium-sized bird, recognizable by its featherless head, wide wings, and diminutive tail feathers, plays a crucial role in our ecosystems, cleaning the environment and controlling livestock diseases.
Primary Threats and Conservation Efforts:
Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory veterinary drug, has emerged as the primary culprit behind the decline of the Asian White-backed Vulture. Despite bans, its use is still prevalent in remote areas. Alongside diclofenac, habitat loss also significantly contributes to the endangerment of these vultures.
Conservation Initiatives:
Pakistan has implemented legislation banning the production and veterinary use of diclofenac. Additionally, the Gyps Vulture Restoration Project aims to conserve a viable population through breeding and monitoring. Satellite tagging is employed to track birds’ activities, feeding range, and site fidelity. Furthermore, conservation breeding centers have been established to hold and eventually reintroduce or supplement wild populations.
The plight of the Asian White-backed Vulture underscores the broader issue of species endangerment in Pakistan. Despite the bleak prognosis, concerted efforts, including captive breeding and diclofenac bans, offer a glimmer of hope for this vital species.
Marco Polo Sheep
The Marco Polo Sheep, a subspecies of argali sheep named after the explorer Marco Polo due to his descriptions of them, are known for their impressive spiraling horns and large size.
Habitat:
These species are inhabited by the mountainous regions of Central Asia, specifically the Pamir Mountains adjacent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China. These sheep adapt to varying landscapes, from riparian areas in summer to gentler, south-facing slopes in winter.
Conservation Status:
Being classified as ‘near threatened’, their survival is jeopardized by illegal hunting and habitat disturbances. The establishment of Khunjerab National Park in 1975 aimed to protect them, yet challenges persist due to fencing at the Sino-Pakistan border and competition for food with wild herbivores
Challenges:
One of the primary challenges confronting the Marco Polo Sheep is the alarming decline in their population. This decline is attributed to factors such as obstructive fencing along their migratory routes and competition for food with other herbivores. Moreover, dwindling numbers of lambs in summer populations signal increased predation threats.
Despite their endangered status, Marco Polo Sheep are still hunted commercially, primarily by trophy hunters from Western Europe and North America. This issue is compounded by corruption among officials, which allows commercial hunting businesses to exploit the species.
Black Buck
In the exploration of endangered species in Pakistan, the blackbuck, an indigenous species of black deer, has captured our attention due to its critical state of endangerment. Here’s a closer look:
Locally known as the black deer, the blackbuck males feature 35-75 cm long corkscrew horns, while females may also develop these horns occasionally. Males typically exhibit a dark brown to black coat, while females tend towards a yellowish-fawn to tan hue. This diurnal ungulate is active mainly during the day, forming small groups for social structure and protection.
Reason for Endangerment and Conservation Efforts:
The blackbuck is on the brink of extinction in Pakistan, primarily due to extensive hunting, habitat loss, diseases, poaching, and road accidents. Notably, rich Gulf royals have been implicated in unsustainable hunting practices that have significantly diminished their numbers. However, individuals like Ashraf Bahnbro and his father Samoon have taken remarkable steps by dedicating 80 acres of land in Saleh Putt, Sukkur district, as a natural reserve. Starting with 200 blackbucks, their efforts have seen the numbers rise to between 100 and 150 in the country’s eastern desert areas.
Current Status and Legal Protection:
Once locally extinct, the blackbuck has seen a revival in Pakistan. Recent efforts have led to the release of 17 black deer into the natural environment in Fort Abbas Tehsil, Bahawalnagar district, and another group of 25 from Lal Sohanra National Park to Khairpur Tamiwali Pre-Release Pen. The Lahore High Court’s directive for the Punjab government to implement precautionary safety measures further underscores the importance of protecting this vulnerable species under the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation, and Management) Act.
Emerging Challenges and Threats to Pakistan’s Wildlife
In addressing the emerging challenges and threats to Pakistan’s wildlife, it’s crucial to understand the multifaceted issues at play. These challenges not only threaten the survival of numerous species but also the ecological balance and biodiversity of the region.
- Deforestation and Habitat Loss: A significant threat to wildlife, including the loss of forests covering only 5.7% of the total land area, exacerbates the risk of extinction for many species.
- Climate Change and Unsustainable Development: The adverse effects of climate change, coupled with rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, pose severe risks to natural habitats.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict and Illegal Activities: Rampant hunting, fishing, and the illegal wildlife trade, alongside human encroachment into natural habitats, lead to conflicts and the unsustainable use of wildlife resources.
Efforts by the government and conservation organizations, such as the introduction of wildlife protection laws and the establishment of protected areas, aim to mitigate these threats. However, the continuous engagement and education of local communities, alongside the development of sustainable practices, are imperative for the long-term preservation of Pakistan’s rich biodiversity.
Conclusion
Through exploring the various endangered species such as the Markhor, Mountain Weasel, Asian Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Indus River Dolphin, Asian White-backed Vulture, Marco Polo Sheep, and Black Buck, it becomes evident that these animals face a precarious existence due largely to human activity and environmental changes. Each species, with its unique features and significant roles within its ecosystems, is integral to maintaining the ecological balance. Their endangerment arises from a complex interplay of factors including habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict underscoring the overall cause of animal extinction.
As the efforts to conserve these species continue, the importance of addressing the root causes of their endangerment cannot be overstated. Conservation strategies, as outlined, serve not only to protect the individual species but also to preserve the biodiversity that is critical to our planet’s health.
FAQs
Q: What measures can be taken to safeguard Pakistan’s wildlife?
A: To protect the wildlife in Pakistan, efforts are being made to preserve the country’s National Parks and increase involvement from local communities in the management of protected areas. Organizations like WWF and their partners are collaborating with local authorities to maintain Pakistan’s unique habitats and wildlife across various protected regions.
Q: What challenges are faced by wildlife conservation efforts in Pakistan?
A: Wildlife conservation in Pakistan is challenged by a range of environmental issues such as deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, salinity, and waterlogging. These factors significantly threaten the country’s biodiversity.
Q: How can we help endangered animals and what actions are crucial for their protection?
A: The most effective way to help endangered animals is to conserve their natural habitats, which are essential for their survival. Protecting areas where wildlife can find food, shelter, and breed is critical. Addressing habitat destruction caused by logging, oil and gas drilling, overgrazing, and development is a key step in protecting these species.