Mumtaz Ahmed Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, (Parliament Times); Niaz Kakar Project Director Wildlife Balochistan has extensive experience in forestry and wildlife. He has done admirable work regarding wildlife and plantation in Balochistan. He said while talking Wildlife conservation in Pakistan faces various challenges due to threats posed by human activities, climate change, and other factors. Despite efforts to protect its rich biodiversity, several issues persist. Here are some key aspects of wildlife conservation and threats in Pakistan.(1)Biodiversity and Endangered Species: Pakistan is home to diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal areas, harboring a wide array of wildlife species. However, many of these species are endangered or critically endangered. Examples include the snow leopard, Indus river dolphin, markhor (a wild goat species), and various bird species like the houbara bustard. (2)Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation: One of the significant threats to wildlife in Pakistan is habitat destruction and fragmentation caused by deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion.
As human populations grow, there is increased pressure on natural resources, leading to loss of crucial wildlife habitats. (3) Illegal Wildlife Trade: Pakistan is a transit point for illegal wildlife trade due to its geographic location between South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia. This illicit trade involves animals and their body parts, such as skins, horns, and bones, which are in demand for traditional medicine, exotic pets, and decorative purposes. (4)Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human settlements expand into wildlife territories, conflicts between humans and animals arise.
Crop raiding by wildlife and attacks on livestock can lead to retaliatory killings by local communities, exacerbating the threats to certain species. (5)Climate Change: The impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, altered rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures, affect both wildlife and their habitats in Pakistan. These changes can disrupt migration patterns, alter food availability, and increase the vulnerability of certain species. (6) Inadequate Conservation Measures: While Pakistan has taken some steps towards wildlife conservation, there are challenges in terms of enforcement, resources, and policy implementation. Conservation efforts often face issues with funding and coordination among different government departments and non-governmental organizations. (7) Poaching and Hunting: Poaching and hunting for bushmeat and trophies pose significant threats to wildlife populations in various regions of Pakistan. The illegal hunting of animals for their meat or for sport can lead to the decline of species and disrupt ecological balance.We have controlled illegal poaching and hunting in Balochistan to a great extent.To address these challenges, Pakistan needs to strengthen its wildlife protection laws, enhance enforcement, promote community-based conservation initiatives, and increase public awareness about the importance of wildlife and ecosystems. Collaborative efforts involving government, NGOs, local communities, and international organizations are crucial for successful wildlife conservation in Pakistan.
