Weco 1001 Lecture Notes-1

Lecture Notes: Wildlife of Pakistan (WECO-1001)
INTRODUCTION TO PAKISTAN
Pakistan stretches from the Arabian Sea to the high mountains of Central Asia, and
covers an area of 803,944 km2.
Location
Pakistan lies approximately between 24° and 37° north latitude,

and between 61° and 78° east longitude. It neighbors Iran to the
west, Afghanistan to the north, China to the northeast, and India
to the east and southeast along a 2,000 km, partially contested
border. There is a 1,000 km long coastline along the Arabian
Sea.
Climate
The climate is continental and is characterized by extreme variations of
temperature. Winter (January) temperatures range from 68°F along the coast to 4°F in
the high mountains (above 460 m). Summer (July) temperatures range from 95°F in the
southeastern deserts to 32°F in the high mountains. The southwest monsoon (July-
October) provides rainfall of about 40 inches or more in the mountainous northern areas
and about 6-8 inches on the coast. Rainfall varies from year to year, and successive
periods of flooding and drought are not uncommon.
Topography
Pakistan can be divided physiographically into four regions:
1. The great highlands

2. The Balochistan Plateau
3. The Indus Plain
4. The Desert areas
The Himalayan and the trans-Himalayan mountain ranges, rising to an average

elevation of more than 6,000 m and including some of the world's highest peaks, such as
K2 (8,611 m) and Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), make up the great highlands which occupy
the northern most part of the country. The Balochistan Plateau, a broken highland region
about 300 m in elevation with many ridges crossing it from northeast to southwest,
occupies the western and southwestern sectors of the country. The Indus Plain, the most
prosperous agricultural region of Pakistan, covers an area of 520,000 km2in the east and
extends to 1,100 km from northern Pakistan southward to the Arabian Sea. In the
southeast are the desert areas.
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Population of Pakistan
Pakistan has a human population of some 141,500,000. The estimated annual

growth rate of 3.0% is one of the highest of any developing country. Almost half of the
population is less than 15 years old. The population is concentrated in the fertile Indus
River valley and along the river's major tributaries in the northern and northeastern
portions of the country. By contrast, western and southwestern Pakistan is sparsely
inhabited. Pakistan has a developing mixed economy based largely on agriculture, light
industries, and services. Although the Gross National Product (GNP) is increasing more
rapidly than the population, the GNP per capita, estimated at US$ 430, is among the
lowest for developing countries. Up to 50% of the workforce is employed in agriculture.
The industrial sector is growing, with manufacturing now generating half of the
country's exports. Development of natural gas, oil and mineral deposits is also
contributing to Pakistan's economic growth.
However, growth has been uneven and widespread poverty persists, particularly
in the rural areas, where two thirds of the population lives. Pakistan ranks 134th of the
173 countries on the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development
Index (Human Development Report, 1998). At least 35 million people live in miserable
poverty and public access to health, education, clean water, sanitation and family
planning remains low.
WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN
The mountainous areas embracing the Himalayan, Karakorum, and Hindukush ranges are
rich in fauna and flora, as compared to other parts of the country. These areas provide an
excellent habitat for wildlife in the form of alpine grazing lands, sub-alpine scrub and
temperate forests. These habitats support a variety of wild animals. The areas are difficult
for human beings to access; hence, most wildlife is present in reasonable numbers though
some are endangered for other reasons. Some of the main wildlife species are the snow
leopard, the black bear and the brown bears, otter, wolf, lynx, Himalayan ibex, Markhor,
bharal, Marco Polo's sheep, shapu, musk deer, marmots, trapogan and monal pheasants.
The snow partridge and snowcock reside at higher elevations. The Rhesus monkey,
common langur, red fox, black bear, common leopard, a variety of cats, musk deer (over
a limited area), goral, several species of flying squirrels, chakur, partridge and pheasants
(koklass, kaleej and cheer) live in the lower elevations. Amongst these the snow leopard,
musk deer, Marco Polo's sheep, and the brown bear are endangered. The Tibetan wild ass
and the blue sheep populations have been reduced drastically. The cheer pheasant is
reported to be extinct from within Pakistan's boundaries, and is included in the IUCN Red
Data Book. The western horned tragopan was reported to have disappeared from within
Pakistani territory, but has now been relocated to Indus Kohistan, although its numbers
are low.
The Himalayan foothills and the Potohar region, including the Salt Range and
Kala Chitta Range, are covered with scrub forests, which have been reduced to scanty
growth in most places. Medium-sized animals like the Punjab urial, barking deer, goral,
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chinkara, partridges (grey and black), seesee and chakor are supported in these habitats.
A variety of songbird fauna also occurs in these areas.
Flora and Fauna
Marine life
Pakistan's coastline of 1,050 km consists of a variety of habitat types, supporting a

wide range of animals, of which over 1000 are fish species. Pakistan's marine flora and
fauna have not been studied properly. Hence, detailed information on these species is
deficient. Along the shores, there are four species of marine turtles: the ridley, green,
leather back and hawksbill turtle, which are of high economic importance. Due to loss of
habitat and human disturbances, their population is also decreasing.
About eight species of freshwater turtles are found in Pakistan. Sand lizards,
monitors, geckos, agamas, diamond snakes, sand snakes, vipers, cobras, kraits and the
famous Indian python constitute the other reptilian fauna.
Large water bodies in the country support a variety of waterfowl both resident and
migratory. The extent of wetlands is constantly being changed. On one hand, swamps and
marshes are being drained to reclaim land, whereas on the other hand, new dams (large
water bodies) have been created for irrigation purposes. Canal irrigation through seepage
has also contributed towards increasing the land area under water in the form of water
logging. Such areas support a great number of waterfowl by providing them with an
excellent habitat. The wetlands are one of the most important wintering areas and "green
routes" of Asia. The important waterfowl in Pakistan are the ducks (mallard, pintail,
shoveler, pochard, gargeny, ruddy shellduck, teals, tufted and gadwall), geese (grey lag,
bar-headed), coots, flamingoes, pelicans, spoon bills, storks, ibises, plovers, curlews,
sand pipers, snipes, and herons. The marbled teal and white-headed duck have decreased
in number and now visit the wetlands infrequently. Among the waterfowl are (resident)
gallinules, moorhens and rails, gulls, terns, water cock, grebes, cormorants, egrets,
bitterns, and jakanas. The spot-billed lesser whistling teal and the cotton teal are resident
ducks. A rich wader fauna visits the coastline during the winter.
Vegetation
Vast Indus flood plains have been cleared of natural vegetation to grow crops.
Very little wildlife habitat has been left untouched. Only animals like the jackal,
mongoose, jungle cat, civet cat, scaly anteater, desert cat and the wild hare occur in these
areas. Hog deer is found in riverine tracts. The crop residues and wild growth support
reasonable populations of black and grey partridges.
Little vegetative cover, severity of climatic conditions and the great thrust of
grazing animals on the deserts have left wild animals in a precarious position. Parts of
Thall and Cholistan are now being irrigated, with the situation almost identical to that of
the flood plains. Chinkara is the only animal, which can still be found in average numbers
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in Cholistan, but rarely in Thall. The blackbuck, once plentiful in Cholistan has now been
eliminated. However, efforts are being made to reintroduce them back into the country. A
small number of blue bulls are found along the Pak-Indian border, and some parts of
Cholistan. Grey partridge, species of sand grouse and the Indian courser are the main
birds of the area. Peafowl occur in some areas in Cholistan.
The Thar Desert supports a fair population of the Chinkara gazelle. Peacocks are
only found in the wild, mainly because of the protection they enjoy in Hindu
communities. The wild ass migrates from the Indian part of the Rann of Kutch to the
Pakistani part in search of food.
The Houbara bustard is a regular winter visitor to the desert. Visiting diplomats
have hunted and reduced their numbers. The great Indian bustard is occasionally sighted.
The imperial sandgrouse is another migrant visiting these areas. Grey partridges are
frequently sighted. The python is also threatened with extinction.
The Sulaiman and Kirthar Ranges present habitats manifesting unique

characteristics. The former supports the straight-horned markhor, chinkara and urial,
whereas Sindh ibex, urial, chinkara and common leopard occupy the latter. The straight-
horned markhor, which is almost extinct from within settled boundaries of Pakistan,
occurs in somewhat fair numbers in the Tribal Areas. The chakor, seesee and grey
partridge are birds commonly found in the tracts.
The reed beds and tamarisk bushes along the rivers support hog deer and black
partridge populations. However, due to occasional heavy floods their numbers have also
been reduced. The Indus dolphin, fishing cat, and smooth otter are found in the Indus
River waters below the Chashma Barrage. The gavial has become extinct in Pakistan.
The crocodile is found in small numbers in lower Sindh. Wild boar numbers have
increased because of the immunity they enjoy in a Muslim society that forbids its
consumption by humans.
The animals found in the south-western mountains of Balochistan are: Sindh ibex,
Chiltan markhor, straight horned markhor, wild sheep, leopard, marbled pole cat,
Blandford's fox, chinkara, goitered gazelle and the marsh crocodile. The cheetah is
believed to be extinct and the Makran (baluchistan) bear critically endangered. The
Houbara bustard (migratory), sandgrouse, black and grey partridges, and the chakor and
see see partridges are also found here.
Irrigated forest plantations have emerged as the prevailing land use practice for
the last 100 years. These ideally provide excellent habitat for chinkara, hog deer and blue
bull. Forest management does not cater to the needs of these wild animals. This, coupled
with the poor implementation of laws has resulted in the extinction of species in the
irrigated plantations. Due to habitat disturbances, the ungulates have failed to establish
themselves, whereas the partridges have flourished well.
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The striped hyena and the wolf are widely distributed in the sparsely populated
parts of the country. However, information about them is scanty. Information about
carnivores in general is difficult to obtain because of their nocturnal mode of life and
high mobility. Little is known of the black bear and brown bear populations. Birds of
prey like the peregrine, cherrug or saker falcons, tawny eagle, imperial and greater
spotted eagles, osprey, shikra, and the black-winged kite occur throughout Pakistan but
their population statues s are unknown.
DISTRIBUTION OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA OF PAKISTAN
Pakistan covers a number of the world's ecoregions, ranging from the mangrove forests
stretching from the Arabian Sea to the towering mountains of the western Himalayas,
Hindukush and Karakoram. The country lies at the western end of the South Asian
subcontinent, and its flora and fauna are composed of a blend of Palearctic and
Indomalayan elements, with some groups also containing forms from the Ethiopian
region.
Ecosystems have been ranked to carry out conservation through comparative

analysis. It covers all habitats on the land masses and in the ocean. The Earth has been
divided into 238 ecoregions, by the United Nation. Out of them 5 are in Pakistan. The
Global ecoregions of Pakistan are:
1. Rann of Kutch flooded grasslands

2. Tibetan Plateau
3. Western Himalayan Temperate Forests
4. Indus Delta Ecosystem
5. Arabian Sea.
Flora
About 5,500 - 6,000 species of vascular plants have been recorded in Pakistan
including both native and introduced species. The flora included elements of the 6
phytogeographic regions. 4 monotypic genera of flowering plants and around 400
(7.8%) species are endemic to Pakistan.
Almost 80% of the endemics are found in the northern and western mountains.
The Kashmir Himalayas are identified as a global centre of plant diversity and
endemism. Families with more than 20 recorded endemics are Papilionaceae (57
species), Compositae (49), Umbelliferae (34), Poaceae (32) and Brassicaceae (20).
Fish/ Invertebrates of Pakistan
Pakistan has 198 native and introduced freshwater fish species. The fish fauna is
predominately south Asian and with some west Asian and high asian elements. Fish
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species diversity is highest in the Indus river plains and in adjacent hill ranges (Kirthar
Range), and in the Himalayan foothills in Hazara, Malakand, Swat and Peshawar.
Diversity is lowest in the mountain zone of the northern mountains and arid parts of
north-west Baluchistan. There are 29 endemic species.
There has been little research on Invertebrates of Pakistan. About 5,000 species of
invertebrates have been recorded including insects (1,000 species of true bugs, 400
species of butterflies and moths, 110 species of flies and 49 species of termites). Other
includes 109 species of marine worms, over 800 species of molluscs and 355 species of
nematodes.
Amphibians of Pakistan
As Pakistan is a predominantly arid and semi-arid country, it is not surprising that

only 22 species of amphibians have been recorded, of which 9 are endemic. There are
definite Himalayan elements in bufonids and ranids. However, in plains Southeast Asian
frogs and Palearctic toads are dominant. Endemic elements are dominant among
bufonids. Amphibians in Pakistan belong to four families: Bufonidae, Microhylidae,
Megophryidae and Ranidae.
Reptiles of Pakistan
Over 195 species of reptiles are known in Pakistan. Of these, 13 species are
believed to be endemic. As with other groups, these are a blend of Palaearctic, Indo-
Malayan and Ethiopian forms.
The mugger (marsh crocodile) is in danger partially due to over hunting. The
species is now nearly extinct and only occur in small numbers in Sindh and a few areas in
Balochistan (Groombridge, 1988). The gharial is in a precarious situation, or maybe
already extinct and has only been seen in small numbers between the Sukkur and Guddu
barrages. In addition monitor species are heavily hunted for their skins.
Of the 72 snake species found in Pakistan, only 14 marine and 12 terrestrial snake
species are poisonous; most well known are the Indian cobra, common krait, saw-scaled
viper and Russel's viper.
One genus, the monospecific Teratolepsis, is endemic, while another,

Eristicophis, is near endemic. The Chagai Desert is of particular interest for reptiles, with
six species (including five lizards and one snake) are endemic to Pakistan and a further
six species found only here and in bordering parts of Iran. Important populations of
marine turtles nest on Pakistan's southern beaches. Green and olive turtle, mugger,
gharial, central Asian monitor, Indian python, central Asian cobra are among the
internationally threatened species of reptiles in Pakistan (IUCN 1990).
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Birds of Pakistan
668 bird species have been recorded in Pakistan. Out of them, 375 were
recorded as breeding. Breeding birds are a mixture of Palearctic and Indomalayan forms
(1/3rd) and the occurrence of many species at one or the other geographical limits of
their range shows the diverse origins of the avifauna. The Sulaiman Range, the
HinduKush, and the Himalayas in the NWFP and Azad Kashmir comprise part of the
Western Himalayan Endemic Bird Area; this is the global centre of bird endemism. The
Indus Valley wetlands are the second area of endemism.
Cranes: Siberian Crane, Sarus Crane, Eurasian Crane, Demosille Crane.
Pheasants: Indian Peafowl, Western Horned Tragopan Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant,

Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, White Crested
Khalij.
Birds of Prey:
Vultures: Lammergier or Bearded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, King Vulture, Griffon

Vulture, White Backed Vulture.
Kites and Eagles: Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Golden Eagel, Black Eagle, Imperial
Eagle, Spotted Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Palla's Fishing Eagle, Tawny
and Steppe Eagle.
Hawks, Buzzards and Falcons: Indian Sparrow Hawk, Goshawk, White Eyed Buzzard,
Rough Legged Buzzard, Perrigeren Falcon, Saker Falcon, Kestrel,
Laggar, Hobby, Merlin.
Mammals of Pakistan
Up to 174 mammal species have been reported to occur in Pakistan. There are at
least three endemic species & a number of endemic and near-endemic subspecies.
Species belonging to the Palaearctic realm occur largely in the Himalayan and
Baluchistan uplands; those belonging to the Indo-Malayan realm occur primarily in the
Indus plains including the Thar desert and Himalayan foothills. In addition, species with
affinities to the Ethiopian region occur in the dry southwest and along the Makran coast
and Thar desert of Pakistan.
Ten of the 18 known mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan, including the
world's smallest surviving mammal, the Mediterranean pigmy shrews well as the largest
mammal in existence today, the blue whale. Six endemic mammalian species have also
been reported from Pakistan. These include Yellow desert bat (Nyticeius pallidus),
Wooly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus), Pygmy gerboa (Salpingotus michaelis),
Hotson's long-tailed hamster (Calomyscus hotsoni), Murree vole (Hyperacrius wynnei)
and Indus river dolphin (Platanista minor). There are a number of other endemic or near-
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endemic subspecies like Chiltan markhor (Capra falconeri chialtanensis), Suleman

markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni), Pakistan sand cat (Felis margarita scheffeli),
Balochistan bear (Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus), and Punjab urial (Ovis vignei
punjabiensis). The status of these species is disputed by taxonomists. Tiger (Panthera
tigris) and swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli) have become extinct during this century, lion
(Panthera leo) during the last century, and the Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros
unicornis) about four hundred years ago. Several species have been described as
extremely rare or occurring in very small population on the borders of Pakistan, and of
these, the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) and
Hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) are already regarded as being extinct in Pakistan. Many
other species like Indus dolphin, Grey wolf, Snow leopard, Brown bear, Suleman
markhor, Lynx, Marcopolo sheep, etc. are among some of the threatened mammals in
Pakistan.
National Animal & National Bird of Pakistan
National Animal of Pakistan is Markhor & National Bird is Chakur
FACTORS INFLUENCING DISTRIBUTION OF FLORA AND FAUNA
Zoogeography is the study of the distribution of animals on Earth. It is the study of where
species live and why they happen to live there. A fundamental saying of zoogeography is
that the geographic range of a species is limited. No species is everywhere; some have
broad ranges, while others have quite small ones. Zoogeographers seek to determine
patterns in the distributions of species.
Continental Drift and Animal Distribution
In spite of minor and major temporary declines along the way, there has been an
increasing trend in biodiversity over time. This is thought by some ecologists to be a
result of changes in the continental land masses. Continental drift is the gradual breaking
up (or collision) of the continents that has occurred steadily over the past 200 million
years.
In Silurian and Devonian times (>395 mya), three major continents existed;
Gondwanaland (composed of South American, central and south Africa, Australia,
Antarctica, and India) was in the southern hemisphere; Europe and North America
formed another continent; and Asia lay to the north. This period was characterized by the
early evolution of fishes and amphibians, especially in Euramerica. Gondwanaland lasted
until the lower Permian, when early reptiles were also represented in Euramerica.
During the Permian (280 mya) period, all of the continents met and formed
Pangaea. Extensive faunal similarities among these formerly separate continents are
apparent from fossil records from the upper Permian and Triassic. The collision of the
continents allowed a major radiation of reptiles from Eurasia to spill new groups into
virtually all parts of Pangaea.
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During Jurassic times (195 mya), Gondwanaland started to separate from Pangaea
(Laurasia) as the Atlantic Ocean opens the gap. Fossil records indicate that land routes
allowing migration still existed between Europe an Africa and between Alaska and
Siberia.
During the Cretaceous period (136 mya), the widening of the Atlantic finally
separated Euramerica from Africa and South America from Africa. Australia and
Antarctica remained together but separated from Africa. Wherever the marsupial
mammals may have originated, they may have reached Australia from South American
across Antarctica. The subsequent separation of these three landmasses may have
prevented the arrival of early placental mammals to Australia.
A land route was reestablished between North and South America during the
Pliocene. This bridge permitted a diversity of placental mammals to invade the southern
continent. Simultaneously, marsupial carnivores and placental ungulates went extinct in
South America, while S. American rodents and Xenarthrans (armadillo-like mammals)
became much reduced in diversity. Only a few S. American species were able to reach
and survive the temperate North America. The modern continents were well separated by
this time. As the landmasses became more isolated, global climate changes compressed
the tropical zone toward the equator and produced a gradient of climatic zonation. This
affected the distribution of some African species such as the giraffe and elephant
southward (sub- Saharan) as the climate became drier.
One important consequence of continental drift is that some species do not exist
everywhere they might be well adapted for. A good example of this is the distribution of
placental and marsupial mammals. The introduction of placental mammals into most land
masses resulted in mass extinctions of marsupial mammals. However, placental mammals
were unable to reach Australia, and therefore marsupial mammals dominate that
continent. In recent times, however, humans have introduced placental mammals to
Australia which in many cases have outcompeted the native marsupials. This has
occurred with the dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) which has outcompeted native predators
such as the Tasmanian devil.
Changing Sea Levels
Fluctuations in sea level have created and removed land bridges connecting
continents and islands. This allows migration of species into areas previously unavailable
to them, or conversely, isolates populations of the same species into discrete populations,
which allows allopatric speciation to occur. Fluctuations in sea level occur as a result of
glaciation. Sea level falls during ice ages, reducing the extent of warm inland seas, where
much of the marine species live.
Glaciers also affected current species distributions in another way. Glacial

advance can cause extinctions in cases where a species cannot migrate faster than the
glacier (mostly with plants) or where no suitable habitat exists below the glacial front.
Glaciers can also leave relict populations at high altitudes that remain ice free.
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Rates of climate change can affect speciation. South America was subject to
extreme climate changes during the Pleistocene and endured major alternations of wet
and dry periods. Tropical rainforest may have undergone cycles of expansion and
contraction. Many birds of tropical lowland forests are reluctant to cross ecological
barriers so speciation by geographic isolation may occurred
Effects of Climate on Species Distribution
Current species distributions likewise are limited by the climate in the areas they
inhabit. Some species are able to exist in a wide variety of habitats, while others may
tolerate relatively low amounts of climate variation. Major climatic factors are the
amount of timing of rain, and seasonality, variability, and predictability of weather. Rain
may either be constant throughout the year, or be seasonal. Species adapted to survive in
areas with seasonal rainfall must be able to deal with these extremes. Variability of
sunlight energy varies least in tropical areas, whereas seasonal extremes become greater
with increasing distance from the equator.
Effects of climatic patterns on vegetation include:
• Wet areas support areas of dense tall vegetation.

• Driest areas support no vegetation except ephemeral plants found only after
sporadic rainfall.
• Grasslands are found mainly in areas of intermediate-to-low annual rainfall that is
distributed irregularly throughout the year (rainy seasons).
• Deciduous forests are intermediate in moisture between rain forest and grassland.
• Coniferous forests in high latitudes.
Effects of climate on animal species
Climate influences animal distributions both directly and indirectly through

effects of vegetation. Warm temperatures can lead to the inactivation or de-naturation of
enzymes, can increase metabolic rates in plants so that they respire more than they
photosynthesize and can lead to dehydration. At cold temperatures species can be killed
at temperatures i.e. less than 1 degree Celsius unless they have special adaptations,
metabolism can slow down or stop, or cold weather can reduce fitness to a point where
other factors (disease, parasitism) can then take hold. Endotherms regulate temperature
by the production of heat within their own bodies, and can survive in cold areas.
Ectotherms rely on external sources of heat, and therefore have ranges which are limited
by temperature.
According to Allen's rule animals from cold climates usually have shorter
extremities than animals with otherwise similar characteristics from warmer climates.
Bergmann's rule states that animals with a wide distribution are larger in the colder
areas of their range.
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Some other factors inducing dispersal include, Population pressure, Lack of food
supply, Lack of space, Adverse climatic conditions, Severe calamities (such as fire, flood,
typhoon), change of habitat, opening up of new areas elsewhere.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES INVOLVED IN

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE
Conservation is the protection, improvement and wise use of natural resources to provide
the greatest social and economic value for the present and future, and the management is
the process by which conservation is made possible. There are numerous international
and national organizations in the country which are working in the field of wildlife
conservation in Pakistan.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
The international organizations which are involved in conservation and management of

wildlife in Pakistan are enlisted as;
1. IUCN-Pakistan
The World Conservation Union is the world’s largest and most important
conservation network. The Union brings together 83 States, 110 government agencies,
more than 800 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and some 10,000 scientists and
experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership.
Use of the name “World Conservation Union” began in 1990, but the full name
and the acronym are often used together as many people still know the Union as IUCN.
The World Conservation Union was founded in October 1948 as the International Union
for the Protection of Nature (or IUPN) following an international conference in
Fontainebleau, France. The organization changed its name to the International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in 1956.
The Union’s mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the
world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of
natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Its headquarters are in Gland,
Switzerland. In Pakistan country office is located at Karachi.
2. WWF Pakistan
One of the country’s largest conservation Non Government Organization aims to

conserve nature and ecological processes by preserving genetic, species and ecosystem
diversity. The head office of WWF-Pakistan is in Lahore
3. International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT)
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The Snow Leopard Trust organization uses a combination of approaches that

focus on partnering with communities in snow leopard habitat. But as organization
builds community partnerships it uses science and research to determine key snow
leopard habitat, assess wildlife-human conflict levels, and identify potential resources for
conservation programs. High priority areas include key snow leopard habitat, with a
history of conflict between predators and the communities, and potential resources to
sustain a community-based conservation program. The head office of the organization is
situated in Washington, USA.
4. Snow Leopard Network (SLN)
The Snow Leopard Network is a worldwide organization dedicated to facilitating

the exchange of information between individuals around the world for the purpose of
snow leopard preservation. Our membership includes leading snow leopard experts in the
public, private, and non-profit sectors. The main goal of this organization is to implement
the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS), which offers a comprehensive analysis of
the issues facing snow leopard conservation today. The SLN also maintains a Snow
Leopard Bibliography, which provides our members with access to scholarly articles on
snow leopards and related issues. The head office of Snow Leopard network is in
Washington, USA.
5. Snow Leopard Conservancy
The Snow Leopard Conservancy is dedicated to promoting innovative grassroots

measures that lead local people to become better stewards of endangered snow leopards,
their prey, and habitat. Headquarters office is located in Sonoma.
6. WSPA-Pakistan
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is working with animal
welfare organizations from around the world to build the greatest ever animal welfare
petition to persuade governments to agree to international principles on the welfare of
animals. The country office representative is in Islamabad.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
The national wildlife conservation organizations in Pakistan are;
1. Zoological Survey Department
Zoological Survey Department was established in Pakistan in June, 1948, under

Ministry of Food & Agriculture as a counterpart of the Zoological Survey of India.
Though this department was established in Pakistan with the same aims and objects as of
its counterpart in India but unfortunately was handicapped in respect of trained personals,
literature, specimens of animals, equipments and proper accommodation. In November
1995, the Department was placed in newly created Ministry of Environment. The head
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office of the organization is in Islamabad. The main objective of the organization is to

obtain information on distribution, population dynamics and status of animal life of
Pakistan and to advise the Government on all zoological matters including Conservation,
Management, Export and Import of Wildlife.
2. Sindh Wildlife Department
After the dismemberment of One Unit, Sindh pioneered the other provinces in
establishing Wildlife Management Board in 1972, and the Sindh Wildlife Protection
Ordinance was also promulgated in the same year. At beginning, the services of the
wildlife staff were within the autonomous body where no bylaws, recruitment and other
rules regarding service structure were ever framed. The provincial government in 1994
decided to regularize the services of the employees and Sindh Wildlife Management
Board was converted into a regular Sindh Wildlife Department of the Government of
Sindh. The office of the department is in Karachi. The main objective of the department
is the Management of Protected Areas including National Park, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and
Game Reserves on scientific lines. Besides it also enforces anti-poaching measures under
the provision of Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972 and other legal enactments.
3. Punjab Wildlife Department
The head office of the Punjab Wildlife Department is in Lahore. The main
objective of the department is the Management of Protected Areas on scientific lines. It is
also responsible for the enforcement of wildlife laws in the province.
4. NWFP Wildlife Department
The Wildlife Organization in North-West Frontier Province emerged in 1974 as

an ex-cadre wing of the Forest Department under the administrative control of Chief
Conservator of Forests. This wing functioned for 4 years as a non significant and low
priority organization and was ultimately abolished in 1978 under an economy drive.
Conservation of wildlife again became a priority and the wildlife wing was re-established
in 1981. Conservation awareness and priority reached a high mark in 1995 when the
wildlife wing was given the status of an "Attached Department" within Forest, Fisheries
and Wildlife Department and Conservator Wildlife was declared as HAD. Since then the
Wildlife organization is functioning as an attached department of Forests, Fisheries and
Wildlife Department. The office is located in Peshawar. The aim of the Wildlife
Department is protection, preservation, conservation and management of wildlife and its
critical habitat in the Province for its sustainable tangible and intangible benefits. It also
focuses on the enforcement of NWFP Wildlife Act of 1975.
5. Baluchistan Wildlife Department
With its head office in Quetta the Baluchistan Wildlife Departmentn is engaged in
conserving the wildlife resources of the province besides strict wildlife laws enforcement.
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6. The Birdwatcher's Club of Pakistan (BCP)
The Birdwatcher's Club of Pakistan (BCP) was founded in summer 2005 by a

group of dedicated birdwatchers in Pakistan to conserve the diverse and beautiful
avifauna of Pakistan. Our aim is to help promote and encourage bird watching among
fellow birders who are interested in the birds of Pakistan and the neighboring countries.
The BCP aims to help promote and encourage bird watching among fellow birders who
are interested in the birds of Pakistan and the neighboring countries and to work for the
conservation of threatened birds in Pakistan
7. Pakistan Society for Conservation of Wildlife (PaSCoW)
The office of Pakistan Society for Conservation of Wildlife is in Karachi. The

main objective of the society is to organize mechanism and create resources conducive
towards conservation of “Wildlife” heritage with particular emphases on rare species.
The society promotes establishment and developments of sanctuaries of endangered
species and enforces strict moratorium on illegal hunting poaching, trapping etc.
8. Pakistan Museum of Natural History
Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) at Islamabad was established in

1976 under the sponsorship of Pakistan Science Foundation, Ministry of Science &
Technology (Government of Pakistan). It has four principal divisions namely Botanical
Sciences Division, Zoological Sciences Division, Earth Sciences Division and Public
Services Division. The first three divisions are engaged in the collection, identification
and research activities pertaining to plants, animals and mineral resources of Pakistan
respectively, while the latter is responsible for mass education and popularization of
natural history various displays, exhibits and dioramas.. There are more than 30 scientists
and designers who are engaged in research primarily pertaining to the biodiversity of
Pakistan with special reference to environment and natural habitat degradation. A large
number of natural history specimens (plants, animals, rocks, minerals and fossils) have
already been collected and curated.
9. Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency is an attached department of the

Ministry of Environment and responsible to implement the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Act, 1997 in the country, ‘An act to provide protection, conservation,
rehabilitation and improvement of environment, for the prevention and control of
pollution, and promotion of sustainable development’. Pakistan Environmental Protection
Agency also provides all kinds of technical assistance to the Ministry of Environment for
formulation of environment policy and programmes. Its office is in Islamabad.
10. Society for Conservation and Protection of Environment (SCOPE)
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Society for Conservation and Protection of Environment was formed in the milieu
of growing concern about deteriorating environmental situation at global as well as
national level. SCOPE’s motto is “Think Globally, Act locally”, which depicts that
although environmental problem may be of global scale, but their solution lies in local
actions.
11. Sarhad Conservation Network
Established as a non-profit advocacy organization in 2001, Sarhad Conservation

Network (SCN) is mandated to make efforts towards reversing the destructive
mechanisms that disturb the natural ecosystem and biodiversity of Mother Earth thereby
endangering the very survival of humankind. The goal of the organization is “towards
sustainable development through improved natural resource management, preservation of
cultural and archeological heritage and healthier lifestyle”. The office of the organization
is in Peshawar.
12. Shimshal Nature Trust
Shimshal is a farming and herding community of some 1100 inhabitants, situated

at the north-eastern extreme of both the former principality of Hunza (now part of Gilgit
Administrative District), and the modern state of Pakistan. The settlement occupies the
upper portion of a valley of the same name, which descends west into the Hunza River
valley at Passu, and which separates the Ghujerab and Hispar Mustagh ranges of the
Karakoram mountain system. The trust grows hardy cereals (wheat and barley), potatoes,
peas and beans, apricots and apples. Small quantities of garden vegetables are also grown
by some households. Shimshal is one of the few communities remaining in Pakistan's
Northern Areas that grows enough agricultural produce to feed itself. The goal of the
organization is to enable the community to strengthen its physical, social and cultural
resource bases, and empower community for the sustainable use of these resources for
development and conservation of nature in Shimshal community.
13. Pakistan Animal Welfare Society
Pakistan Animal Welfare Society aims to create an equitable relationship between

humans and animals in Pakistan. The society recognizes that humans have a
responsibility towards their environment and fellow species and aim to preserve and
protect animal populations; their integrity, diversity, welfare and wellbeing. Society also
believes that the natural environment is a shared heritage for humankind and seeks to
create, promote and preserve ecologically sustainable relationships globally.
14. Himalayan Wildlife Foundation
It was established in 1993 as a non-profit organization and registered as a

guarantee limited company in 2005; HWF is striving hard for the conservation of
monuments like Rohtas Fort and wildlife, nature and biodiversity conservation in
northern areas of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir along with community
15
infrastructure development and improvement of living conditions in areas of operations.

Its office is in Islamabad.
15. Pakistan Game Fish Association (PGFA)
The Pakistan Game Fish Association is a group of anglers who have come
together to build awareness on ethical standards of angling. The charter of the
organization includes a special focus on a catch and release culture which shall ultimately
help in the protection of saltwater and freshwater ecosystems, and Pakistan’s natural
heritage. The organization seeks to improve angling related recreational and educational
opportunities provided by the diverse saltwater and freshwater ecosystems found in and
around Pakistan.
16. OffRoad Pakistan
The Offroaders Club of Karachi is an eclectic collection of friends and their

families who love the outdoors and, four wheeling. This is not an official “club” but
rather just a group of people sharing a common location and common interest. There are
no meetings. The only requirement is to enjoy the outdoors. The purpose of this the club
is to promote Pakistan, and encourage people to explore its natural beauty. The club can
guide you in your preparations, etc. At the present time that is about all we can do.
17. Margallah Hills Society
Margallah Hills Society established in 1989 is a registered non-governmental

organization with its Head Office in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is managed by an elected
executive council. The main objective of the society is to preserve the natural
environment of Margallah Hills National Park and prevent shrinkage of the green areas. It
also helps to distribute information about the Marghallah Hills National park including its
history, geography, flora, fauna, culture and its benefits to the citizens of Islamabad.
18. Houbara Foundation International (Pakistan)
With its office in Lahore the Houbara Foundation International is concerned with
conservation and protection of Houbara bustard in Pakistan.
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS RELATED TO WILDLIFE

CONSERVATION TO WHICH PAKISTAN IS SIGNATORY
Pakistan has accepted the responsibility to protect the wildlife and their habitats through
various national and international conventions. For example through Bonn Convention,
Pakistan is obliged to protect the migratory birds, through CITES, Pakistan has to stop
the trade of endangered species, and through Ramsar convention, it has to protect its
wetland resources. The National Conservation Strategy also demands the conservation of
wildlife and their habitats. However, either these responsibilities are not known or these
are taken for granted because of the lack of effective coordination or because of the lack
16
of a coordinating agency and its technical capacity to provide needful inputs to achieve
the overall national conservation goals.
Ramsar Convention
The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on 2nd

February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea.
Thus, though now-a-days the name of the Convention is usually written "Convention on
Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971)", it has come to be known popularly as the "Ramsar
Convention". Ramsar is the first of the modern global intergovernmental treaties on
conservation and wise use of natural resources, but, compared with more recent ones, its
provisions are relatively straightforward and general. Over the years, the Conference of
the Contracting Parties (the main decision-making body of the Convention composed of
delegates from all the Member States) has further developed and interpreted the basic
belief of the treaty text and succeeded in keeping the work of the Convention side by side
of changing world perceptions, priorities, and trends in environmental thinking.
The official name of the treaty, The Convention on Wetlands of International

Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat – reflects its original emphasis on the
conservation and wise use of wetlands primarily to provide habitat for water birds. Over
the years, however, the Convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects of
wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are
extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of
human communities. For this reason, the increasingly common use of the short form of
the treaty’s title, the "Convention on Wetlands", is entirely appropriate.
There are presently 153 Contracting Parties to the Convention, with 1630 wetland
sites, totaling 145.6 million hectares, designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of
Wetlands of International Importance. Pakistan is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention.
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn

Convention)
Pakistan is also a signatory to the Bonn Convention which is a convention to

protect migratory species of wild animals and their habitats through the intensive action
of all States within whose territory such species spend any part of their life cycle or over
which they fly, the countries undertake to promote research relating to migratory species,
to provide immediate protection and to conclude Agreements covering their conservation
and management.
This convention includes the list of 21 species to add to the Convention (endangered
species) and 22 species to add to species whose conservation requires the conclusion of
international agreements. This agreement was signed at Bonn on 23rd June, 1979 and was
entered into force on 1st November, 1983.
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Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments, drafted as a result of a
resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the World Conservation Union
(IUCN). Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and
plants does not threaten their survival and it accords varying degrees of protection to
more than 33,000 species of animals and plants. It is one of the largest conservation
agreements in existence.
The text of the Convention was concluded at a meeting of representatives of 80

countries in Washington, D.C., United States, on 3 March 1973. It was then open for
signature until 31 December 1974. It entered into force after the 10th ratification by a
signatory State, on 1st July 1975. States that signed the Convention become Parties by
ratifying, accepting or approving it. By the end of 2003, all signatory States had become
Parties. States that were not signatories may become Parties by acceding to the
Convention. As of September 2007, 172 States had become Parties to the Convention.
WILDLIFE LEGISLATION
In Pakistan, wildlife is treated as a provincial rather than a federal matter. There are four
provinces, each having its own wildlife department headed by a minister. Wildlife
habitats are under the influence of the forest departments of each province. There are six
separate laws that pertain to wildlife, most of which date to the mid-1970s, with only one
amendment in 1990. This legislation has no direct relations2hip with Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and when import or export takes
place, the CITES certificate is issued by an agency of the federal Ministry of
Environment, the National Council for Conservation of Wildlife. There is no separate zoo
legislation as such. However, in order to start a zoo in, for example, Punjab Province,
permission from the provincial wildlife department is required. There are penalties for
keeping wild animals illegally, ranging from exclusion of the animals to considerable
fines and custody of up to six months.
Early wildlife conservation measures were aimed mainly at game animals, but
modern measures have been increasingly aimed at endangered species and habitats. Key
federal legislative events in wildlife species protection include;
1872 Yellowstone National Park founded

1900 Lacey Act
1903 First Wildlife Refuge
1911 Fur Seal Treaty
1916 Migratory Bird Treaty Act
1934 Duck Stamp Act
1937 Pittman-Robertson Act
1959 The passage of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance
1960 Issuance of the Wildlife Protection Rules
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1973 Endangered species Act

1974 The Punjab Wildlife (protection, preservation, conservation and management) Act
The Lacey Act of 1900
The most apparent cause of the abrupt decline of wildlife in the late 19th century
was hunting. Thus, the most obvious remedy was direct legal protection. The Lacey Act,
sponsored by Representative John F. Lacey of Iowa, was passed by Congress in 1900 as a
direct response to public outcry over the slaughter of herons and other birds to furnish
plumes for ladies hats. The Lacey Act made interstate transportation of illegally killed
game animals a federal offense. The Lacey Act also sought to limit importation of exotic
wildlife, whose introductions were detrimental to native wildlife. This law was the first to
bring the federal government into the wildlife conservation picture. The Lacey Act was
designed primarily to restrain illegal traffic in wildlife products, and to prevent poachers
from killing animals in one state and then smuggling them into another with less
restrictive laws. Because of its wide scope, the Lacey Act was supported both by sport
hunters and by the increasing number of bird protectionists who were organizing across
the country.
Pelican Island
As a direct result of the campaign against plume hunting, President Theodore

Roosevelt issued an executive order in 1903 declaring a small nesting area in Florida--
Pelican Island--as the first federal bird sanctuary. Roosevelt's order unleashed a flood of
nominations of other sites to be protected, and by the end of his first term in 1904, there
were 51 wildlife refuges. Today the National Wildlife Refuge System, originated by
Roosevelt, includes almost 450 sites, encompassing nearly 90 million acres in 49 states
and 5 trust territories.
Waterfowl Protection Acts
In the 19th and early 20th century, market hunting (large scale shooting of
waterfowl for sale) caused major declines in populations of wild ducks and geese. Sport
hunters became alarmed at this and began pressing for conservation measures. Federal
protection specifically for waterfowl began in 1913. This was an important step in
protecting breeding birds. The Act allowed the Secretary of Agriculture to set closed
seasons when it would be illegal to capture or kill migratory birds. Passage of the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1916, signed by the United States and Great Britain, for the
protection of both game and nongame birds.
In 1934 the Duck Stamp Act, passed at request of duck hunters, required all
waterfowl hunters to purchase an annual federal stamp. The first Duck Stamps were sold
at one dollar each, and a total of 635,000 were sold. Duck Stamps today cost ten dollars
each and are bought by stamp collectors as well as hunters. Proceeds from the Duck
Stamps are used to protect critical wetlands for breeding, migration stopover, and
wintering of waterfowl. The first Duck Stamp was drawn by J. "Ding" Darling, a political
19
cartoonist who frequently focused while market hunting was devastating to many species;
sport hunting rarely endangers species and, in fact, provides a good source of revenue for
wildlife protection and habitat improvement, as exemplified by the Duck Stamp Act and
the Pittman-Robertson Act. The passage in 1937 of the Pittman-Robertson Act, also
known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, created a major source of funds for
wildlife restoration by placing a 10% tax on the manufacture of sporting arms and
ammunition. Additionally, this act stipulated that all money raised from the sale of
hunting licenses must be used for wildlife projects. Prior to the Pittman-Robertson Act,
money intended for wildlife conservation often got redirected to fund other local projects
such as schools or road repairs.
When federal funds first became available, much of the attention of state wildlife
agencies was concentrated on the larger ungulates (hooved mammals) whose populations
had been decimated during the days of market hunting.
The Fur Seal Treaty of 1911
The northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) was nearly exterminated by a century
and a half of seal hunting on the Pribolof Islands by Russian, American, Canadian, and
British sealers. After the United States purchased Alaska and the Pribolofs from Russia in
1867 there was an attempt to limit harvesting of fur seals, but there was no regulation on
the open seas where the hunt continued. In 1911, the Fur Seal Treaty was signed by the
United States, Russia, Japan, and Great Britain. The treaty provided protection for fur
seals and sea otters on the high seas (outside the 3 mile limit) from the four signatory
nations. Each of the countries agreed to prohibit pelagic sealing by its nationals and to
manage populations of fur seals within its own territorial waters.
The treaty was upheld until the beginning of WWII when it was terminated by Japan's
entry into the war.
Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1959
The passage of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance in 1959 and issuance of the
Wildlife Protection Rules in 1960 authorized the establishment of sanctuaries and
reserves for game. Wildlife was formally recognized as an important natural heritage.
Pakistna Environment Protection Act, 1966
One such example has been the drafting of the Pakistan Environment Protection
Act that was finally approved by the Federal Cabinet in 1996.
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT, 1973
In 1973 a convention on trade of endangered species was signed.
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The Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation And Management) Act, 1974
In Pakistan, wildlife is treated as a provincial rather than a federal matter. There

are four provinces, each having its own wildlife department. There are six separate laws
that pertain to wildlife, most of which date to the mid-1970s.
The Punjab Wildlife act was set forward which is an act to provide for the
protection, preservation, conservation and management of wildlife in the Province of the
Punjab. This Act was passed by the Punjab Assembly on 28th January, 1974; assented to
by the Governor of the Punjab on 1st February, 1974; and, published in the Punjab
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated 1st February, 1974, pages 117-K to 117-GG. Major
amendments in this act were made in March, 1983 and December, 1991 to suit the
changing conditions of the society and improve the efficiency of wildlife department.
Some amendments were also made recently during 2007.
Similarly all the other provinces have made similar acts for the protection of
wildlife.
Wildlife Act Amendments, 2007
Certain amendments have been made to the Punjab Wildlife’s Protection,

Preservation, Conservation and Management Act 1974 through a bill submitted in the
Punjab Assembly recently in 2007. Under the amended act, now private parties could
also set up wildlife breeding farms, wildlife parks and zoological gardens. A proposal
was still to be approved to appoint a separate secretary for the wildlife department. At
present forest, fisheries, wildlife and tourism are considered to be a joint department that
has one secretary.
The amended act says in any of the wildlife breeding farm owned by the
government, no shooting, hunting, trapping, killing and capturing of animals would be
allowed. In a government-owned game reserve, hunting and shooting would not be
allowed except under special permission that would specify the quantity of animals which
could be killed. The permit for hunting would allow the number of occasions that would
not exceed five times in a year. With private participation healthy activity would be
generated in the wildlife.
Legislation must encourage positive action, and hence be facilitative, not just
disciplinary. The Law Programme works on this principle, to frame laws that enable and
encourage citizens to use natural resources sustainably. In doing so, it adopted a unique
and innovative approach to law making - public consultation. One such example has been
the drafting of the Pakistan Environment Protection Act, which was finally approved by
the Federal Cabinet in 1996. Similarly at the request of the NWFP government, the
NWFP Environment Act was produced after extensive public consultation. The Act was
revised to incorporate the comments received. The Law Programme is also assisting the
NWFP government to review and revise all the provincial laws related to the use of
natural resources, particularly on wildlife, forestry and land use. The aim is to devise
21
incentive-based laws that encourage communities to manage resources sustainably.

Another important milestone is the support provided to the Government of NWFP in
drafting good governance legislation for the province.
PROTECTION STATUS OF VARIOUS WILD SPECIES
Total land area of the world is 13,328,979 ha while Asia (Excluding Middle East)
occupies 2,494,475 ha and Pakistan covers an area of about 79,610 ha. The detail of the
status of wildlife of Pakistan and the whole world is as under;
Total Area (ha) Pakistan World

Nature Reserves, Wilderness areas and National Parks area (ha) 714 438,448 ha
National Monuments, Species Management areas, Protected 2794 326,503
Landscapes and Seascapes (ha).
Areas Managed for Sustainable use and Unclassified areas (ha). 4,152 692,723
Total Area Protected (ha) 7,660 1,457,674
Marine and Littoral Protected Areas (ha) 218 417,970
Protected areas as a percent of total land area. 9.2% 10.8%
Number of Protected Areas 225 98,400
Number of Areas > 100,000 ha 16 2,091
Number of Areas > 1 million ha 1 243
Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites)
Number of Sites 16 2,091
Total Area (ha) 284 102,283
Biosphere Reserves
Number of Sites 1 408
Total Area (ha) 66 439,000
Number and Status of Species
Higher Plants
Total Number of Known Species 4,950
Number of Threatened species 2 5,714
Mammals
Total Number of Known Species 188
Breeding Birds
Reptiles
Number of Threatened species 9 293
Amphibians
Number of Threatened species 157
Fish
Total Number of Known Species (Fresh water) 198
Total Number of Known Species (Marine) 1200
Number of Threatened species 3 734
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PROTECTED AREAS OF PAKISTAN AND THEIR MANAGEMENT
The protected area is defined as “An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the
protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated
cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means”.
Land areas set aside specifically for protecting wildlife is not a new concept in
Pakistan. The early rulers often declared certain areas as preserves especially for this
purpose so they would have a sufficient supply of game animals for hunting. The first
forest reserves set up under the British period in the mid 1800's. Under the British forest
system, habitat was protected and to some degree wildlife itself. Outside the Indus basin,
wildlife has maintained itself due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of land, especially
in the northern mountainous and tribal areas. Local chieftains with a passion for hunting
often recognized the value of putting certain areas off limits to hunting to allow animal
populations to build up.
Thus, coming into the present century there were a number of areas scattered
around the country that served to protect wildlife. Except for the reserved or protected
forests, few received more than a minimum amount of management and many were
unknown. The passage of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance in 1959 and issuance of the
Wildlife Protection Rules in 1960 authorized the establishment of sanctuaries and
reserves for game. Wildlife was formally recognized as an important natural heritage.
Protected Areas are managed for a variety of reasons, which include:
• Scientific research
• Wilderness protection
• Preservation of species and genetic diversity
• Maintenance of environmental services
• Protection of specific natural and cultural features
• Tourism and recreation
• Education
• Sustainable use of resources from natural ecosystems
• Maintenance of cultural and traditional attributes
Pakistan has a network of 225 Protected Areas comprising 14 National Parks, 99

Wildlife Sanctuaries, 96 Game Reserves, and 16 unclassified (private, proposed or
recommended). The total area covered by these categories is 9,170,121 ha which makes
about 10.4% of the total land. Based on their global significance, 9 wetlands have been
designated as Ramsar sites. No World Heritage site has yet been designated. Most major
habitats are represented within Pakistan's Protected Area system. However the size,
distribution and management of these areas do not meet the needs of the ecosystems they
are meant to safeguard.
23
Summary of Protected Areas in Pakistan (based on NCCW data)
% of
Total
Total
Region/ National Wildlife Game Un- Total Area
Land
Province Parks Sanctuaries Reserves Classified Pas Conserved
Area
(ha)
Protected
Azad
Jammu 1 0 8 0 9 51,998 3.91
Kashmir
Balochistan 2 15 7 7 31 1,837,704 5.29
Punjab 2 37 19 0 58 3,315,803 16.14
NWFP 3 6 38 5 52 470,675 6.30
Sindh 1 35 14 4 54 1,307,575 9.27
Federal
1 1 1 0 3 94,186 100
Territory
Northern
4 5* 9 0 18 2,092,180 2.97
Areas
Totals 14 99 96 16 225 9,170,121 10.40
NATIONAL PARKS OF PAKISTAN
A national park is defined as a natural area of land/or sea, designated to (a) protect
the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for present and future generations, (b)
exclude exploitation or occupation inimical to the purposes of designation of the area,
and (c) provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor
opportunities, all which must be environmentally and culturally compatible.
The first national park, Lal Suhanra, was formally declared in the Bahawalpur
district of Punjab in 1972. The park consists of irrigated forest plantations (20,974 acres),
desert branch pond (4780 acres) and Cholistan Desert (51726 acres) for a total of 77480
acres. The park was established to protect existing wildlife and vegetation; reintroduce
extirpated species; rehabilitate wildlife habitat; create education/research facilities for
local and foreign tourists, and recreational facilities for the local population.
Kirthar National Park achieved its protected status in 1973. Established in the Dadu
district of Sindh, this 466,000 acre reserve provides protection for a fine herd of ibex
about 60 miles north of Karachi. Other large game species such as Indian gazelle and
urial sheep have increased their populations within the park. A management plan has
been drawn up for the park with the assistance of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
24
However, fiscal restraints and other priorities have largely precluded full implementation
of the plan.
Khunjerab in northern Hunza, Gilgit Agency, became the third national park in 1975.
This area has been successful in providing protection for the Marco Polo's sheep, blue
sheep, snow leopard, snowcock, snow partridge and other high mountain species.
National parks in Pakistan have apparently been established primarily for wildlife and not
necessarily for their historic or scenic features. Their administration is handled by the
provincial wildlife departments.
So far, 14 national parks have been declared as follows:
NAME OF THE NATIONAL PARK AREA (ha) Year of declaration
Ayubia 1,684 1984

Chinji 6,095 1987
Chitral Gol 7,750 1974
Hazarganji-Chiltan 15,555 1980
Hingol 165,004 1997
Khunjerab 226,913 1975
Kirthar 308,733 1974
Lal Sohanra 37,426 1972
Margalla Hills 17,426 1980
Central Karakorum 13, 90,100 1995
Kandrap Shandur 51, 200 1993
Deosai Plains 3, 58,400 1993
Sheikh Buddin 15,554 1993
Machiara 13,532 1980
Total: 37, 67,518 Hectare
1. Hingol National Park
Hingol National Park or Hungol National Park covers about 1,650 km² and is the
largest of National Parks of Pakistan and lies on the Makran coast in Balochistan and
approximately 190 km from Karachi. The area was for the first time declared reserved in
1988. The park area covers parts of the three districts, namely; Lasbela, Gawader and
Owaran of Balochistan province containing a variety of topographical features and
vegetation, varying from arid sub tropical forest in the north to arid montane in the west.
Large tracts of the NP are covered with drift sand and can be classified as coastal semi
desert. The National Park includes the estuary of the Hingol river which supports a
significant diversity of bird and fish species.
2. Kirthar National Park
25
Kirthar National Park is located in Kirthar Mountains range. It is second biggest

National Parks of Pakistan, while Hingol National Park being the biggest. It is also the
first National Park from Pakistan to be included in the 1975 United Nation's list of
National Parks around the world. Kirthar is an area of outstanding beauty and cultural
heritage which provides important habitat for a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles
characteristic of the arid subtropics Approximately one third of the park lies in the north
of Karachi district and two thirds in the south-west of Dadu district. The park is part of a
4,471.61 km² protected areas complex, being contiguous with Mahal Kohistan Wildlife
Sanctuary (705.77 km²) to the south and Hab Dam Wildlife Sanctuary (272.19 km²) to
the south-west. Surjan, Sumbak, Eri and Hothiano Game Reserve (406.32 km²) lies just
to the east of the park. There are two tourist centers in the Park managed by Sind Wildlife
Management Board, namely Khar and Karchat. The centres offer cottage and dormitory
accommodation and guides are available. There are some 671km of unmetalled roads
within the park, most of which are negotiable only by four-wheel drive vehicle.
3. Khunjerab National Park
Khunjerab National Park is a National park in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. It

is one of the highest altitude parks in the world. It provides the habitat for a number of
endangered and threatened animal species like the Snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, and
Himalayan Ibex. It is also one of the most important alpine biodiversity regions within
Pakistan. The WWF of Pakistan has a management plan to protect the alpine flora in
Khunjerab National Park will on focus on community-based conservation with a strong
element of environmental awareness rising. The aim is to control grazing, and increase
the population of Snow leopards, Marco Polo and Blue Sheep.
4. Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
Hazarganji Chiltan National Park is another beautiful national park of Pakistan. The
area is mountainous with precipitous slopes divided by ravines. The Chiltan Hills and
Hazar Ganji Range lie west and east, respectively, of the north-south Chiltan divide. It
can easily be reached from the provincial capital Quetta and attracts many visitors.
Facilities include a museum, picnic spots and accommodation in rest houses.
This park was primarily established to provide refuge to the endangered Chiltan wild
goat or Markhor. In the 1950s it was said to exceed 1,200, but in November 1970 the
population was estimated to number about 200, based on a total count of 107 individuals.
At present the total population of the Chiltan wild goat is estimated to be about 800. The
Suleiman markhor is also present in the northern part of the Chiltan Range and a few
urial still survive on the western slopes between 1,500m and 2,100m. Carnivores include
Stripped hyaena and Red fox.
5. Margalla Hills National Park
The Margalla Hills National Park is located in Northern Pakistan at the foothills
of the Himalayas and is a beautiful National Park. The hills lie in the vicinity of
26
Islamabad. There is the Shaker-Parian park, and there are also several hiking trails, with
the most famous being Trail 3. Himalayan Wildlife Foundation is running a project on A
sustainable Management strategy for the Margallah Hills National Park.
6. Ayubia National Park
Ayubia is a National Park in NWFP, Pakistan. It is a small natural park located at

26 km from the Murree hill station. Ayubia was named after President Ayub Khan.
7. Lehri Nature Park
Lehri Nature Park is situated in Jhelum District, northern Punjab, Pakistan. The
park is almost 90 kilometres in the hilly Potohar region from Islamabad.
8. Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park is located above the tree line and at an average height of
13,500 feet above sea level, the Deosai Plains are among the highest plateaus in the
world. The Deosai Plains cover an area of almost 3,000 square kilometers. For just over
half the year - between November and May - Deosai is snow-bound. In the summer
months when the snow clears up, Deosai is accessible from Skardu in the north and the
Astore Valley in the west. Deosai is well known for its spring season when it is covered
by a carpet of millions of flowers and a wide variety of butterflies.
9. Machiara National Park
Machiara National Park in Pakistan is one of three globally significant national

parks selected for a Global Environment Facility sponsored project. The overall goal is to
set up management models demonstrating effective natural resource conservation and
make a significant contribution to the development of Pakistan's capacity.
10. Central Karakoram National Park
Central Karakoram National Park or Karakoram National Park is a National Park

in the Northern Areas of Pakistan that comprises the Baltoro, Panmah, Biafo, and Hispar
glaciers and their tributary glaciers. The Central Karakoram National Park lies mostly
in Skardu District of the Northern Areas, but also includes area within the Gilgit District.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES OF PAKISTAN
In Pakistan a wildlife sanctuary is an area set aside for the protection of wildlife. Public
access is prohibited or regulated and no exploitation of forest is allowed. A Game
Reserve is an area where shooting and hunting of wild animals is regulated under permit.
The number of shoots allowed in reserves varies, and is determined by provincial
governments. The following are the major Wildlife Sanctuaries/Game Reserves of
Pakistan:
27
Kilik/Mintaka game reserve

Tooshi game reserve
Kargah wildlife sanctuary
Naltar wildlife sanctuary
Astor wildlife sanctuary
Baltistan wildlife sanctuary
Chasma and Taunsa barrage dolphin reserve
Cholistan wildlife sanctuary
Sukkur and Guddu barrage dolphin reserve
Nara desert wildlife sanctuary
Hub dam wildlife sanctuary
Mahal kohistan wildlife sanctuary
Runn of Kutch wildlife sanctuary
ZOOS AND WILDLIFE BREEDING CENTERS OF PAKISTAN
Pakistan has 14 zoos of which 10 are government and 4 are private, and about 22
wild animal breeding centers. The zoos are listed below with government zoos starred *.
Bahawalpur Zoo*
Jungle Kingdom, Rawalpindi
Hyderabad Zoo*
Lahore Zoo*
Karachi Zoo* (New)
Islamabad Zoo*
Landhi Korangi Zoo, Karachi
Karachi Safari Park*
Clifton Aquarium, Karachi*
Jallo Park, Lahore*
Murree Wildlife Park, Murree*
Loi bher Wildlife Park, Rawalpindi/Islamabad*
Total = possibly as many as 40 captive wild animal facilities in Pakistan
BOTANICAL GARDENS OF PAKISTAN
Botanical gardens grow a wide variety of plants primarily categorized and documented
for scientific purposes. Botanical gardens may also serve to entertain and educate the
public, upon whom many depend for funding. However, not all botanical gardens are
open to the public. According to the Botanic Gardens Conservation International,
"Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the
purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education". A List of Botanic
Gardens in Pakistan obtained from “Proceedings of Pakistan Botanic Gardens
Conference, on Action Plan for Botanic Gardens Network in Pakistan, held on 24-25th
March, 2006, at GC University Lahore” is as under;
28
Sr. Botanic Garden Name Category Contact Region

#
01 GC University Lahore University Mr. Zafar Siddiq. Punjab
botanicgarden@gcu.edu.pk
02 Punjab University Lahore -Do- Dr. Abdul Nasir Khalid -Do-
drankhalid@yahoo.com
03 University of Agriculture, -Do- Mr. Mansoor Hameed -Do-
Faisalabad hameedmansoor@ hotmail. Com
04 Bahaudin Zakaria University, -Do- Ms.Tasveer Zohra Bokhari -Do-
Multan
05 Governor House Lahore Government Mr. Sheikh Javed Iqbal -Do-
eaglejis@yahoo.com
06 Punjab Forest Research Research Dr. Muhammad Afzal -Do-
Institute, Gath Wala, Institute directorpfri@ hotmail.com
Faisalabad.
07 Shakarjung Sugar Research -Do- Dr. Shahid Afghan -Do-
Institute, Faisalabad shahid@shakarganj. Com.pk
08 FC College Lahore College Mr. Nasir Jalal -Do-
twaindoc@yahoo.com
09 Government College -Do- Ms. Seemal V Ijaz -Do-
Samanabad, Lahore svehra@hotmail.com
10 Danishmandan Botanic School Prof. Dr. Amin U Khan -Do-
Garden, Lahore. akeco@yahoo.com
11 Army Public School, Lahore -Do- Mr. M. Sajid -Do-
Cantt.
12 Government College Sahiwal College Dr. Khalid Farooq Akbar -Do-
KEZM@Brain.net.pk
13 University of Karachi University Mr. Haider Abbas Sindh
hortline@hotmail.com
14 Sindh University Jamshoro -Do- Dr. Tahir Rajput. -Do-
drtahir_rajput@yahoo.com
15 Shah Abdul Latif University, -Do- Prof. Dr. G. Raza Bhatti -Do-
Khairpur, Sindh razabhatti@yahoo.com
16 Humdard University Karachi -Do- Dr. Muhammad Afzal Rizvi -Do-
marizvipk@yahoo.com
17 Kohat University of Science -Do- Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari NWFP
and Technology,NWFP shinwari2002@yahoo.com
18 University of Peshawar -Do- Mr. Asadullah -Do-
drabdurashid@yahoo.com
19 Qarshi, Pvt. Ltd. At Hattar, Private Dr. Israr Muhammad Khan -Do-
NWFP. organization drasrarkhan@yahoo.com
20 University of Balochistan University Prof. Dr. Safdar Kiyani Balochistan
drsafdarkayani@yahoo.com
21 University of Muzaffarabad -Do- Prof. Shafique-ur-Rehman AJK
Azad Jammu & Kashmir. prof_shafiq@hotmail.com
22 F.G.College (Men) H-9 College Dr. Audil Rasheed Islamabad
Islamabad audil@comsats.net.pk
23 Lawrence Garden / Baghe- Municipal Mr. M.Afzal Ansari Lahore
Jinnah Lahore Corporation afzalfaran@yahoo.com
29
WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE
The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental

treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for
the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. There are presently 157
Contracting Parties to the Convention, with 1701 wetland sites, totaling 153 million
hectares, designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International
Importance. Pakistan entered into force in Ramsar List of Wetlands on 23rd November,
1976. The country has about 19 Ramsar Sites and has surface area of. 1,343,627.ha.
Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance
Group A of the Criteria. Sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types
Criterion 1: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it contains a

representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found
within the appropriate biogeographic region.
Group B of the Criteria. Sites of international importance for conserving biological

diversity
Criteria based on species and ecological communities
Criterion 2: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports

vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological
communities.
Criterion 3: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports

populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining the biological
diversity of a particular biogeographic region.
Criterion 4: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports plant

and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during
adverse conditions.
Specific criteria based on waterbirds
Criterion 5: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly

supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.

supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird.
Specific criteria based on fish
30
Criterion 7: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it supports a

significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or families, life-history
stages, species interactions and/or populations that are representative of wetland benefits
and/or values and thereby contributes to global biological diversity.
Criterion 8: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it is an important

source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or migration path on which fish
stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere, depend.
Specific criteria based on other taxa

supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of wetland-
dependent non-avian animal species.
WETLANDS OF PAKISTAN
Although predominantly arid and semi-arid, Pakistan possesses a great variety of

wetlands ranging from coastal mangroves and mudflats in the Indus Delta complex to the
glacial lakes of the Himalayas. The total wetland area has been estimated at over
7,800,000 ha. Though rich in biodiversity, these areas have traditionally been neglected
both in terms of conservation and sustainable development.
Wetlands can be divided into three categories: inland, riverine and coastal. These
wetlands provide substantial economic benefits to local communities as they are a source
of food, livestock grazing and fodder, fuel-wood, transport, energy generation and
irrigation. In addition, these ecosystems provide essential habitats for a number of
important mammal species like the smooth coated otter, Indus dolphin, fishing cat, hog
deer, and wild boar. The following are the major wetlands of Pakistan:
Haleji, Hadero, Kennjhar Lake Bufferzone

Zangi Nawar Lake
Ucchali, Khabbika, Jalar Lake Bufferzone
Rawal Lake
The Sind and Makran coast
Indus Delta and River system
Haleji, Hadeiro, Keenjhar Lake Bufferzone
Asia's greatest water fowl reserve, Haleji lake is 70 km (about 52 miles) from
Karachi and is a perennial freshwater lake with associated marshes and adjacent brackish
seepage lagoons, set in a stony desert. During winter, a hundred thousand birds fly down
to Haleji from the cold of Siberia. It is a bird watchers' paradise. Haleji lake, the largest
bird sanctuary of the country is situated between Bhanbhore and Thatta. During the
winter, migratory birds come to this lake in very large numbers to the great delight of the
bird watchers. Haleji Lake supports a very diverse fauna and flora, including several
31
threatened species, and is one of the most important breeding, staging and wintering areas
for waterfowl in Sindh, regularly holding between 50,000 and 100,000 birds.
Another lake worth visiting is lake Hadeiro 5 km north of Haleji. Unlike Haleji
lake this lake's water is brackish. Generally bird species different from Haleji are found
here, especially Pelican and Flamingos. Ahead of this lake lies Keenjhar lake which is a
large natural freshwater lake, the largest in Pakistan, with extensive reed-beds,
particularly in the shallow western and northern parts. This lake also contains many
different species of birds different from Haleji and Hadeiro. Kinjhar Lake supports a very
diverse flora and fauna, and is an extremely important breeding, staging and wintering
area for a wide variety of waterfowl. Mid-winter waterfowl counts in the four winters
1986/87 to 1989/90 averaged 140,000 (maximum 205,000 in 1987/88).
Together, these three lakes provide refuge to almost 250 different species of birds.
Common birds include Grey heron, Purple heron, Night heron, Purple ganinule, Water
rail, Brahminy kite, Black shouldered kite and Coucal.
Rawal Lake
Rawal Lake is situated in the heart of the national capital Islamabad, protected
within an isolated section of the Margalla Hills National Park. It’s a small water storage
reservoir with some associated freshwater marshes, adjacent to a large area of protected
woodland on the outskirts of Islamabad. The reservoir is of considerable importance for
wintering waterfowl; it is scenically attractive and within very easy reaches of Islamabad
and Rawalpindi. This lake has many resident species of birds and provides refuge to more
than hundered migratory birds in the winters. The surrounding areas of this lake provide
good habitat for some smaller mammals. These mammals include Common fox,
Pangolin, Porcupine, Jungle cat, Jackal, Wild boar and Yellow throated marten. Reptiles
include Indian cobra and Russell's viper.
Zangi Nawar Lake
Zangi Nawar Lake is situated in the southwest of Quetta in the Province of

Baluchistan. Zangi Nawar is a unique wetland ecosystem, supporting a great diversity of
fauna and flora in an otherwise inhospitable desert landscape. It is a very important
breeding area for the endangered Marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris) and several
other waterfowl, and when water levels are high, can hold as many as 90,000 ducks and
coots in mid-winter. The main lake (1,060 ha) was declared a Game Reserve in 1982 and
has since been upgraded to a Wildlife Sanctuary. A shallow, brackish, eutrophic lake and
associated marshes surrounded by high, windblown sand dunes, in a desolate region of
stony plains and barren rocky hills. At low water levels, the lake fragments into a chain of
shallow lagoons, and during periods of drought, the wetland may dry out completely.
This lake is listed in the Ramsar list of important wetlands. Many species of birds and
reptiles are found in and around this lake.
32
Ucchali, Khabbaki and Jalar lake Bufferzone
The Ucchali complex is an internationally well known area for wetland

conservation. This site is located in the Salt Range of north central Punjab, Pakistan. The
Ucchali complex is a combination of three interdependent wetlands: Ucchali, Khabbaki
and Jalar. The three lakes are in a closed basin surrounded by hills. The wetlands are
important for international conservation as they presently support the only wintering
flock of White-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala) visiting Pakistan. Along with the
White-headed duck, three other bird species also listed in the IUCN Red Data Book are
supported on these lakes: the Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), the Imperial eagle
(Aquila heliaca) and the Sociable plover (Vanellus gregarius). Other important avian
species visiting the wetlands include Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus ruber), Pied harrier
(Circus melanoleucos), Greylag goose (Anser anser) and the ferruginous duck (Aythya
nyroca) besides many others.
On the recommendations of the World Wildlife Appeal in 1966, Khabbaki lake

was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. It was then declared a Ramsar site in 1976. The area
was de-notified in 1987 but, following the recommendations of the Ramsar Mission in
1991, Khabbaki lake was again declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in December 1992. Ucchali
lake was declared a Game Reserve in May 1986 and its conservation status was extended
for another five years from may 1991.
Lake Jalhlar was given the status of Wildlife Sanctuary in 1993. Following the
1991 Ramsar Mission, it was proposed to declare the total Ucchali Complex as a Ramsar
site. The Ucchali wetlands cover about 1243 hectares and are managed as protected areas
under the Punjab Wildlife Act (1974).
Indus Delta and River System
The Indus delta extends over an area of some 6000 hacters, on the border between
Pakistan and India. Its seaward coastline is about 346 km, a vast complex of river
channels and creeks. Low lying Sandy Island, mangrove swamps and intertidal mudflats
covering about 200 km of outer edge of the delta. The mangroves in this region are
considered to be the sixth largest in the world. Wildlife here is found nowhere else in
Pakistan. Mammals include Wild boar, Hog deer, Fishing cat, Smooth-coated Otter,
Small Indian Civet, Jungle cat, Jackal, Desert hare, Dolphin and Finless Black Porpoise.
Birds of this region are Grey heron, Purple heron, Night heron, Flamingo, White pelican,
Dalmacian pelican, Brahminy kite, Marsh harrier, Black shouldred kite, Kestrel, Indian
sparrow hawk, Coucal, Purple moorhen and Water rail.
The Sind and Makran Coast
The Makran Coast stretches from the Iranian border at the mouth of River Dasht
eastward 700 km towards the Hub River. The coastline east of Hub River to the mouth of
Indus river is called the Sind coast. This area is the wintering ground of numerous waders
and waterfowl in the winters as well as a breeding ground for many resident species of
33
birds. The Arabian sea which makes this area contains many species of unique mammals
only found here. The mammals of this area include the largest land mammal on this
planet the Blue Whale. Other mammals are Fin Whale, Bryde's Whale, Humpback
Whale, Dwarf Sperm Whale, Finless Porpoise, and Long-beaked Dolphin, Rough-toothed
Dolphin, Indian Humbacked Dolphin, Bottled-nose Dolphin, Melon-headed Whale, False
Killer Whale, Goosebeaked Whale and possibly Dugong. This area is the breeding
ground of the Green and the Olive Ridley turtle. There is a diverse marine life found
along this coastline.
HUMAN IMACT ON SPECIES EXTINCTION
People rely on natural resources to provide for their basic needs, including food, shelter,
and clothes, but also compete for the space occupied by natural habitats. Population
growth and human development therefore affect biodiversity both directly and indirectly.
The effects of humans on the environment, including use of land and other natural
resources, are the greatest factors underlying the current declines in biodiversity. Around
the world, with its rich and unique biological resources, the impacts of human on the
environment have become increasingly marked.
Human Pressure on the Environment
Historically, low human population densities and regulated use of natural

resources protected the balance of ecosystems. However, over the last 1,000 years human
impacts on the land have increased, mainly through deforestation and increased use of
pastures. Such problems have intensified over recent years with unprecedented
population growth and urbanization since 19th century, resulting in increased human
impacts not only on individual species, but also on whole ecosystems.
The population density directly influences the impacts of humans on biodiversity.

To ensure that human development is sustainable, society develops mechanisms to
regulate impacts on biodiversity and natural resources, including laws, protected areas for
threatened species and ecosystems, and regulations for use.
Increases in population and human impacts between 1920 and 1990
Parameter Factor of increase

Population 5-fold
Urban population 26-fold
Urban spread 14-fold
Industrial districts and centers 30-fold
Irrigated land area 3-fold
Cultivated land area 1.5-fold
Areas under construction (buildings, roads, streets, etc) 20-fold
34
Habitat modification and loss
Anthropogenic impacts have affected a large proportion of the world, and have
led to damage and destruction to natural habitats. Over the last 50 years agricultural
intensification has resulted in the loss of natural grasslands and wetland ecosystems,
while felling of forest areas has resulted in substantial losses in biodiversity. Habitat loss
has affected food resources and nesting opportunities for a range of species, and restricted
range species have been particularly affected, including a number of threatened species.
For example, the drainage to water bodies had affected the aquatic biodiversity by
destroying spawning areas and leading to severe declines in species.
Over-use of biological resources
Around the world both habitats and species have suffered from unregulated use.
Although few figures are available, concern is expressed about the impacts of over-
collection of wild plants and poaching of animals. Among species most at risk are plants
of edible, medicinal or decorative use, and over-collection of such species has affected
the semi-deserts, steppes and meadows in which they occur. Among animals, snakes have
suffered over-collection for their venom, while the fish resources of and other water
bodies are declining as a result of over-fishing. Habitats, particularly pasturelands, have
also suffered degradation through over-use. Over 50% of pasture lands are now degraded,
and these show reduction in species diversity, succession with poisonous and inedible
species, soil compaction, loss of vegetation cover and erosion.
Pollution
Pollution is a major issue of whole the world, involving not just current
emissions, but the heritage from pollution during the history. Sources of pollution include
industrial centers, mining enterprises, chemical and power plants, and vehicle emissions.
Much pollution remains as inheritance in the next generations. While air pollution has
declined substantially, heavy metal and chemical pollution of soil and water remains an
important threat to biodiversity.
Climate change
An indirect impact of pollution on the natural environment comes from the

predictions of global warming. Increases of 2-3 °C are predicted for world’s climate,
along with declines in rainfall, resulting in increased risks of desertification. This is likely
to severely affect wetland habitats and associated species, while changes in the
distribution of habitats may affect the range and viability of a number of species.
Various Hazards to Wildlife and Biodiversity

From habitat fragmentation to car fatalities, invasive species to development,
wildlife in and around our national parks face a number of serious threats to their
survival. The first step is to understand the cause of the problems. Various hazards to
wildlife include:
35
Population depletion
The IUCN Red List of threatened species lists 45 species of internationally

threatened animals occurring in Pakistan. Of these, four are critically endangered, 12
endangered and 29 vulnerable. Out of these 45 species, 18 are mammals, 17 birds 9
reptiles, and one fish. Several of these threatened species are found in Northern Areas.
Among the endangered mammals are the snow leopard, Flare horned markhor, Marco
Polo sheep, Ladakh urial, musk deer, brown bear, and woolly lying squirrel. The
population of many bird species like snow cock and monal pheasant is so depleted as to
be heading towards local extinctions. Although no systematic study has been conducted
to evaluate the status of many of these species, some site-specific studies indicate that
populations of these species are very low indeed.
The main reasons for such depletions are over hunting, habitat loss and habitat
fragmentation. The Astore markhor and Ladakh urial occurred at lower elevations and
were under heavy hunting pressure both for meat and trophies. The musk deer has also
been hunted so much for its scented pod that now it is considered endangered.
Air Pollution and Climate Change: Power plants near several of our national parks
are polluting the air and damaging plant as well as animal life. The burning of these fossil
fuel (coal and oil), for example results in an accelerated rate of global warming, a trend
that scientists say will wreak havoc on temperatures, storm systems, and precipitation,
which in turn will gravely affect habitat and migration patterns.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Without habitat, there is no wildlife. It's that simple. Overpopulation has

destroyed wildlife resources at an alarming scale by destroying the habitats which are the
sites for wildlife.
"How long can men thrive between walls of brick, walking on asphalt pavements,
breathing the fumes of coal and of oil, growing, working, dying, with hardly a thought of
wind, and sky, and fields of grain, seeing only machine-made beauty, the stone-like
quality of life?"
More specific threats to biodiversity are posed by deforestation (estimated at 1%

annually), overgrazing, soil erosion, rampant hunting and fishing, and agricultural
practices. As a result, it is estimated that at least 12% of the flora is threatened and
several of the faunal species are threatened too. However, the real status of most species
remains unknown. Some of the major threats posed by human activities are discussed
below:
36
Population Growth
The principal threat to biodiversity comes from the increased pressure on natural
resources produced by high population growth and demands for increased standards of
living. The process of economic development itself widens inequality and may force the
poor to depend heavily on natural resources, while the development models followed, in
most instances, have been incompatible with the sustainable use of natural resources.
Irrigated Agriculture
It is another major threat to both the riverine and mangrove forests of Pakistan,
which are fast disappearing Riverine forests were rich in a wide variety of plants such as
obhan, and animals like hog, deer, jungle cat, fishing cat, and gray and black partridges.
Mangrove forests are particularly important habitats for certain fish species as noted
earlier. Both have been identified as endangered ecosystems, and if they disappear they
take with them a unique association of species. Marginal changes in water releases at
certain times are critical to the preservation of riverine habitats, it might br possible to
accommodate them, but if they require water diversions at times when irrigation demands
are high and water supplies are short, the chances of being able to maintain them are low.
Hunting
Hunting has deep roots in Pakistani culture. It was the recreation of the Moghul
emperors and is still extremely popular today. Wild animals have been hunted to
extinction from hunting pressure. Various lizards and snakes are hunted for their skins, as
are crocodiles and the larger mammals. Distributing the natural order has other more
subtle consequences. The increase in the numbers of wild boars, jackals, and porcupines,
for example, is directly attributable to the elimination of their predators, particularly the
large cats. A greater number of wild boars has led to the trampling and uprooting of
gropes and a reduction in the numbers of snakes, which in turn has led to an increase in
the number of rats, responsible for post-harvest losses of grain. The loss of birds of prey
has led to an increase in undesirable bird species. And having more birds can destroy
undergrowth, through their droppings, or even the roost tree itself, which in turn can
lessen the ability to resist water erosion, an ever-present threat in Pakistan.
Deforestation and Loss of Habitat
A greater threat to wildlife than hunting, however, is probably the disappearance

of habitat or the competition with domestic grazing animals. The closed canopy forest in
the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan is reported to be shrinking at
approximately 1% per year. Pressure stem from commercial logging (though this is not
extensive), and the cleared areas. More significant is the relentless, incremental
incursions into the forest by subsistence farmers; the killing of trees through lopping,
burning, and tapping; the development of small agricultural plots among the trees; and
excessive grazing by domestic animals.
37
INVASIVE SPECIES
The introduction of new species to an area can result in a loss of biodiversity. This
statement seems to contradict itself, but it is true. The reason: when a species invades an
area it can drive native species to extinction. Introduced species often increase local
biodiversity but decrease global biodiversity. Everywhere humans settle they bring along
familiar animals and plants. As a result, a few hardy species are enjoying world-wide
distributions while localized native species disappear. Species that are part of this elite,
increasingly world-wide fauna include the black rat, house mouse, muskrat, feral goat,
house sparrow, starling, common carp, brown trout, mosquito fish, Japanese clam, and
cabbage butterfly.
An introduced species is as one that invades, as the result of human activities, an

area where it was not historically present and therefore where it has not evolved. Most
often, humans help these species cross barriers such as mountains and oceans that had
previously inhibited the movement of species. An introduced species is opposed to a
native species, one which has evolved in the area where it is found.
The number of species being introduced worldwide is growing rapidly because of

the development of fast modern transportation systems that move humans and other
organisms over great distances. Often introduced species are unsuccessful in establishing
populations because the habitat is not suitable or because organisms already present
prevent them from doing so. All too often, however, introduced species are able to
establish populations. In many cases these introduced species become pests because they
alter habitats and/or become harmful competitors or predators on native species. They
may also bring with them diseases and parasites that threaten humans and other species.
In many cases the combination of human alteration of habitats and introductions of exotic
species has put entire native floras and faunas in danger of extinction.
Why are species introduced?
Species can be introduced intentionally for a variety of reasons. One of these is

for aesthetic enhancement of the surrounding environment. During the European
settlement of the New World, there were many plants and animals brought over because
of unfamiliarity with New World species. Organisms can be deliberately introduced as a
food source. Common carp are a good example of this. Carp are appreciated as food in
much of the world and they were initially introduced as food by immigrants from
Germany. Bullfrogs, introduced as a food source in the western United States, have
become a dominant member of many aquatic systems. Domesticated animals such as
goats, pigs, and cattle have been introduced throughout the world for food and often have
enormous impacts on their environment when they establish uncultured populations.
Another reason organisms are introduced is for recreation. This has been most
commonly done with fish, mammals, and birds that are introduced as game species. In
many cases, these introductions are beneficial to people because they provide
38
opportunities for fishing and hunting. However, these species may end up doing harm
because they threaten the existence of desirable native species. Examples include trout.
Species are introduced on occasion for biotic control. This biological management
technique is used when a species, often an introduced plant or small animal species,
becomes so abundant that it creates problems. To control the spread of the pest species,
another species that is known to consume the pest is introduced. In the past, control
species have become pests as well. An example of this is the grass carp that has been
introduced into many parts of the world to consume unwanted aquatic vegetation. The
grass carp has been more successful than expected and in some instances has removed
large amounts of vegetation that provided habitat for native fishes and food for
waterfowl. Under some conditions, biotic control may be a useful management technique
for controlling a pest species. For example, mosquitofish are widely planted in California
rice fields and urban areas to control mosquitoes and gnats. In these situations, they are
an effective and inexpensive alternative to pesticides. However, the effects of introducing
vertebrates are highly unpredictable and dangerous to ecosystems, so using them for
biotic control is risky.
Another reason for introduction, and one which is surprisingly common, is

through release of pets, better called misdirected kindness. Hundreds of exotic species
brought to Pakistan to occupy aquaria, cages, and garden sometimes escape or are
released by owners tired of taking care of them. In the majority of cases, these transplants
die of stress, starvation or being eaten by predators soon after their release, and do not
become a problem. However, there are numerous cases where the release of pets has
resulted in establishment of populations. This is especially the case with exotic fish that
have been released in large numbers by hobbyists or have escaped from fish farms. As
these fish are coldwater fish, they are only able to inhabit cold waters in Murree; hence,
introduced coldwater fish are found in waters of Murree and hilly areas of Pakistan. In
many cases, these species have become pests and now are virtually impossible to
eradicate. The combination of influence from these species and habitat alteration has put
many native species in these areas on the endangered list. Exotic birds have also found
their way into areas of Pakistan by means of unwise hobbyists. The intentional release of
colorful tropical birds such as parrots and parakeets apparently has been quite common in
areas where they are destructive to agricultural plants, especially fruit trees.
Another widespread problem is that of dogs which are abandoned by careless

owners. Those that survive the first few weeks of release often move into natural areas
where they drastically decrease the populations of nesting and migratory faunas, as well
other creatures.
Release of cats into wild areas is a form of ecosystem manipulation, a reason for
deliberate introductions by management agencies who wish to increase the biological
productivity of a system to increase the numbers of desirable species. This is often done
by introducing organisms to enhance the forage base of a desirable species such as game
animals. An example of this occurred in Lake Tahoe. A small shrimp was introduced to
provide food for lake trout. After this was done, the lake began losing its remarkable
39
clarity as the number of algae in the lake increased. One of the reasons suggested for the
clarity loss was that shrimp were eating zooplankton species that normally would have
eaten the algae. This occurred at a time when increased nutrients were also entering the
lake due to runoff and septic systems in the developed regions. Presumably the two
factors worked together to reduce clarity. Ironically, the lake trout did not increase in
response to the shrimp, and numbers of other species such as Salmon declined. Like
biological control, ecosystem manipulation is a risky venture because of the
unpredictability in how organisms will respond to changes in their environment.
At the present time, thousands of species of small fish and invertebrates are being
introduced all over the world through ballast water of ships. Ballast water is pumped into
an empty or loaded ship to alter its trim and stability. Modern cargo ships often carry
millions of gallons back and forth across the ocean. Planktonic plants and animals,
including the larvae of fish and mollusks, are pumped in with the water and dispersed as
the water is released, often thousands of miles away. Fish, and zooplankton brought in
with ballast water are now causing major problems in the water bodies.
Some of the most devastating introduced species are those that have become
undomesticated animals. These animals were once domesticated before becoming wild
and free-roaming. Examples include goats, pigs, cats and dogs etc. Even though they are
often introduced as they escape captivity, they are also deliberately released and are often
able to exist in a wide variety of habitats and climates.
Attributes of Introduced Species
To successfully live in an area, an invader must be able to tolerate the range of physical
conditions (such as temperature and moisture) in the area. For example, an alligator could
not invade the North Pole and a polar bear could not invade the Everglades because of
inappropriate temperatures for their survival. Therefore, an attribute of many introduced
species is their ability to withstand a wide range of physical conditions. The ability to
subsist on a wide variety of foods is another important attribute of many introduced
species. This ability allows the introduced organisms to find sustenance in areas that have
different types and arrangements of food than found in their native ranges. Successful
introduced species often have high dispersal rates, meaning they can reproduce and
spread their offspring rapidly. The ability to compete well with similar species is another
important attribute. The aggressive pursuit of food and places to reproduce is ways that
an introduced species can become competitively dominant. This often occurs when the
introduced species has larger or faster growing individuals. Possibly the most important
attribute is being able to live in close association with humans. If a species can survive in
urban, agricultural, or other areas impacted by humans, it has a good chance of being
successful. In fact, altered habitats are often dominated by introduced species.
Although introduced species are likely to have the general characteristics listed
above, in fact given the increase in extent and speed of global trade and transportation
and given our increasing knowledge of biology, really only two rules apply to introduced
species:
40
1. Any species can be successfully introduced.

2. Any ecosystem can be invaded by introduced species.
What areas are most vulnerable to introductions?
Ecological systems are so complex that it is extremely difficult to predict just

where introduced species are likely to succeed. Invaders are more likely to establish
themselves in areas that have been altered by humans and in areas with relatively simple
communities, such as on islands. It is now well established that disturbed habitats are
more readily invaded than undisturbed areas. Disturbed habitats are more easily invaded
because the disturbance has already reduced or disrupted the native populations. For
example, introduced fishes can readily establish themselves in new reservoirs that fill
after dams are built, but they have a hard time invading the streams above the reservoirs.
The streams are still dominated by native fishes that are unable to survive in the reservoir.
Such streams are said to have high environmental resistance to invasion.
Isolated habitats such as islands and desert springs, often suffer the most damage
from invaders. Such areas often have simplified communities because few species have
been able to find their way to them. The simplified communities make them easily
invaded because the species in these areas have evolved in the presence of few other
species and thus do not have the necessary adaptations to combat competition or
predation from unfamiliar species. This is referred to as a low degree of biotic resistance
of an ecological community to invasion. In desert springs where there are no native fish
predators, native pupfish have bold and aggressive courtship displays. As a consequence
they are easily caught and consumed when predatory largemouth bass are introduced into
the springs.
MIGRATORY BIRDS OF PAKISTAN
Pakistan receives a large number of migratory birds from Europe and Central
Asian States every year. These birds spend the winters in Pakistan and go back to their
native habitats in the summers. The route these birds take from Siberia to Pakistan is
known as International Migratory Birds' Route Number 4. It is also called the Green
Route or Indus Flyway. Out of seven flyways, Indus Flyway is one of the busiest routes.
Birds begin their journey in November. February is the peak time and by March they start
flying back. These periods may vary depending upon weather conditions in Siberia and in
Pakistan.
Birds' migration is of different forms: diurnal (during day), nocturnal (night

flights), altitudinal (from heights to lower parts) and latitudinal (from north to south).
One of the reasons for migration is that food is not available in indigenous habitats during
winter seasons. Other factors include changes in temperature, reduced daylight hours, and
instinctive behaviour.
41
The Indus Flyway is important due to the diverse species of birds that take this
route: Waterfowls, Cranes, Teals, Pintail, Mallard and Gadwall, and the list goes on.
Some extinguishing species like White Headed Duck, Houbara Bustard and Siberian
Crane also fly on this route for the deserts, sanctuaries, reserves and coastal areas of
Pakistan.
Out of the guest birds two are especially important: Houbara Bustard and Siberian
Crane. Houbara breeds mainly in the Kizil Kum Desert region, southeast of Aral Sea in
Central Asia and migrates in winters, with a large number settling down in Cholistan and
Thar deserts. The Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) is one of the rarest birds in the
world. It is snow white overall, with red skin covering the front of the head, face and
around the eyes. Siberian Cranes, start from the Ob River basin in Siberia and prefer to
spend winters at the Yakutiya River or the Poyang Lake in China. Some of them head for
Pakistan. Experts have already concluded that migratory birds have ecological and
environmental benefits and contribute towards the betterment of agriculture.
The number of guest birds is decreasing every year. Indus Flyway Committee
established in the early '70s and later the National Wetland Committee established in
1996 has not been able to make any difference to improve the living conditions of the
birds while they are in Pakistan. The situation can be improved only by dedicated efforts
and mutual collaboration of all concerned.
Think of the world without beautiful birds -- singing, humming, flying, and
fluttering, dipping, gliding and spreading colours in the sky, on the ground and on the
water surface. They are symbols of life.
Guest birds come to Pakistan from far and away as a tribute to the varied
topography and climate and natural diversity of our land, to make our country more
livable and likeable. As hosts, our efforts to help them live peacefully are a valid field of
activity for sustainable living in the future.
ENDANGERED SPECIES OF PAKISTAN
Listed below are the definitions for the categories and the criteria that were used to place
each species in the categories of highest degree of threat;
Extinct (EX): A species is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last
individual has died. A species is presumed extinct when exhaustive surveys in known
and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), and throughout
its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame
appropriate to the species’ life cycle and life form.
Extinct in the Wild (EW): A species is Extinct in the Wild when it is known only to
survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population (or populations) well
outside the past range. A species is presumed Extinct in the wild when exhaustive
surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal,
42
annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should
be over a time frame appropriate to the species's life cycle and life form.
Critically Endangered (CR): A species is Critically Endangered when the best available
evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered (see
Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction
in the wild.
Endangered (EN): A species is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates
that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered (see Section V), and it is therefore
considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Vulnerable (VU): A species is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates
that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable (see Section V), and it is therefore
considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Near Threatened (NT): A species is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated
against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or
Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened
category in the near future.
Least Concern (LC): A species is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the
criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near
Threatened. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.
Data Deficient (DD): A species is Data Deficient when there is inadequate information
to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution
and/or population status. A species in this category may be well studied, and its biology
well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution are lacking. Data
Deficient is therefore not a category of threat. Listing of taxa in this category indicates
that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility that future research
will show that threatened classification is appropriate. It is important to make positive use
of whatever data are available. In many cases great care should be exercised in choosing
between DD and a threatened status. If the range of a species is suspected to be relatively
circumscribed, and a considerable period of time has elapsed since the last record of the
species, threatened status may well be justified.
Not Evaluated (NE): A species is Not Evaluated when it is has not yet been evaluated
against the criteria.
The following list includes all mammals which occur in Pakistan and are rated as
Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU) in the 2005 IUCN
Red List of Threatened Animals.
• Endangered:
o Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus).
43
o Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus).

o Hotson's Mouse-like Hamster (Calomyscus hotsoni). (Endemic to
Pakistan.)
o Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor).
o Markhor (Capra falconeri).
o Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia).
o Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus).
• Vulnerable:
o Argali (Ovis ammon).
o Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus).
o Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra).
o Dugong (Dugong dugon).
o Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra).
o Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).
o Geoffroy's Bat (Myotis emarginatus).
o Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
o Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros).
o Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus euryale).
o Mouflon (or Urial) (Ovis orientalis).
o Sind Bat (Eptesicus nasutus).
o Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata).
o Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus).
THE PAKISTAN WETLANDS PROJECT
The Pakistan Wetlands Programme (PWP) aims to promote the sustainable conservation
of freshwater and marine wetlands and their associated globally important biodiversity in
Pakistan. The programme strategy is based on two sub-sets of objectives. The first will
provide the required policy, institutional, technical and financial framework and generate
positive public support essential for the mainstreaming of wetlands conservation. The
second involves the design and implementation of Sustainable, participatory management
plans for four independent demonstration sites, each chosen to be representative of a
broad eco-region in Pakistan. It includes specific mechanisms to secure financial
sustainability and enhanced replication and proliferation of viable wetlands management
interventions in a nation-wide, on-going wetlands conservation initiative.
Despite the generally arid nature of Pakistan's climate, the region supports an
estimated 780,000 ha of wetlands that cover 9.7% of the total surface area of the country.
In excess of 225 significant wetlands sites are on record in the prototype Pakistan
Wetlands. Nineteen of these have been internationally recognized by the Ramsar
Convention Bureau as being of global importance. The diverse assortment of natural
freshwater and marine wetlands that occur within Pakistan support unique combinations
of biodiversity. The same resource however, also sustains an estimated 144 million
44
permanent human residents and 3-4 million displaced persons from adjacent countries.
The wetlands of the region are, therefore, generally degrading under a broad spectrum of
anthropogenic threats that are mainly rooted in poverty but worsen by lack of knowledge
and mismanagement.
Global Significance
Pakistan's permanent and short-lived wetlands are globally significant in two

ways: first, in terms of the intrinsic value of their indigenous biodiversity and secondly,
as an acute example of the poverty/survival use nexus that constitutes one of the most
fundamental threats to biodiversity worldwide. The high global significance of Pakistan's
wetlands is attributable to the diversity of species that they support. In all, eighteen
threatened species of wetlands dependent mammals are found in the country including
the endemic Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) and Indus River Dolphin
(Plantanista minor). Further, twenty threatened bird species are supported by Pakistan's
wetlands in addition to twelve reptiles and two endemic species of amphibians. Pakistan's
wetlands also support between 191-198 indigenous freshwater fish species, including
fifteen endemics and a total of 788 marine and estuarine fish species. The high altitude
wetlands, characterized by sites such as Karumbar Lake, situated at an elevation of 4, 150
m, and Saucher Lake, at 4,250 m on the Deosai Plains, represent a relatively unique
category of alpine wetlands that is confined to the Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakoram
mountain cordilleras.
Protection and Management of Pakistan Wetlands Project
The Protection and Management of Pakistan Wetlands is a UNDP/GEF funded project.

The executing agency is the Government of Pakistan, which has delegated the
implementation responsibility of this project to WWF Pakistan. The overall objective of
this project is to undertake the necessary preparatory work and lay a strong foundation for
the successful implementation for the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity
of Pakistan wetlands. The project will contribute towards the fulfillment of the
Government’s obligations under various conventions. The project will strengthen
government and local capacity to protect and manage selected representative and globally
important wetlands ecosystems. The project would also develop mechanisms to involve
local communities, line departments and NGOs to conserve and manage the wetland
ecosystems.
INDUS FOR ALL
Pakistan embarks upon the implementation of the 50 year Indus Ecoregion Programme.
The overall purpose of the Indus for All Programme is to initiate implementations of the
Indus Ecoregion Programme that stems from a 50 years Vision in collaboration with the
Government of Sindh and its relevant departments in four of the fifteen prioritized
ecosystems-Keti Bunder Mangrove Forest and Kinjhar (Kairi) Freshwater Lake in Thatta
District, Chotiari Reservoir in Sanghar District, and Pai Riverine Forest in Nawabshah.
The Indus For All Programme has begun implementation of priority interventions
45
identified by Indus Ecoregion Programme in July 2006 for improving institutional

capacity and awareness for sustainable environment management at micro, meso, and
macro levels. The fifty year and five year objectives and outputs of Indus For All
Programme further highlight the relationship between the programme team and multiple
stakeholders, including federal agencies and civil society organisations for programme
implementation. The scope of the Indus For All Programme is elaborated with reference
to the recommendations that emerged from a number of consultations made during the
ecoregion visioning process spreading over five years viz. PRSP (Poverty Reduction
Strategy Paper), NEAP (National Environmental Action Plan), National Devolution Plan
and National Water Management Act, from 1999 to 2004.
Implementation of the Indus For All Programme in four sites would require six
years, beginning from July 2006 and ending in March 2012. The inception phase aims
towards developing consensus on the board size and scope of interventions indicated in
the preliminary work plans prepared for initial planning of Indus For All Programme to
produce 13 outcomes and 47 outputs addressing 12 of the 44 Indus Ecoregion
Programme milestones directly as agreed upon by WWF-Pakistan as part of multi-
stakeholders consultations in 2004-05. The pre-IESC (Indus Ecoregion Steering
Committee) meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary of Sindh and representatives of
seven government departments was the latest highlight. At the meeting civil society
organisations were also represented.
The programme is designed to achieve the following four Indus For All
Programme objectives in support of five biodiversity objectives of the Indus Ecoregion
Programme as shown in the matrix below. Moreover, the Indus For All Programme
objectives are designed to secure mid-term results that will ensure necessary levels of
integration and ownership amongst the stakeholders essential for realising a long-term
perspective Indus 2055 vision.
Development of the Indus Ecoregion Programme and the Indus for All
Programme to implement its first five years was funded by the Royal Netherlands
Embassy (RNE), WWF’s Living Waters Programme (LWP) and WWF –International
Asia-Pacific Programme. The global WWF Network is heavily involved in supporting
Programmes globally and through out Asia –Pacific Ecoregion.
5-year Indus For All Programme Objectives
I. Community-based NRM (Natural Resource Management) in four (Keti Bunder,

Kinjhar, Pai forest and Chotiari) priority areas contribute to improved livelihoods.
II. Improved natural resources and livelihoods through mainstreaming of poverty-
environment linkages at policy, planning and decision-making levels.
III. Improved institutional capacity and awareness for sustainable management at
various levels.
IV. Improved alignment and collaboration for stakeholder interventions.
46
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF MANGROVE FAUNA AND FLORA
Introduction to Mangroves
The term “mangrove” refers to a tidally influenced wetland ecosystem within the
intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical latitudes. Mangrove also designates the marine
tidal forest that includes trees, shrubs, palms, epiphytes and ferns. The distinctive
community of plants and animals associated with mangroves is sometimes referred to as
the ‘mangal’. The origins of the terms for mangrove are well researched by Vanucci
(1989). She concludes that the word mangue is from West Africa, Senegal, Gambia and
Guinea. The Portuguese adopted the word in the 15th century and spread it throughout the
world. Later the Spaniards adopted the words mangle and manglar. The English word
mangrove is a derivation of the Portuguese or Spanish meaning grove made of mangue.
Mangrove ecosystems are heterogeneous habitats with an unusual variety of

animals and plants adapted to the environmental conditions of highly saline, frequently
inundated, soft bottomed anaerobic mud. Not all mangroves are obligated to live in saline
intertidal areas. Plants that are confined to the mangrove are called true mangroves;
plants that can also occur elsewhere are called mangrove associates. True mangrove
plants develop morphological specializations and special physiological mechanisms to
adapt to the mangrove environment. They are taxonomically isolated from terrestrial
relatives, occur only in mangrove forests and can form pure stands.
Mangrove associates never grow in true mangrove communities and may occur in
terrestrial vegetation. The mangrove fauna includes terrestrial, marine, temporary and
permanent animal species, all of which have different adaptations to cope with the
mangrove environment. The diversity of mangroves is high, but the variety of mangrove
ecosystems also makes it difficult to produce general guidelines for conservation and
management of mangroves because each system is unique.
Distribution and Area of Mangroves
Mangrove ecosystems are estimated to cover 181,000 km2 worldwide. The best
developed mangroves grow along humid sheltered tropical coasts for example in the delta
systems of major rivers like the Ganges, Mekong and Amazon, and coastlines protected
by large land masses - for example Madagascar, the Indonesian Archipelago and Papua
New Guinea. Here mangroves often form the most extensive and diverse tidal forests
with large tree girths of 50 cm or more and heights of 20 to 45 m. Out of 102 countries
recorded with mangroves, the ten countries with the largest areas (more than 5,000 km2)
are shown in extensive and diverse tidal forests with large tree girths of 50 cm or more
and heights of 20 to 45 m.
Out of 102 countries recorded with mangroves, the ten countries with the largest
areas (more than 5,000 km2) are Indonesia, Brazil, Australia and Nigeria have 43% of the
world’s mangroves and each has between 25% and 60% of the mangroves in their
respective regions (Asia, Americas, Australasia and West Africa). The considerable
47
heritage of mangroves in these countries dictates that the political and management
decisions relating to mangroves will have a significant effect on the global status of
mangrove ecosystems in the future.
Mangrove Biodiversity
Because mangroves occupy the intertidal zone, they interact strongly with aquatic,
inshore, upstream and terrestrial ecosystems and in this way mangroves help to support a
diverse flora and fauna of marine, freshwater and terrestrial species. It is essential to
regard biological diversity at three levels: genetic, species and ecosystem.
The genetic diversity in mangroves is almost unknown. The movement of

mangrove plant genetic material for reforestation purposes, or other uses, must be
controlled and recorded more carefully than at present. Genetic material should come
from local sources wherever possible, using good quality mangrove forest stands as the
source of the material.
Mangrove species diversity is well known for the larger animals and plants, but
poorly known for micro-organisms and insects. A crucial aspect of biodiversity for
mangrove management is that many species use the mangrove forest ecosystem only part
of the time (eg. fish, birds, crustaceans, shellfish). Thus, the mangrove habitat supports
many more species as visitors, or indirectly, and these support functions must be taken
into account as part of conservation management.
The many unique species of mangrove animals and plants and their
morphological and physiological specializations to the diverse and dynamic habitat
characteristics of mangroves make them extremely valuable for further research into
biological adaptations. A number of mangrove plant and animal groups also provide
valuable subjects for evolutionary studies.
Mangrove systems are diverse at the ecosystem level because mangroves can
grow in a wide range of geographical, climatic, hydrological and edaphic (soil)
conditions. There are also many strong and unique human cultural associations with
mangroves country to country.
Consequently the structure, productivity and functions of mangrove forest

ecosystems are also highly variable. These characteristics at the ecosystem level must be
considered as part of habitat and biodiversity assessment (in order to set conservation
priorities area by area).
At the species and ecosystem levels, the following are critical to the success of mangrove
biodiversity conservation:
9 Protection of mangrove forest habitat - especially mixed species forests.

9 Preservation of the natural hydrological regime operating in the
ecosystem.
48
Mangrove Valuation
The mangrove ecosystem has important direct and indirect economic, ecological
and social values to man. Mangrove ecosystems have consistently been undervalued,
usually because only their direct goods and services have been included in economic
calculations (e.g. forestry resources), but this represents only a minor part of the total
value of mangroves. By undervaluing mangrove ecosystems, development has too often
favored their rapid conversion and loss. Mangrove conversion usually leads to short-term
economic gain at the expense of greater, but longer-term, ecological benefits and off-site
values.
The non-market values, for example species biodiversity and off-site functions
such as nutrient export are not easily quantified, but have been shown to be significant.
The total economic value of mangroves must be calculated in order to provide decision-
makers with the real cost of converting mangroves to other apparently more profitable
uses. In particular, long-term ecological benefits and off-site values should be included in
valuations for mangroves.
Mangroves play an important role in the functioning of adjacent ecosystems,

including terrestrial wetlands, peat swamps, saltmarshes, seagrass beds and coral reefs.
There are harmful repercussions in these other ecosystems when common ecological
processes are compromised through poor management decisions involving mangroves.
There is a need for new research to develop stronger valuation techniques/models

that adequately value all the functions, attributes and services of the mangrove
ecosystem. In particular new techniques are required to better assess the value of
mangrove biodiversity and ecosystem support.
Conservation Strategies
First priority should be given to conserving the remaining areas of natural

mangrove forest, especially areas supporting mature, seedling-bearing trees. Even small
patches of mature forest (e.g. a few hectares in size) may be invaluable for the natural
propagation of mangroves, and as a source of seedlings for restoration planting.
Core representative habitats of the regions biodiversity should be protected and

linked with corridors to permit migration, adaptation and protection of the ecological
linkages Particularly valuable wetland habitats from an ecological and biodiversity
perspective, can be conserved most effectively by assigning to them special status which
is clearly recognized nationally, or internationally. This would include a designation as
e.g. a national park, nature reserve, gazetted forest at national level, or e.g. Biosphere
Reserve, Ramsar site, or World Heritage Site at the international level.
It is important to keep a protective zone of mangroves, particularly as a buffer

against coastal erosion. Local guidelines must always be followed in this regard. The
requirement is a minimum of 100 m, but preferably up to 500 m or 1 km (as advocated in
49
the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, which is subject to typhoons) at the open coast, and 30-50 m
along riverbanks.
Activities in the upland water catchment area should also be taken in to

consideration for conservation and management of mangroves and where possible the
links between habitats should be maintained (e.g. water catchment area - mangroves -
seagrasses - coral reefs).
Habitat Restoration
A positive feature for mangrove ecosystem management is that mangrove forests

are relatively easy to restore through natural regeneration, or via artificial restoration
using planted seedlings. Natural re-colonisation is always preferable to planting
mangroves because it means that the most appropriate species occupy the shoreline and
natural succession can take place. However many of the functions and attributes of
mangroves, including their productivity and biodiversity support can be regained through
artificial restoration.
The planting of mangroves is simple, but to be effective mangrove restoration must be

undertaken carefully, with the following activities planned and budgeted for:
1. Site selection including detailed assessment of the hydrological conditions;

2. Species selection; tree spacing, thinning and maintenance criteria established;
3. A forest protection and monitoring system introduced; and
4. A public information and awareness-building programme incorporated in support
of the restoration effort.
As much as possible, mangrove restoration should involve mixed species planting, or at

least species other than the Rhizophora spp. should be included.
Special Considerations
In storm-prone areas of the world, the coastal protection value of mangroves must
be fully calculated and incorporated in management decision-making, as the storm
mitigation functions of mangroves can be shown to far exceed the apparent gains from
their exploitation for other forms of land development (e.g. Bangladesh, Vietnam).
The maintenance of hydrological linkages between upland catchment areas and coastal
wetlands are essential for wetlands to function. This aspect of management is important
everywhere, but becomes a crucial issue in the more arid regions of the world where
mangroves occur (e.g. Pakistan).
Institutional Issues
The Code of Conduct should identify key linkages and co-ordination needs
among government departments, NGOs, local communities, other user groups and public
50
bodies, and entrepreneurs who have an interest in the use and conservation of mangroves.
It would further recommend key legislation and enforcement mechanisms (e.g.
government and/or community-based ones) required for the effective conservation,
protection and sustainable use of mangroves.
Experience has shown that local communities have, by their own efforts alone,
little prospect of improving mangrove management, but with NGO support to help built a
sense of unity and common purpose, communities can influence policy and management
decisions to their benefit. Public support is also important in this regard.
51

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Lecture Notes: Wildlife of Pakistan (WECO-1001)

Pakistan lies approximately between 24° and 37° north latitude,

1. The great highlands

The Himalayan and the trans-Himalayan mountain ranges, rising to an average

Pakistan has a human population of some 141,500,000. The estimated annual

Flora and Fauna

Pakistan's coastline of 1,050 km consists of a variety of habitat types, supporting a

The Sulaiman and Kirthar Ranges present habitats manifesting unique

DISTRIBUTION OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA OF PAKISTAN

Ecosystems have been ranked to carry out conservation through comparative

1. Rann of Kutch flooded grasslands

Fish/ Invertebrates of Pakistan

As Pakistan is a predominantly arid and semi-arid country, it is not surprising that

One genus, the monospecific Teratolepsis, is endemic, while another,

Cranes: Siberian Crane, Sarus Crane, Eurasian Crane, Demosille Crane.

Pheasants: Indian Peafowl, Western Horned Tragopan Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant,

Vultures: Lammergier or Bearded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, King Vulture, Griffon

endemic subspecies like Chiltan markhor (Capra falconeri chialtanensis), Suleman

National Animal & National Bird of Pakistan

National Animal of Pakistan is Markhor & National Bird is Chakur

FACTORS INFLUENCING DISTRIBUTION OF FLORA AND FAUNA

Continental Drift and Animal Distribution

Changing Sea Levels

Glaciers also affected current species distributions in another way. Glacial

Effects of Climate on Species Distribution

Effects of climatic patterns on vegetation include:

• Wet areas support areas of dense tall vegetation.

Effects of climate on animal species

Climate influences animal distributions both directly and indirectly through

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES INVOLVED IN

The international organizations which are involved in conservation and management of

One of the country’s largest conservation Non Government Organization aims to

3. International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT)

The Snow Leopard Trust organization uses a combination of approaches that

4. Snow Leopard Network (SLN)

The Snow Leopard Network is a worldwide organization dedicated to facilitating

5. Snow Leopard Conservancy

The Snow Leopard Conservancy is dedicated to promoting innovative grassroots

The national wildlife conservation organizations in Pakistan are;

1. Zoological Survey Department

Zoological Survey Department was established in Pakistan in June, 1948, under

office of the organization is in Islamabad. The main objective of the organization is to

2. Sindh Wildlife Department

3. Punjab Wildlife Department

4. NWFP Wildlife Department

The Wildlife Organization in North-West Frontier Province emerged in 1974 as

5. Baluchistan Wildlife Department

6. The Birdwatcher's Club of Pakistan (BCP)

The Birdwatcher's Club of Pakistan (BCP) was founded in summer 2005 by a

7. Pakistan Society for Conservation of Wildlife (PaSCoW)

The office of Pakistan Society for Conservation of Wildlife is in Karachi. The

8. Pakistan Museum of Natural History

Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) at Islamabad was established in

9. Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development

Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency is an attached department of the

10. Society for Conservation and Protection of Environment (SCOPE)

11. Sarhad Conservation Network

Established as a non-profit advocacy organization in 2001, Sarhad Conservation

12. Shimshal Nature Trust

Shimshal is a farming and herding community of some 1100 inhabitants, situated

13. Pakistan Animal Welfare Society

Pakistan Animal Welfare Society aims to create an equitable relationship between

14. Himalayan Wildlife Foundation