Protecting Pakistan’s Biodiversity | by Hammad Gillani

Having spent many years in Islamabad, I’ve seen the gradual change in our capital’s natural landscape with my own eyes. The rich wildlife that once thrived here is slowly disappearing, a clear sign of the impact that human activity and climate change are having on our environment.
I remember when the Margalla Hills were alive with the sounds of birds—the sweet whistles of the white-cheeked bulbul, the cheerful chirping of the house sparrow, and the soft cooing of the spotted dove. These sounds are now fading with each passing year. The grey goral, a shy goat-antelope that calls these hills home, has become a rare sight, driven to near-extinction by habitat loss and human encroachment.
In the past, troops of rhesus macaques would come down from the hills, amusing residents with their playful antics. While a few still remain, their numbers have noticeably dwindled. The Indian leopard, once the dominant predator of the Margallas, is now more of a legend than a real presence.
The tranquil Rawal Lake, which used to be full of life, shares a similar fate. The flocks of migratory birds that once visited each winter have significantly declined. Spotting a black-winged stilt or a little egret has become an increasingly rare delight.
Even the smaller creatures that used to thrive in our gardens and parks—the Oriental garden lizard, the Indian cobra, and the red-wattled lapwing—seem to have disappeared from many areas. The fireflies that once lit up summer nights like tiny, floating stars are now just a fading memory.
The gradual loss of Islamabad’s biodiversity isn’t just about the disappearance of natural beauty; it’s a warning of a deeper ecological crisis facing Pakistan. From the Himalayas to the Thar Desert, our rich tapestry of flora and fauna is under threat from human activities and the relentless advance of climate change.
Among the most vulnerable is the critically endangered Indus River dolphin, a unique species found only in the Indus River. Once thriving, their numbers have plummeted due to pollution, dam construction, and water scarcity. A 2017 WWF survey estimated just 1,816 dolphins remain, though conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and prevent poaching.
The Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, is also fighting for survival. These iconic goats, known for their distinctive horns, have been pushed to the brink by poaching and habitat loss. However, as of November 2023, their population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has increased to 5,621, thanks to focused conservation efforts.
The elusive snow leopard, a symbol of the Himalayan wilderness, is struggling to survive in Pakistan’s northern highlands. Climate change has disrupted their ecosystem, reducing prey and habitat availability. A recent survey estimated only 718 snow leopards remain across the region.
Pakistan’s forests, including the iconic Changa Manga and Himalayan forests, are rapidly vanishing, putting immense pressure on the wildlife that depends on them. Deforestation for urbanization, agriculture, and illegal logging has fragmented these once-thriving ecosystems, leaving countless species struggling to survive.
Along the coastline, mangrove forests, vital nurseries for marine life and natural barriers against erosion and storms, are being depleted at an alarming rate. The Ministry of Climate Change reports that Pakistan has lost over 50% of its mangrove cover in recent decades, threatening delicate coastal ecosystems and the species they support.
Pakistan’s rich biodiversity has also become a target for illegal wildlife trade, endangering many species. Exotic birds, reptiles, and freshwater turtles are often smuggled across borders, destined for international markets. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Pakistan is a major source and transit country for illegal bird trade, with thousands of birds smuggled out annually. The Sindh ibex, a wild goat from Balochistan, is also at risk, with its horns and meat fueling the illegal trade.
Climate change is worsening the challenges faced by Pakistan’s wildlife, altering habitats and disrupting ecosystems. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have forced species like the snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear to adapt or face extinction. Changing ocean currents and warming waters are also affecting the migration of birds and marine species, complicating conservation efforts. Cross-border cooperation and coordinated action are crucial to address these issues and protect migratory species.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan has shown a commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The government has established protected areas and implemented stricter laws against poaching and illegal trade. A notable example is the community-based conservation program for the markhor in Balochistan’s Torghar Hills, where local communities have played a key role in increasing markhor populations.
However, significant challenges remain to prevent irreversible biodiversity loss. Pakistan’s natural heritage is at a critical tipping point. As stewards of this land, we must prioritize conservation by engaging communities and advocating for policies that safeguard our vanishing species, guided by science and respect for nature.
The time to act is now. We must protect Pakistan’s biodiversity not just for the sake of these precious species, but for ourselves and future generations. By preserving our natural wonders, we ensure that our children and grandchildren can experience Pakistan’s unparalleled biodiversity. Through collective action at all levels, from local communities to national policymakers, we can make a difference—species by species, habitat by habitat—to ensure that Pakistan’s natural treasures thrive for generations to come.