Urgent need to protect Pakistan’s biodiversity| by Hammad Gillani

As the sun sets over Pakistan’s majestic landscapes, casting golden hues across its diverse ecosystems, a harsh reality looms – the nation’s rich biodiversity is under siege. From the towering Himalayas to the vast Thar Desert, a multitude of species are facing an existential threat, their habitats dwindling, and their futures hanging in the balance.
Pakistan, a land blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, is home to a tapestry of flora and fauna that has captivated the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Yet, the relentless pressures of climate change, habitat destruction, and unsustainable practices have pushed many of these precious species to the brink of extinction.
Among the most vulnerable residents of Pakistan’s ecosystems is the critically endangered Indus River dolphin, a unique mammal found only in the Indus River system. Once thriving in the waters of the Indus and its tributaries, these remarkable creatures have seen their numbers dwindle to alarming levels due to pollution, dam construction, and water scarcity. According to a survey conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2017, there are now estimated to be a mere 1,816 Indus River dolphins remaining in Pakistan. Fortunately, conservation efforts, such as WWF’s Indus River Dolphin Conservation Program, are underway, focusing on habitat protection, community engagement, and anti-poaching measures.
The majestic markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, is also facing an uphill battle for survival. These iconic goats, renowned for their corkscrew horns, roam the rugged mountainous regions of northern Pakistan. However, rampant poaching and habitat loss have pushed their populations to the brink. As of November 2023, the population of markhor has experienced a notable increase, reaching a total of 5,621 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thanks to concerted conservation efforts.
Moreover, the elusive snow leopard, a true icon of the Himalayan wilderness, is struggling to maintain a foothold in Pakistan’s northern highlands. Climate change has disrupted their fragile ecosystem, causing shifts in prey distribution and reducing the availability of suitable habitats. According to the first-ever survey of the animal in India in 2024, the estimated population of snow leopards across the region is a mere 718 individuals.
Pakistan’s forests, including the iconic Changa Manga Forest and the Himalayan forests, are rapidly disappearing, putting immense pressure on the wildlife that calls these habitats home. Deforestation for urbanization, agricultural expansion, and illegal logging has led to the fragmentation and degradation of these once-thriving ecosystems, leaving countless species scrambling for survival.
Along the coastline, the mangrove forests, which serve as nurseries for marine life and act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and storms, are being depleted at an alarming rate. According to the Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan has lost over 50% of its mangrove cover in the past few decades, endangering the delicate coastal ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Pakistan’s rich biodiversity has become a lucrative target for the illegal wildlife trade, threatening the survival of numerous species. Exotic birds, reptiles, and freshwater turtles are frequently smuggled across borders, often destined for international markets where they are sold as pets or used in traditional medicine. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Pakistan is a major source and transit country for the illegal trade of birds, with thousands of birds being smuggled out of the country each year. The sindh ibex, a wild goat found in the rugged mountains of Balochistan, has also fallen victim to poaching, with their horns and meat fueling the illegal trade.
Climate change is exacerbating the challenges faced by Pakistan’s wildlife, altering habitats and disrupting delicate ecosystems. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns have forced species like the snow leopard and the Himalayan brown bear to adapt or risk extinction. Moreover, the changing ocean currents and warming waters have affected the migration patterns of birds and marine species, posing new challenges for conservation efforts. Cross-border cooperation and coordinated action are crucial to address these transnational issues and ensure the survival of migratory species.
In the face of this biodiversity crisis, Pakistan has demonstrated a commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The government has taken noteworthy steps to address the challenges faced by its wildlife, such as the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of stricter laws against poaching and illegal trade. One remarkable example is the community-based conservation program for the markhor in the Torghar Hills region of Balochistan. This initiative has successfully engaged local communities in protecting the markhor population, leading to an increase in their numbers.
Despite efforts, daunting challenges remain to prevent irreversible biodiversity loss in Pakistan. The nation’s unique natural heritage is at a critical tipping point. As stewards, we must prioritize conservation by engaging communities and advocating for policies to safeguard vanishing species, guided by science and respect for nature. The time to act is now to protect Pakistan’s rich biodiversity for the sake of these precious species. By preserving our natural wonders, we secure an ecological legacy where future generations can experience Pakistan’s unparalleled biodiversity. Through collective action at all levels, we can make a difference species by species and habitat by habitat to ensure Pakistan’s natural treasures thrive for generations to come.