Alarming Decline Threatens Parrot Populations in Pakistan

Hina Afzal Durrani

Islamabad: Climate change poses a significant threat to the survival of parrots in Pakistan, but there is no research in progress to assess its impact on their populations. Additionally, the absence of effective measures to combat the illegal smuggling of these birds further compounds the risks they face.

In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed an alarming trend of continuing decline in the parrot population. There are a number of contributing factors to the reduction, including habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation, making parrot survival difficult.Zoologists have observed that the critical nesting sites and vital food sources for these vibrant birds are dwindling, making it increasingly rare to spot these colorful parrots in the skies. The illegal wildlife trade is a major contributor to this crisis, as it results in the capture and sale of these parrots in exotic pet markets, disturbing their natural behaviors and causing a substantial decline in their populations.
Mehrban Ali, a Zoologist at Zoological Survey of Pakistan, said there are approximately 350 species of parrots worldwide. Among these, about 120 species are currently classified as endangered.

Zoologist Ali said there are four types of parrots in Pakistan, however, their numbers are declining due to their trafficking through seaports to the Gulf States such as the UAE and others, adding that there are few in sight right now.

There are four kinds of parrots that exist in Pakistan, but these limited species are in continuing decline due to their trafficking through seaports to Gulf States, including the UAE and others. There are few in sight now.Ali added that all four species prefer the rose-ringed parakeet. They are in high demand and are primarily transported to the Gulf countries.

Deforestation, according to the Zoologist, is the leading cause of these species’ decline because they grow in their natural environment, which is no longer available to them. They live and lay their eggs on old trees. These parrots’ nesting habitat are vanishing as a result of the destruction of these trees for infrastructure and other development purposes.

He said, “Very little research has been conducted on how climate change contributes to and affects parrot populations in Pakistan.

Sharing his observation, Ali said that the weather pattern has shifted in recent years. In severe weather conditions, old trees fall more quickly, causing parrot nesting areas to diminish.

Regarding the illegal smuggling of parrot species, Ali emphasized a ban on parrot capturing and their illicit trafficking in order to protect this endangered species. Furthermore, the Zoologist suggested both short-term and long-term and short-term programs aimed at conservation, as well as conducting awareness campaigns to educate hunters about the importance of preserving these birds.There is an urgent need to initiate research efforts to get accurate data and identify potential solutions to address this issue. It is imperative that the government, relevant departments, and civil society collectively take action to protect not only parrots but all bird species and their natural habitats.

Muhammad Dalik, a bird seller in Bara Kahu, said that Pakistan is fortunate to have four unique parrot species, namely the rose-ringed parakeet, the plum-headed parakeet, the Alexandrine parakeet, and the red-breasted parakeet, often referred to as “local” birds. He informed that the Punjab government has imposed a ban on the sale of these local parrots.

According to Dalik, he is not in favor of selling these local birds because they are adapted to natural environments and cannot thrive in captivity. Keeping them in cages can lead to their premature death.Dalik emphasized that a significant factor contributing to the decline of these local parrots is the extensive smuggling of these species to Gulf states, where there is high demand for them. He believes that imposing a ban is necessary to conserve these parrots and protect them from further harm.
There is a dire need to hire bird specialist staff at airports to curb their illegal exports to Gulf countries, he added.

Arif Goheer, Head of Coordination at the Global Climate Change Studies Centre (GCISC), highlighted several major factors contributing to the decline of the local parrot population in Pakistan.

These include the rampant capture of parrots for the illegal pet trade, a substantial reduction in green areas and parrot habitats, the absence of parrot-favored crops in their surroundings, and the use of pesticides in horticulture, particularly in mango and guava farming.Goheer further emphasized that climate change is also adversely affecting the parrot population. Changing temperatures and shifts in seasons disrupt the parrots’ habitat, leading to a mismatch between their behavior and environment, which ultimately results in a decline in their numbers.

He pointed out the lack of research on climate change and its impact on birds in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for more studies that focus on specific zones and bird. species in the context of climate change. Such research is essential to better understand the relationship between climate and bird species and how to safeguard bird populations from the challenges posed by climate change.

Goheer also recommended ceasing the capture of parrots for the pet trade and addressing deforestation as crucial measures to conserve their habitat. In light of these challenges, he concluded that a multifaceted approach is necessary to address this crisis.This approach should encompass habitat restoration, rigorous law enforcement against wildlife trafficking, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticides. These efforts are the need of the hour to safeguard the parrot populations in Pakistan.

Hina Afzal Durrani is APP staffer based in Islamabad and this feature is part of her fellowship contribution. 

Edited and additional input by Shazia Mehboob.