Green Pakistan Becomes a Haven for Migratory Birds

News Desk 

Peshawar: Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Pakistan has emerged as a vital sanctuary for wildlife and migratory birds, particularly through its wetlands that serve as crucial breeding and resting grounds.

Thanks to the Green Pakistan Initiative, which has expanded forestry cover and wildlife habitats, the country now hosts a larger number of migratory birds, including the endangered houbara bustard, which arrives in significant numbers during the winter season.

Known as the “Land of the Markhor,” Pakistan’s wetlands offer ideal breeding grounds for migratory birds, particularly those coming from the Central Asian Republics (CARs) and Siberia. 

The country’s forests and jungles, enriched with insects, plants, and wild fruits, have flourished under the Green Pakistan Programme, making it a more attractive destination for various species, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Dr Muhammad Mumtaz Malik, former Wildlife Department Chief for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), explained that Pakistan’s wetlands and deserts, such as those in Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan, serve as wintering habitats for the houbara, cranes, geese, and ducks. 

These birds travel along the Indus Flyway, migrating from Siberia and CARs, passing through the Karakoram, Hindukush, and Suleiman mountain ranges along the Indus River to the coastal regions of Sindh.

The houbara bustards, sensitive to environmental threats, typically arrive in Pakistan between October and December and return to their native regions by March or April. 

These birds, Dr Mumtaz noted, avoid returning to the same route if they perceive danger during their migration.

Despite the positive impacts of habitat expansion, Dr Mumtaz warned that some species face a declining population due to hunting and other factors. Cranes, for example, are often hunted during migration due to weak law enforcement. 

The situation is compounded by climate change, which threatens 90 wildlife species, including the Siberian crane, Indus dolphin, and several species of vultures and turtles.

Pakistan is home to around 786 wildlife species, with 90 species currently classified as endangered, vulnerable, or nearing extinction. 

Dr Mumtaz emphasized that community involvement is crucial for preserving these endangered species, as the enthusiasm for conservation efforts, especially from NGOs, has declined over time.

Gulzar Rehman, former Forest Conservator for KP, noted that the expansion of forests has significantly increased the frequency of migratory bird arrivals, particularly in KP.

 The province has established over 10 new forests, including Ghari Chandan in Peshawar, providing essential breeding grounds for migratory species.

Since 2015, Pakistan has taken legislative steps to protect its wildlife. New national parks and conservancies have been established, and regulations around trophy hunting, particularly of species like Markhor and Ibex, have been enforced to generate funds for wildlife conservation.

As a result, KP’s protected wildlife areas increased from 10.22 percent before 2018 to 15.61 percent by 2022. 

However, Dr Mumtaz stressed the importance of continued public awareness campaigns, particularly on digital media platforms, to discourage hunting and ensure the protection of migratory birds and wildlife for future generations.