Wildlife in Pakistan

Pakistan is home to a variety of wildlife. Its four seasons and geography give it an advantage as a host to different kinds of animals and birds. From snow leopards, markhor in the mountains, Indus River dolphins, Indus crocodiles, and green sea turtles in the water to the Himalayan golden eagles in the sky, the diversity can be seen everywhere and is an integral part of our ecosystem and heritage, but currently wildlife in Pakistan is facing life-threatening issues, making it a rapidly rising environmental issue.

One of the most significant threats to wildlife is habitat destruction. As the population is increasing, the demand for resources also increases; consequently, forests are cut down, wetlands are changed, natural areas are converted to residential areas, and to meet the demands of people, cities are being expanded, resulting in habitat loss for animals and birds. As the natural habitat is shrinking for animals, it also reduces the distance between animals and humans, resulting in human-wildlife conflicts. As animals may enter farms, villages, or urban areas for food and water, they may damage crops, livestock, property, or even cause injuries to both humans and animals.

Climate change is also a concerning problem, as animals and birds are sensitive to temperature changes. Rising temperatures, floods, droughts, changing rainfall patterns, and changing habitats can affect their food and water availability. It mostly affects species that have limited habitats, as it is difficult for them to adapt to these changes.

Illegal trading is a major concern, along with wildlife trafficking. Animals and birds are being captured or killed for food, the pet trade, or traditional medicine. Pangolin is one of the most affected, as it is in demand for its keratin in its scales.

Pakistan has wildlife protection departments, protected areas, national parks, laws, and conservation organizations to protect wildlife. Even though Pakistan has protection laws, it has weak enforcement, limited resources for monitoring, and a lack of public awareness that make these challenges harder to control.

The solution relies not only on the government but also on citizens of Pakistan to contribute to the protection of wildlife. Citizens can play an important role by reporting injured animals, restoring and protecting natural habitats, and spreading awareness.

It’s not too late for us to take a step towards the protection of our wildlife. In this modern era, using all means, like technology, it is easy to report and raise awareness about it. For the harmony of the ecosystem, it is essential to conserve endangered species because once they’re lost, it will be hard to bring them back, and the balance of the environment will be disturbed. It may seem like the loss of one species, but it’s the disturbance of a much larger web, affecting the entire ecosystem.