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Home , Astore Valley, Ayubia National Park, Changa Manga, Chashma Barrage, Common kingfisher, Conservation in Pakistan

Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012 WILDLIFE OF 1

Chief Editor: Z. B. Mirza Editor: Waseem Ahmad Khan Editorial Board: Grace M. Yoxon Saeed Akhtar Baloach Mohammad Naeem Bhatti Mohammad Javaid Ayub Nazish Mazhar Ali Naureen Mumtaz Safwan Shahab Ahmad Publisher: Pakistan Wildlife Foundation Basement Baloachistan Plaza, Fazal-ul-Haq Road, , , Pakistan Email: [email protected] Website: www.pakwildlife.org Registration No. 25001 - Copr Intellectual Property Organisation, ISSN 2227-1813 Printer: Vision Graphics Blue Area, Islamabad. 0301-5538710 Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

CONTENTS

03│ Editorial

04│ What is Wildlife

06│ Understaning the Snakes

11│ National Parks in Pakistan

14│ Wildlife and parks department -

18│ An Introduction to of -

21│ IUCN Threatened Categories

26│ Pitcher irrigation; Efficient Agriculture for Food Security and

2 28│ Mud Volcanoes of Pakistan

30│ Role of Children in Wildlife Conservation

32│ Musk Deer in

35│ Biological Control in the Context of Insect Biodiversity

36│ Barn : a Friend of Farmers

37│ Conservation awareness of Margallah Hills National park: a success story

39│ Wildlife Photography

41│ Wildlife News

45│ About Pakistan Wildlife Foundation

49│ Announcements

60│ Acknowledgments Crested (Galerida cristata) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Cover Photo: Common ( atthis) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

EDITORIAL

Pakistan Wildlife Foundation (PWF) lovers, university students and nature . was established in June 2010 as a researchers to share their wildlife Pakistan Wildlife Foundation non-profit, conservation organization related experiences and ideas awards “Best Article Shield” to the by a small group of likeminded besides help protect, preserve, writers on the basis of readers’ conservationists, nature lovers and conserve, management of wildlife, evaluations to inculcate an interest wildlife ecologists with the mission their habitats and their wise and in communicating among wildlife to enhance awareness among the sustainable utilization in the lovers and young writers. masses in the country regarding country. WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN; biodiversity and environment and a quarterly magazine has been Readers comments, suggestions to change their attitudes towards launched to disseminate wildlife and recommendations will be greatly positive, sensible and responsible related news, issues, ideas and appreciated by the Editors. actions for nature. The foundation information for wildlife lovers in the was incorporated with Securities and country and abroad. The magazine A separate section; “Letters to Exchange Commission of Pakistan encourages wildlife lovers to Editor” is allocated in the magazine (SECP) in October, 2010 under the communicate effectively. for readers’ feedback. The Editorial Corporate Universal Identification Board can be accessed / approached No. 0073723. It also serves as a medium to through Emails at; propagate the national and the Pakistan Wildlife Foundation aims individuals’ achievements and land [email protected] to provide a platform for the nature marks of interest among youth for [email protected] WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 3

Observing Marcopolo Sheep ( ammon polii) in Karchenai Nullah, © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Atif Yaqub Muhammad Faizan Naeem Lahore Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

WHAT IS WILDLIFE!

When we hear the term "wildlife", it undomesticated state. Oxford collectively. Longman Cambridge generally refers to large ferocious Advanced Learner's Dictionary advanced learner's dictionary living in jungles and forests defines the term wildlife as animals, describes wildlife as animals and such as tigers, , elephants, , insects, etc. that are wild plants that grow independently , Wild boars, deer's etc. But and live in a natural environment. of people, usually in natural in fact, "wildlife" implies to any living According to the concise Oxford conditions. Longman dictionary of organism in its natural habitat which dictionary of zoology, “wildlife is Contemporary English Advanced includes all plants, animals and any undomesticated organisms, Learner's dictionary delimits the micro organisms except cultivated although the term is sometimes term wildlife as animals and plants plants and domesticated animals. restricted to wild animals, excluding growing in natural conditions. From ecological view point, wildlife plants”. Collin's concise dictionary Dictionary of contemporary English is a renewable resource. Wildlife and thesaurus terms wildlife as quotes wildlife as animals and also includes the flora present in flora and . Collin's English plants growing in natural conditions. WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN the forests. Basically the flora is the dictionary refers wildlife as wildlife The new International Webster's 4 collections of plants and fauna, the animals and plants collectively. comprehensive dictionary of the collection of animals. Precious plants English Collins Dictionary terms English language states wildlife and animals are becoming extinct or wildlife as wild animals and plants as wild animals, trees and plants endangered as a result of clearing of the forests. The forests are home to many precious of plants and animals. In fact, the wealth of wildlife is so much that we have not even identified a large number of the species. Many practices like poaching, encroaching forestland for cultivation and occupation, , etc. have resulted in the decline in numbers of wildlife, both flora and fauna.

By far, various experts have attempted to define the term, “wildlife” in great many ways. Here is a brief account of how various experts quote wildlife.

The American heritage dictionary of the English language defines wildlife as animals and vegetation, especially animals living in a natural, The Pioneer White / African Caper White (Anaphaeis aurota) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

may be different angles to limit and delimit the term wildlife. The above account, however, enables us to agree that rapidly growing understanding of wildlife is improving our concepts faster than ever before. No wonder, in future scientists may suggest normal flora (bacteria and other microorganisms living on wild animals and plants) as part of the wildlife as well. No one knows what comes ahead. The ever increasing scientific understanding of nature and ecology may sometime open new dimensions to us. To make an agreement, all life forms living in natural habitat are part and parcel of the term “wildlife”. Since all Indian Tree Lizard (Calotes versicolor) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF living things, generally animals and collectively, especially as objects deer, moose, birds, etc. Economic plants, in all natural ecosystems, of government conservation. zoology – A dictionary of useful & struggling to survive under various Macmillan dictionary refers wildlife destructive animals coins wildlife as ecological and evolutionary forces, as animals, birds, and plants that wild animals and plants adding that WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN are interrelated and can never be live in natural conditions. Saunder's there exists a multi-million dollar parted; the term wildlife may refer to 5 veterinary dictionary: Animals wildlife trade. all of them. running unrestrained in a natural There may be extended views or environment.

According to Alan Gilpin Dictionary of environmental terms, “A collective term embracing several thousand different species of , birds and is wildlife. No two species respond in precisely the same manner and degree to the influences of the environment; the differences in response are aspects of competition, selection and evolution.” Dictionary of environmental science and engineering quotes, “Wildlife includes any animals, bees, butterflies, crustaceans, fish moths and aquatic or land vegetation which forms part of any habitat”. Hanson Dictionary of Ecology describes wildlife as collectively the non-domesticated vertebrate animals, except fishes, such as Black buck (Antilope cervicapra) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Z. B. Mirza Islamabad Email: [email protected]

UNDERSTANDING THE SNAKES

Most people fear snakes and pythons have two lungs. Python’s showing the skin beneath. The liver, several attempt to kill them, as they left lung is much smaller than the urinary organs and genital organs do not know that they are part of right one, which is very long. Snakes are also elongated. The elongated the natural ecosystems in which we inhale lot of air and can keep it in liver is not lobed. The gall bladder live. These innocent victims of our the lung for a long time. Food gut or and the pancreas are at the rear ignorance about their important role esophagus is also long, thin-walled part of the liver. Some organs are in the control of and insects and without any muscles. The prey missing in snakes, such as legs, and as part of food chain are at the is not chewed but swallowed head ears, movable eye-lids, nictitating top of the list of designated enemy first. It is pushed into the esophagus membrane, muscles of the eye-balls species assumed by us. This brief by the forward and backward and urinary bladder. article is intended to provide basic movements of the left and right Snakes swallow, not chew knowledge of our snakes. lower jaws. Once it down the throat further push is brought about by The lower jaw is loosely attached to WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Basic Types the body muscles. Stomach starts the skull. Front tips of the both lower 6 Snakes live on land and also in the from esophagus without any distinct jaw bones are also not united with sea. Sea snakes have flattened mark. It is also long and enormous. each other. The lower jaw bones tail from both sides and they have It is greatly distended when a large are joined with the upper jaw with usually very long body. They need prey is swallowed. The body skin cartilage. This enables a snake to long body as they need more air around it is then stretched and the open it mouth very wide and swallow in their single but very long lung. scales separate from each other a bigger size prey. The lower jaw So they inhale lot of air and go submerged to hunt fish. After a lapse of considerably long time they need to come to the surface for another large quantity of fresh air. They are of course poisonous but I do not have the information of biting man in our country.

Land snakes have rounded tail. Because of elongated body some internal organs of snakes are also more or less elongate both in land as well as in sea snakes. The heart is slender or longish. There is only one lung in most snakes, which is very long. The lung forms an air sac towards tail end. This allows air storage. However, boas and

Indian Cobra (Naja naja) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

bones, the palate and the upper It is held firm with its strong, sharp How they prey is retrieved? jaws have backwardly pointed teeth. and backwardly curved teeth. Next Snakes have long slender tongue, In case of poisonous snakes fangs the body is wrapped round the prey which is bifurcated at the front are present on the upper jaws. The two or three or more times. The end. Each part of the tongue has a lower jaw bones work alternately prey is constricted strongly by the pointed tip. The rear end of is lodged forward and backwards, enabling the muscular body of the snake so that it in a sac. The sac has muscles on the backwardly curved teeth to hook the is suffocated and its blood circulation outer side, which pull the sac forward food into the throat. It is then pushed is blocked. The snakes have single when ever the tongue is protruded into the neck portion by the wriggling set of muscles from head to tail on out of the mouth. The scale at the movement of the neck part of the both upper sides of the vertebral tip of the mouth has concave lower body. Location of the food remains column that makes the constriction edge. That enables the tongue to visible as a bulge for two day or very strong. After several minute the come out without opening the mouth. three or for more days, depending pressure is released and the dead An alert snake protrudes its tongue on the size of the food, until it is prey is held from its head. frequently and fast as well. The tips considerably degraded or dissolved How the poisonous snakes kill? of the tongue are chemo and thermo in the stomach and pushed into the sensitive. The sensation of slight intestine for digestion of soft parts. The poisonous snakes have fangs variation in outside temperature and The food is digested in swallowed on front side of their upper jaw the chemical particles of odour or ‘’ or pigeon takes more than instead of having a row of teeth. smell are carried by the tips of the ten days to be digested in summer These are long hollow and sharp. tongue and touched in a pit in the months. After that defecation is The venom tube opens at the front upper part of the palate or the done in a slime covering. The base of these teeth. The venom is roof of the mouth called Jacobson’s WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN bones, feathers, scales and hair are injected deep into the body of the organ. The sensitive lining of the not digested. victim, which dies not far from the 7 Jacobson’s organ transmits to the snake depending on the amount of How the non poisonous snakes brain the taste or smell and the slight venom injected. If the prey manages kill? variation of temperature through to run away for a distance or enters a nerve. The snakes can find their The prey is killed before it is a burrow and dies after a lapse of prey even in complete darkness by swallowed. The python seizes its time it is located by the snake. feeling the heat left on ground by a prey with a sudden dart of the head. prey short time ago. Himalayan Pit Viper has even two additional pits between the nostrils and the eyes. These pits have the same sensitivity as the Jacobson’s organ. The snake comes to know when any thing passes by even when it is not alert. The same quality keeps the pairs in contact. Also this helps in escaping a predator much before a predator would discover it.

The dead prey is then swallowed head first. The snake venom is digestive in nature and helps dissolving of the body of the prey faster in the stomach. The snakes do not feed if large food is present in their body. During the winter Line Drawing of a Snake Jaw Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

membrane. Some few snake that give birth to tiny snakes. Their embryonic stage is completed while the egg is still in the body. So the tiny snakes hatch out of the eggs short before their birth. Female snake stops feeding much before egg-laying. It finds a suitable place for egg laying and remains there passively. Longish eggs are laid. The eggs are hatched with atmospheric warmth. If the weather is cool the embryonic development slows down. In warmer weather incubation is faster. Usually most snakes eggs hatching is between 30 to 50 days. Parent snakes do not play any role Blanford’s worm snake (Leptotyphlops blanfordii) © Dr. M. S. Khan in the incubation. However, python sleep snakes do not need to eat at groups of ribs on each side of the female keeps her eggs under her all. Even when some snakes come body produce waves and the body coiled body. While sitting on the out of their burrows during sunny moves forward. This movement is eggs the female often expands and days in winter, they may not eat for never rapid. contracts its body to produce heat WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN several days. Most snakes show undulating for the eggs. It may even go in the 8 Locomotion movement. The snake anchors its sun to warm its body and to transfer hind part of the body to the ground some heat to the eggs. Being without legs snakes not and front portion is stretched only have fast or slow locomotion Growth forward. The front part of the body but also several of these are good is then anchored to the ground and Young snakes do not depend climbers. Several species are good hind part comes forward. This is on their parents and look after swimmers. Many terrestrial snakes done with undulating movement of themselves, although they have to are also good swimmers. Some the long body. face many enemies as compared species like to be in water to keep to the adult snakes. They are more cool, seek shelter or to hunt fish, Some snakes move sideward as the active than the adults and grow toads, frogs and giant water bugs. body forms a loop on one side only, faster. A snake keeps growing Python prefers to remain completely which is held fast to the ground. through out its life. However, the submerged in water in summer The rest of the body is raised above growth rate slows down with age. season during the day time to keep the ground. The whole body then Young snakes hunt frequently. First cool. It may keep its eyes and nostrils passes though this point of contact they eat small creatures and insects above the surface to catch a prey to the ground. When the tail end and as they grow they catch bigger on the surface or at the edge of the reaches this point at that time the animals. The skin of a snake is dry water. Out of water it creeps straight front end of the body touches the and without glands. Outer part of without undulating. Ribs, muscles ground and the same process goes the skin forms scales which protect and skin move the body forward. on. This is achieved through the fast its body. With the wear and tear of Groups of ribs on both sides move group movements of the ribs. the outer part of the skin it becomes alternately by lifting and lowering Breeding dead. The covering of the skin over the skin and scutes of that side. the eyes does not remain clearly Each group of ventral scutes gives Majority snakes lay eggs. The eggs transparent. Snake’s skin is highly walking movement of legs. Many are covered with soft but strong sensitive but this sensitivity also Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Vision

Eyes are placed on the sides of the head, so these can see on both sides, but both are unable to focus on an object together like we do. Each eye has its own independent focusing. Snake makes its to move forward or backward to focus. Snake’s lenses are yellow which helps in night vision. Its eye sight is not sharp. It can detect moving creatures, however, things not moving become difficult to recognize, unless they are close enough to be felt by their heat.

Body temperature Saw-scaled Viper ( carinatus) © Syed Shamim Fakhri, ZSD fades and finishes with the death become connected with jaw bone The body temperature of snake of the outer cells of the skin. The which are normally attached to rises or decreases with the rise snake becomes passive for a week the ear drum. As the under part of or decrease of surrounding or two. The dead skin is removed the head and the body are directly temperature. In winter days, as the by expanding and contracting the placed on ground any vibration from atmospheric temperature lowers, the WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN body. The snake opens and closes any movement or scratching on the snakes cannot remain active as their 9 its mouth and rubs its body to ground nearby is communicated body temperature also decreases. hard any surface. First the skin is from the lower jaw to the brain They look for some shelter from cold removed from the head. Suddenly through the auditory nerve which temperatures of the night in some the vision becomes sharp as the is connected to the internal ear. If a burrow or heap of dead leaves. dull eye covering is removed. With snake happens to be lying on a floor, They remain passive in that place that the snake becomes agile and any music or sound will not affect it. for the winter months. The body the dead skin is peeled off inside out But if a chair is dragged on the floor needs much less energy. However, from head to tail. Bright and glossy the snake will respond immediately even slow functioning of the body colour pattern of the body appears by its body movement. Swaying of systems some energy is consumed. again. The snake becomes again Cobra with the snake charmer’s flute This energy is transferred from active for hunting. The first removal is not because the cobra has enjoyed body fat. In late spring or early of the dead outer skin takes place the music. The snake charmer first summer with the rise of atmospheric in early part of the life when body provokes the cobra in his basket. temperature their body temperature growth rate is faster. This occurs in The excited snake expands its hood also rises. The snakes come out first one week or so after hatching. and exhales loudly, at the same of their wintering places to look for Afterwards the dead skin is removed time darts its head forward to bluff food as their body has no fat. with the growth of the body once, and frighten away the provoker. As Poisonous or Non poisonous twice or even three times during the the sensitive ventral plates below summer season. the neck receive sound waves of Majority snakes found in Pakistan the flute the upset snake focuses its are non-venomous. Only three Snakes have no external ears attention on to the flute. categories are venomous. These A snake has no external and middle categories are Cobra, Krait and It moves its head as the snake ear. So it cannot hear. However, as Vipers. The basic difference in charmer sways the flute. the bones of the middle ear have poisonous snakes is that these inject Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

poison in the victim through large dead specimen examined closely, beat and breathing slows down. fangs. The fangs are large size pair the mid dorsal row of scales is Death can come in a day if full dose of inwardly folding sharp and hollow hexagonal and these scales are of venom is injected in the blood. teeth at the anterior end of upper larger than the side scales. If a person is bitten by a Krait, the bite jaw. Rest of the upper jaw is without Vipers have arrow head. If a dead is slightly painful for a short period, teeth. In non poisonous snakes the specimen examined closely, the and then it becomes painless. The upper jaw has number of fixed teeth scales on the head are similar to the venom is toxic to nervous system. and no fangs. A poisonous has a scales on the back side of the body. The victim gets paralyzed and death poison gland and a poison pouch These also overlap each other on may come very soon or as quickly or sac little below and behind the hind side. as 4 - 10 hours, if full dose of venom eyes. A venom tube joins the venom has gone in the blood. pouch with the base of the fang. The Snakes avoid biting humans poison gland secretes poison into If a person is bitten by a viper soon Normally a snake would avoid a the pouch. When a snake opens its bleeding starts due to hemorrhage person coming closer. It would get mouth to attack the poison pouch is of capillaries of soft parts like inside waves of the steps of an approaching pressed by a set of muscles which the nose or throat. Death can come person through the ground. It would are attached to lower jaw and the in less than an hour if the victim got tend to creep away. A viper might side of the skull. full dose of venom injected in the take defensive posture out of fear. A blood. Cobra spreads its hood when excited person gets bitten if he steps on a of frightened. If a dead specimen is snake or steps too close to it. Krait If a person is bitten by a non examined closely, preferably with a would never bite during the day poisonous snake, it is safe but if the

WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN hand lens, 3rd and 4th upper labial time even stepped on or tortured or bitten person is ignorant about the 10 scale touch the eye and the 4th handled. facts he or she might react in fear upper labial scale is the largest. and may be panic. Snake bite symptoms Krait is a glossy dark brown or black If a person is bitten by a cobra, heart snake with white cross streaks. If a

Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) © Dr. M. S. Khan Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Waseem Ahmad Khan Islamabad Email: [email protected]

NATIONAL PARKS IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan hosts a wide range of fauna in natural state and protected protect the natural, thermal springs ecosystem / habitat types and from hunting, cutting of vegetation, and adjoining mountainsides. The associated biological diversity developmental activities and next effort was again in USA on June due to its unique geographical pollution 30, 1864 by President Abraham and climatic conditions. There are Lincoln ceding the Yosemite Valley History of National Parks snow covered peaks, permanent and Mariposa Grove to the state of snowfields, lush green as well as The idea for the establishment of California. The first ever national barren mountains, forests, irrigated a national park came from William park in the world was Yellowstone plains, riverine tracts, sand dunes Wordsworth (1810), who described National Park (USA) established in and deserts and coastal areas. For the Lake District as a sort of national 1872. the conservation of such natural property, George Catlin (1832), who National Parks in Pakistan assets, a national government wrote about preserving the Native declares some specific areas as the Americans in a magnificent park - A There are now 6,555 national parks WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN protected areas. Protected areas nation’s park containing man and worldwide and 21 exist in Pakistan are thosewhere the representative beast in all the wild and freshness representing different ecological 11 ecosystems, fauna and flora are of their nature’s beauty. The first regions of the country and covering protected and maintained under the practical effort by any government about 29,589 km², about 3 % of natural conditions. Five categories was in USA on April 20, 1832, when the total area (10,060,96 km²) of of protected areas have been President Andrew Jackson signed the country. A century after the recognized in Pakistan that include; the legislation to establish Hot establishment of first national park, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, Spring Reservation in Arkansas to LalSohanranational park was the game reserves, private game reserves and community controlled hunting areas / community conservation areas.

National park

A national park is not likeaacitypark or public garden withfenced boundaries and having play grounds, picnic spots, jogging and walking tracks etc. Rather it is a reserve of land usually declared and owned by a national government,meant for the protection and preservation of the outstanding scenery, , majestic and awe- inspiring places, natural flora and

A view of © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

first to be established in Pakistan in is 1000 acre (04 km²) and such a Purpose and Objectives of 1972. The largest national park is the national park exists in Pakistan that National Parks Northeast Greenland National Park, is ToliPir National Park located in Protection of biodiversity is the located in Greenlandand covering Poonch district of AJ&K. National main purpose for the establishment an area of 972,000 km².Minimum parks in Pakistan are; of a national park however, being required area for a national park

01. Margallah Hills National Park: Islamabad, established 1980, area 15,883 ha.

02. Hazarganji Chiltan National Park: , established 1980, area 15,555 ha.

03. Hingol National Park: Balochistan, established 1997, area 6, 19,043 ha.

04. : , established 1974, area 3, 08,733 ha.

05. : , established 1984, area 3,122 ha.

06. Chitral Gol National Park: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, established 1984, area 7,750 ha.

07. Badin National Park: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, established 1999, area 15,540 ha.

08. Saiful Maluk National Park: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, established 2003, area 12,026 ha.

09. Lulosar Dodipat National Park: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, established 2003, area 75,058 ha.

10. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, established August 25, 2010, Area 134,744 ha. WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Broghil Valley National Park: 12 11. Khunjerab National Park: Gilgit-Baltistan, established 1975, area 2, 27,143 ha. 12. Hunderab Shandoor National Park: Gilgit-Baltistan, established 1993, area 1, 65,000 ha.

13. : Gilgit-Baltistan, established 1993, area 3, 63,600 ha.

14. Central National Park: Gilgit-Baltistan, established 1993, area 9, 73,845 ha.

15. Qurumber National Park: Gilgit-Baltistan, established August 2, 2011, area 74,000 ha.

16. Machhiara National Park: AJ & K, established 1996, area 13,532 ha.

17. Ghamot National Park: AJ & K, established 2004, area 27,271 ha.

18. Pir Lasoorha National Park: AJ & K, established 2005, area 1,580 ha.

19. Toli Pir National Park: AJ & K, established 2005, area 1,000 ha.

20. Musk Deer Gorez National Park: AJ & K, established 2007, area 52,815 ha.

21. Deva Vatala National Park: AJ & K, established 2007, area 2,993 ha.

22. Poonch River Mahaseer National Park: AJ & K, established 2011

23. Lal Suhanra National Park: Punjab, established 1972, area 51,368 ha.

24. Chinji National Park: Punjab, established 1987, area 6, 097 ha.

25. Kala Chitta National Park: Punjab, established Dec. 2008, area 36,965 ha.

26. -Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park: Punjab, established Sep. 2009 Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012 WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN A view of Khunjerb National Park © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF biologically, geologically and who have shaped it through the national natural heritage, culture 13 culturally important, the national centuries. Outstanding scenery, and monuments, and present them parks also serve to cater for majestic places, natural flora and to the public. education, recreation and scientific fauna in natural state renders Role of National Parks in Nature purposes for the public. People positive impacts on visitors’ mind Conservation visit the parks to see and share the thus helping divert a nation’s attitude wonders of their land and to learn towards a healthy tract. National Due to the growing threats to nature about the forces and the people parks ensure the preservation of like global warming, population expansion, and worldwide reduction of biological diversity, the national parks are now being considered as the ecological laboratories, gene pools and bulwarks against the irreversible change or the loss of species and hence, preserving the nature and ensuring the ecological health of the planet. National parks are the ideal places for eco-tourism, tracking, and watch and nature photography. National parks with their lush green forest components neutralize the carbon emissions in the surrounding environments.

A view of Hingol River, Hingol National Park © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Mohammad Naeem Bhatti Lahore Email: [email protected]

WILDLIFE AND PARKS DEPARTMENT PUNJAB INTRODUCTION to entire focus on sustainable i. Protection management, conservation, Control illegal hunting / Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department propagation and protection of poaching was established as Game wildlife under the umbrella of Punjab Department in 1934. It served in this ii. Preservation Wildlife Protection, Preservation, capacity under various departments Captive breeding Conservation and Management Act, and finally in 1973 it was given the 1974. With considerable share of iii. of attached Department of wildlife diversity from the world, the Ensure survival of Wildlife in Forestry, Wildlife, Fisheries and Department prioritized its functions natural habitat Tourism Department. Accordingly, as determined under the said the responsibilities of the Department Wildlife Act: - were re-fixed from sport hunting WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 14

Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

WILDLIFE DIVERSITY OF PUNJAB (Share from World) SPECIES WORLD PAKISTAN PUNJAB Mammals 4327 188 (4.3%) 56 (30%) Birds 8700 666 (7.7%) 434 (65%) Reptiles 5500 174 (5.5%) 69 (40%) Total 18527 1028 559 iv. Management through captive breeding. Strict covering an area of 9.686 million enforcement of Wildlife Act was acres were established. A chain a) Planning ensured and vigorous publicity of 16-Wildlife Breeding Centres / Declaration of protected areas campaign was launched to motivate was established to preserve & their management planning. public for wildlife resources critically endangered species b) Regulations management. Within budgetary through captive breeding. Strict Regulate hunting for and establishment limitations, the enforcement of Wildlife Act was sustainable yield. Department succeeded to conserve ensured and vigorous publicity Extension and Awareness wildlife resources of the province campaign was launched to motivate Campaign. to a considerable extent. Trophy public for wildlife resources hunting, establishment of private management. Within budgetary c) Monitoring & Evaluation game reserves / breeding farms, and establishment limitations, the Research, Census & Surveys sale of surplus stock and arranged Department succeeded to conserve As sole provincial wildlife sport hunting were introduced by wildlife resources of the province WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN conservation entity, 65-protected Department as new initiatives. to a considerable extent. Trophy 15 areas (Wildlife Sanctuaries-37, Wildlife diversity profile of protected hunting, establishment of private Wildlife Parks-4, Game Reserves-24 areas of Punjab province is as game reserves / breeding farms, covering an area of 9.686 million under:- sale of surplus stock and arranged acres were established. A chain sport hunting were introduced by As sole provincial wildlife of 16-Wildlife Breeding Centres / Department as new initiatives. conservation entity, 65-protected Zoos was established to preserve Wildlife diversity profile of protected areas (Wildlife Sanctuaries-37, critically endangered species areas of Punjab province is as Wildlife Parks-4, Game Reserves-24 under:-

PROTECTED AREAS Category Area in (Acres) Associated Wildlife 1 National 04 268917 excluding Common , , Barking Deer, Rhesus Parks Murree, Monkey, , Francolins, Falcons, Chukar, See see , Kahuta Kotli Satian Song birds, Snakes and Lizards. National Park. 2 Wildlife 37 490744 Urial, Barking deer, Common Leopard, Snow Leopard, Rhesus Sanctuaries excluding Head Monkey, , Hare, Porcupine, cat, White headed duck, Panjnad Pond area Flamingo, Cranes, Spoon bill, Storks, Waterfowl, , Falcons, Song birds, Snakes and Lizards. 3 Game 24 7533878 Urial, Barking deer, , , Fox, Common Leopard, Reserves excluding Border Snow Leopard, Rhesus Monkey, Wolf, Hare, Porcupine, Caracal Belt area of 05 Cat, White headed duck, Flamingo, Cranes, Spoon bill, Storks, mile strip. Waterfowl, Partridges, Falcons, , Great Indian Bustard, Song birds, Snakes and Lizards. Total 65 8293539 (24012Km2) Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

WILDLIFE BREEDING CENTRES / ZOOS Wildlife Parks 12 2861 Zoos 03 65 Lahore Safari 01 242 Total: 16 3168 Total Captive Stock 5562 Category Species Numbers Animals 45 1214 Birds 75 4280 Reptiles 13 68 Total: 123 5562

TOOLS OF MANAGEMENT b) Establishment c) Total Fleet of vehicles 105 Nos. a) Punjab Wildlife, Protection, Total Establishment 1880 Nos. Preservation, Conservation and Scale 01 – 04 482 Nos. 58 Nos. 20 years old Management Act, 1974. Scale 05 – 16 1324 Nos. 47 Nos. 10 years old Scale 17 – 20 74 Nos.

ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Budget 2010-11 2011-12 (proposed) 16 Development 203,000 350,000 Non Development 360,000 396,000 Revenue Target Achievement 2,80,00,000 2,80,00,000 2,68,11,639 Source of Revenue Licence Fee, Compensation Realized from Offence Cases, Sale of Animals / Birds, Auction of Various facilities i.e. Canteens, Parking, Toilets etc., Falconing by Arab Dignitaries, Trophy hunting & shooting

IMPORTANT EVENTS

 June 12, 2010: 55 Nos. Sabar and Luggar Falcons were confiscated at Benazir International Airport, Islamabad being smuggled to self-state. The birds were released under natural habitat in to facilitate back migration to breeding grounds.

 Different organization adopt animals / birds at , Lahore and contribute for feeding and medication. Elephant and were adopted A view of Urial (Ovis vignei) Habitat, Soan Valley, Punjab © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

by High Noon Laboratories  Action plans for . a) Establishment of Private and University of Veterinary & Game Reserves.  Anti poaching campaign. Animal Sciences, Lahore. A b) Establishment of Private ceremony was held at Lahore  Publicity campaign in print & Breeding Farms. Zoo patronized by Chairman, electronic media. ZMC and Tigress were adopted c) Formulation of CBOs.  Private Sector involvement in by University of Punjab, Lahore Wildlife resources management: d) Trophy hunting and by Vice Chairman and a cheque pheasant shooting. amounting to Rs.11,00,000/- was honoured to Director, Lahore Zoo, Lahore.

 Salt Range and Cholistan deserts are potential wildlife habitats. In Salt Range, the population of Urial gradually increased appreciably from 1000 in 2006 to 2200 in 2011. Other species are also observing incline in population. In Cholistan population of Chinkara&Nilgai is also increasing and caracal has

been conserved. WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN

 Vigorous enforcement of 17 Wildlife Act has been ensured and violation are given in Table below: -

 Captive breeding of Wildlife has been re-addressed on scientific lines and breeding season is being declared as “Monomat of the year”.

 Release of Hog deer, Nilgai, Monkey and has been undertaken at , Daphar, Head Pajnad, Dodhla and TillaJogian.

 Mud leaping on infrastructure to harmonize with environment at Jallo, Changa Manga & Lahore Zoo Safari. White eyed Buzzard (Butastur teesa) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF RECENT INTERVENTIONS Case Case Case Year Fine (Rs.) Compensation  Cancellation of leasing rights registered decided compounded and vacation of pond areas from 2010-11 upto 13,500 2722 4,024,300 957 5,028,800 illegal occupies. May, 2011 Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Babar Khan Gilgit Email: [email protected]

BIODIVERITY OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN Potential, challenges and opportunities Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) formerly plants of medicinal and economic every year, thus contributing to known as “Northern Areas” of importance. Mountains in this economic growth at regional as well Pakistan, lyingin the extreme north regionoffer the primary watersheds as national level. of Pakistan (75 08 48.12 E & 37 00 that addfreshwater toIndus River, 47.33 N to 77 41 11.82 E & 35 27 the lifeline of Pakistan.Infinite This region is known to have the 26.06 N) iscomprising of territory of resources, gorgeouslandscape, largest mass of glaciers afterNorth seven districts amidst Karakoram, towering watersheds, famous and South poles; Siachen (75 , Pamir and Hindu glaciers, gigantic rivers, energetic km), Hisper (61 km), Biafo (60 Kush mountain ranges. It borders streams, lively forests, pretty km), Baltoro (68 km), Batura (64 Pakistan’s Khyber Pukhtunkhwa pastures and rangelands, that’s km), Kurumbar (5 km), etc. Snow province to the west, ’s what GB is all about. melts trickling down the cheeks Wakhan Corridor to the north, of the glaciers and peaks feed to the east and northeast, Azad The Mountains, the high altitude lakes, streams and Kashmir to the southwest, and climber’s paradise, lies at north- rivers and serve as major source Indian-administered Jammu and west of the Karakoram, and of freshwater for drinking, industry, WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Kashmir to the southeast. GB covers extends eastward into Afghanistan. agriculture and hydropower With the assemblage of 35 sky- generation. Gilgit, Hunza, Ghizer, 18 an area of 72,971 km² (28,174 mi²) and is highly mountainous. It has an high peaks, each over 24,000 Astore, and Shyoke rivers estimated population approaching feet (7,315m),many of them even make almost 72% of the total annual 1,000,000. Its administrative center exceeding 26,000 feet (7,925 m), influx into the Indus, definitely the is the city of Gilgit. K-2 (Mt. Godwin Austin) being the backbone of agro-based national highest of them, second largest in the economy. Freshwater lakes, rivers Gilgit-Baltistan is unique in its wildlife world after Mt. Everest,GB lures the and streams also provide habitats resources;bird fauna in particular attention of nature lovers worldwide; to native and exotic species of is of special importance. Its alpine internationally known famous tourist freshwater fish. Rainbow and Brown and sub-alpine pastures are rich in spots attract thousands of tourists trout are abundant in the rivers and lakes of Gilgit, Ghizer and valleys. The area is also famous for high altitude lakes and wetlands. Hundreds of lakes, such as Uttar, Karambar, Seosar, Handrap, Baha, Shandur, Phander, Gasho, Naltar, Rash, , Pamir, etc. are important not only socio- economically but also ecologically, and host a number of migratory birds and waterfowls during the winter and spring migration seasons. These all resources are a source of inspiration for tourists, researchers, scientists, educationists, archeologists, gelogists, etc. With increase in human population, poverty, socio-economic constraints of the locals, and mismanagement

Black and White Glaciars in Khunjerb National Park © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

of the forest ecosystems. Carbon sink, carbon credit, mild climate, food and shelter to wildlife and aesthetics are also some of their invaluable non tangible benefits. Forests also stabilize slopes and control soil , landslides and siltation into downstream precious dams and water reservoirs. The natural forest in the GB covers an area of 2884.99 sq km (4.1% of the total land), which falls under two broad categories, viz., private forest and state owned forest. The area of private forest is around 1253.56 sq km (3.2%) and state owned forest is 652.77 sq km (0.9%). The natural forest is mainly in Diamer, southern parts of Gilgit, Punial area of Ghizer and few pockets in Baltistan district Himalayam Rock Agama (Laudakia himalayana) © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF (NASSD 2003). Private forests are and over-exploitation of these of of wild mostly in Chilas, Darel and Tangir natural resources, their associated animals and plants as well as some while government protected forests biodiversity has also been affected. species that are endemic to the are in Astore, Skardu, Ganche, Gilgit Acute efforts are needed to boost Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu and Ghizer districts of GB. WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN the socio-economic status of the Kush mountain ranges only. Natural people living in GB, and to link their forests being primary watersheds Despite rigorous efforts by the 19 earnings to the conservation of of regulate freshwater custodian department and the these assets is the need of the hour. for drinking, agriculture, industry private sector, the forests are and hydro power generation. High confronted by wide array of Forest and rangeland resources valued timber, firewood, medicinal threats and pressures. Direct that constitute4.4 % and 22% herbs, food and fiber, worth millions causes of the of GB respectively, host rich are amongst other tangible benefits and loss are due to excessive biodiversity.Most of this comprises exploitation of forest resources for commercial and subsistence purposes, encroachment and wildfire. Besides this, population growth, inequity, climatic change, poverty and insecure land tenure; indirectly degrade the forest ecosystems. Both direct and indirect causes are aggravated by poor forest management and planning, insufficient institutional capacities, inappropriate forest management, legal and administrative constraints and lack of appropriate strategies for managing forest resources. People living in remote valleys nearer to forests and rangelands are often poor and hence depend largely on local forests for subsistence and livelihood. As a result, with increase in population and resultantly

Golden Mormat (Mormota caudata) © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

demand for more food, space mechanism for their effective protective measure,continuous and shelter; encroachment, forest conservation and sustainable dumping of solid wastes by lands conversion, illicit cutting, harvest is yet to be introduced. touristsin snow covered peaks and over grazing and introduction of glaciers,uncontrolled hunting and exotics have increased putting The treasures of this region are at excessive fishing, etc. All of these, if more pressure on natural forest and stake. This can be estimated by remain unchecked, we may deprive rangelands. ongoing activities such as holding our future generations to enjoy the festivities and cultural events in aesthetic, ecological and economic Gilgit-Baltistan is a living museum. the ecologically sensitive areas values of this national treasure. It harbors a range of approximately without adequate prior care and 230 species of birds, 54 species of mammals, 23 species of reptiles, 20 species of fish and 6 species of amphibians. is called the store house of medicinal plants. Deosai plains, adjacent to Astore is known to have over 10,000 species of wild plants, almost 50% are endemic to Karakorum – Himalayan mountain ranges. The government has established a network of 19 Protected Areas and 26 Community Managed Conservation Areas (CMCA) covering about 28% of the total area to protect and manage the precious wild resources of WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN the area. Khunjerab National 20 Park, for instance is a significant biodiversity hotspot in the cold desert eco-region. Snow leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Marcoplo sheep, Blue sheep, Astoremakhor, Musk deer, Tibetan wild ass, Ladakhurial, Wolf, , Black bear and lynx are amongst key wildlife inhabitants of the area. Major Birdlife species include waterfowls, resident birds, birds of prey and . Community based wildlife conservation has become a great success. Through community based trophy hunting program, both government and local communities have earned huge amounts to cater for their social, economic and environmental needs. Currently, the trophy hunting fee for Himalayan ibex, Blue sheep and AstoreMarkhor is 5000, 8000 and 50000 USD, respectively. Eighty percent of the revenue from GB goes to local communities, whereas 20% is taken by the custodian department for vigilance and regulation. Though the area is also rich in bird, wildlife and fish resources, but appropriate North-Pakistan Agama (Laudakia pakistanica) © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Abdul Aleem Chaudary Lahore Email: [email protected]

IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES Categories and Criteria The ‘IUCN Red List of Threatened Provide a global index of the state of Monitor, on a continuing basis, the Species’ is widely recognized as change of biodiversity. status of a representative selection the most comprehensive, objective of species (as biodiversity indicators) global approach for evaluating the To achieve these Goals, the IUCN that cover all the major ecosystems conservation status of plant and Red List aims to: of the world. animal species. The IUCN Red List Establish a baseline from which Nature of the categories is mainly used to guide conservation to monitor the change in status of activities of governments, NGOs species; There are nine clearly defined and scientific institutions. The categories into which every taxon scientifically rigorous approach to Provide a global context for the in the world (excluding micro- determine risks of that establishment of conservation organisms) can be classified (Figure is applicable to all species, has priorities at the local level; become a world standard. In order to produce the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the IUCN WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Species Program works with the IUCN Survival Commission (SSC) 21 and with members of IUCN, draws on and mobilizes a network of scientists and partner organizations working in almost every country in the world, who collectively hold what is likely the most complete scientific knowledge base on the biology and conservation status of species. The IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria are extensively reviewed. The revised Categories and Criteria (IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria version 3.1) were adopted by IUCN Council in February 2000 and the revised system came into use in 2001. Guidelines to use the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria are regularly reviewed (the recent most review, Version 8.1; August 2010). The goals of the IUCN Red List are to: Identify and document those species most in need of conservation attention if global extinction rates are to be reduced; and Pond heron (Ardeola grayii) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

assessed as LC and information about them has been documented, although these taxa have not been referred to as “red-listed”. This is especially important, for example, for taxa that were Red-listed in an earlier edition, but have since been down-listed. Following is a brief description of IUCN Red List Categories: EXTINCT (EX) A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. A taxon is presumed Extinct when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, Hume’s Wheateer () © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF seasonal, annual), throughout its 2.1). Complete definitions of the may be very strong; it should be historic range have failed to record categories are given in the Box emphasized that assessors must an individual. Surveys should be below: use all data available in full when over a time frame appropriate to the making a Red List assessment. taxon’s life cycles and life form The first two categories viz., ‘Extinct’ Precise information on scarce taxa and ‘Extinct in the Wild’ are relatively is usually lacking, and although the EXTINCT IN THE WILD (EW) WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN self-explanatory. criteria are highly quantitative and A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it 22 Extinct means that there is no defined, one can use projections, is known only to survive in cultivation, reasonable doubt that the last assumptions and inferences in order in captivity or as a naturalized individual has died. Extinct in the to place a taxon in the appropriate population (or populations) well Wild means that the taxon is extinct category. Since Data Deficient outside the past range. A taxon is in its natural habitat. is not a category of threat, taxa presumed Extinct in the Wild when placed in this category are not so exhaustive surveys in known and/ The following three categories, obviously targets for conservation or expected habitat, at appropriate Critically Endangered, Endangered action, although their needs might times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), and Vulnerable, are Red List be very great. Assessors should use throughout its historic range have Guidelines 8 assigned to taxa on whatever information is available failed to record an individual. the basis of quantitative criteria and relevant to make assessments Surveys should be over a time frame that are designed to reflect varying and place taxa into the Data appropriate to the taxon’s life cycle degrees of threat of extinction. Deficient category only when there and life form. The category Near Threatened is is really no alternative. Guidance on IUCN Red List Categories applied to taxa that do not qualify as handling uncertainty is especially relevant in the case of poorly known threatened now, but may be close CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR) to qualifying as threatened. The taxa. The category Not Evaluated category Least Concern is applied to applies to taxa that have not yet A taxon is Critically Endangered taxa that do not qualify (and are not been evaluated against the Red List when the best available evidence close to qualifying) as threatened or Criteria. indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically near threatened. Taxa in all of the IUCN Red List Endangered, and it is therefore Categories, except LC and NE, are The remaining two categories do not considered to be facing an extremely normally presented in the Red List reflect the threat status of taxa. The high risk of extinction in the wild. category Data Deficient highlights and, consequently, are referred to taxa for which sufficient information as “red-listed”. The 2003 update ENDANGERED (EN) is lacking to make a sound status of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and all subsequent updates A taxon is Endangered when the assessment. The inclination to best available evidence indicates assess taxa as Data Deficient (available up to 2010) include all taxa Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. VULNERABLE (VU) A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable, and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. NEAR THREATENED (NT) A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near A view of Hingol National Park © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF future. of its risk of extinction based on available. In many cases great care LEAST CONCERN (LC) its distribution and/or population should be exercised in choosing status. A taxon in this category between DD and a threatened status. A taxon is Least Concern when it may be well studied, and its biology If the range of a taxon is suspected WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN has been evaluated against the well known, but appropriate data on to be relatively circumscribed, if criteria and does not qualify for abundance and/or distribution are a considerable period of time has 23 Critically Endangered, Endangered, lacking. Data Deficient is therefore elapsed since the last record of the Vulnerable or Near Threatened. not a category of threat. Listing taxon, threatened status may well Widespread and abundant taxa are of taxa in this category indicates be justified. included in this category. that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility NOT EVALUATED (NE) DATA DEFICIENT (DD) that future research will show A taxon is Not Evaluated when it is A taxon is Data Deficient when there that threatened classification is has not yet been evaluated against is inadequate information to make appropriate. It is important to make the criteria. a direct, or indirect, assessment positive use of whatever data are

Extinct

Extinct in Critically the Wild Endangered

Adequate Data Threatened Endangered Evaluated IUCN Data Not Vulnerable Categories Deficient Threatened Not Evaluated Least Concern Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Use any of the criteria Critically Endangered Vulnerable A-E Endangered A. Population reduction Declines measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations A1 ≥ 90% ≥ 70% ≥ 50% A2, A3 & A4 ≥ 80% ≥ 50% ≥ 30% A1. Population reduction observed, estimated, inferred, or suspected in the past where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND have ceased, based on and specifying any of the following: (a) direct observation (b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon (c) a decline in area of occupancy (AOO), extent of occurrence (EOO) and/or habitat quality (d) actual or potential levels of exploitation (e) effects of introduced taxa, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, competitors or parasites. A2. Population reduction observed, estimated, inferred, or suspected in the past where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (a) to (e) under A1. A3. Population reduction projected or suspected to be met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) based on (b) to (e) under A1. A4. An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population reduction (up to a maximum of 100 years) where the time period must include both the past and the future, and where the causes of reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (a) to (e) under A1. B. Geographic range in the form of either B1 (extent of occurrence) AND/OR B2 (area of occupancy) WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN B1. Extent of occurrence < 100 km < 5,000 km² < 20,000 km² 24 (EOO) B2. Area of occupancy < 10 km < 500 km² < 2,000 km² (AOO) AND at least 2 of the following: (a) Severely fragmented, OR Number of locations = 1 ≤ 5 ≤ 10 (b) Continuing decline in any of: (i) extent of occurrence; (ii) area of occupancy; (iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat; (iv) number of locations or subpopulations; (v) number of mature individuals. © Extreme fluctuations in any of: (i) extent of occurrence; (ii) area of occupancy; (iii) number of locations or subpopulations; (iv) number of mature individuals C. Small population size and decline Number of mature < 250 < 2,500 < 10,000 individuals AND either C1 or C2: C1. An estimated 25% in 3 years or 20% in 5 years or 10% in 10 years or continuing decline of at 1 generation 2 generations 3 generations least (up to a max. of 100 years in future) Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

C2. A continuing decline AND (a) and/or (b): (a i) Number of mature < 50 < 250 < 1,000 individuals in each subpopulation: < 50 < 250 < 1,000 or (a ii) % individuals in one 90–100% 95–100% 100% subpopulation = (b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals. D. Very small or restricted population Either: Number of mature < 50 < 250 D1. < 1,000 individuals AND/OR VU D2. Restricted area of occupancy or number of locations with a plausible D2. typically: future threat that could drive the taxon to CR or EX in a very short time. AOO<20 km² or number of locations ≤ 5 E. Quantitative Analysis Indicating the probability ≥ 50% in 10 years ≥ 20% in 20 years ≥ 10% in 100 years of extinction in the wild or 3 generations or 5 generations to be: (100 years max.) (100 years max.) WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 25

Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Saeed-ul-Islam Naveed Ali Sumro Sanghar Sanghar Email: [email protected] Email:

PITCHER IRRIGATION; EFFICIENT AGRICULTURE FOR FOOD SECURITY & NATURE CONSERVATIONS As agricultureis a dominant driving as too dry for conventional & even technique being used in arid & force for economical growth in rain-fed agriculture (except few semi-arid lands across the world. Pakistan, therefore the sustainable parts). Over a million of desert In addition to being water & cost- output of the sector is imperative to inhabitant’s livelihood & food needs efficient, less labor-intensive and stabilize the country. The declining are threatened by droughts & more productive, this irrigation productivity status of the sector since in account of human system can also extend the growing last pair of decades is alarming to population growth, , season by efficiently providing water pay intensive importance at different over exploitation of rangelands & to crops throughout the dry season. levels. Along with the , other desert resources. If current This sub-surface irrigation technique irrigation system inefficiencies trends in population growth continue, entails burying an unglazed & porous emerged as the main factor there will soon be millions more and clay pot encircled with seedlings for behind productivity deterioration in these people will need food, so the creating a steady supply of moisture agriculture, especially with the peril wisest course for them is to produce into the root zone under hydrostatic of conventional water loss up to 40 % their own food. The rapid growth in pressure and/or suction to maintain and , that not only said issues, presents a strong case plant growth, minimizing percolation WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN consequent food insecurity & poverty for paying more serious attention & evaporation losses, and risk of 26 but also potent environmental to the repercussions of the existing salinization by accumulating the degradation leading biodiversity irrigation means in both human and salts at the soil surface & wetted losses. On other hand a large area ecological terms. land boundaries, leaving the salt (28,170 squire kilometer) of the content of water in the root zone country is arid and characterized Pitcher irrigation is an indigenous more favorable than the salinity

Pitcher Irrigation in , Sanghar © Haji Mola Bux, IFAP, WWF-P Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

self-sufficiency and better nutrition of the people of three villages. The selected villages namely MajeedMangrio, MangioJunejo and RanoJunejo (with 400 population) are located at northern edges of Chotiari reservoir along with the widely spread sand dunes of AchroThar (white desert) and the dwellers are totally dependant on livestock. The ultimate objective of the intervention is to provide inhabitants an alternative to reduce their dependency on rangelands that consequently will support to conserve biodiversity richness of the resource which is being degraded due to , increased human settlements, & decreased rainfall. Vegetables being harvested through Pitcher Irrigation © Haji Mola Bux, IFAP, WWF-P After formation, orientation of water used in the pitcher. Thus coliquentida (requires 2,000-2500 through field trips & training of the even saline water can be used for pitchers per hectare) and upright entrepreneurship comprised of irrigation through this technique. crops, or crops producing a canopy community member form targeted villages, an MoU addressing

around the pot (requires up to 4000 WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN This farmer-friendly & most viable pitchers per hectare). A farmer can enterprise operations mechanism, arid zone irrigation system is proved easily cultivate about 0.5 hectare WWF role and community 27 to be water efficient up to 90% (on hand pump or pond) & 1 hectare contributions towards enterprise (by A.A.Siyal, Sindh Agriculture (on motorpump) through the system development & the conservation of University) over flood & other on hand-pump or pond. Six to eight natural resources of area rangelands surface irrigation methods. Besides vegetable plants could be grown is signed. The community is that the benefits include, increased around one pot and may be refilled provided with only 1200 pitchers, productivity (2-3 times higher) since every few days instead of daily a hand pump per 400 pitchers & the plant’s energies are diverted attention. To prolong the life of the vegetable seed at site, and the land from developing root mass needed pitcher, the mouth of the pot should preparation, pitchers installation, for acquiring water, to increasing be kept closed and the water used fertilizer (livestock manure) and overall plant yield, and decreased should be clean. crop management & marketing is at soil erosion & crusting, reduction community part. in weeds, and higher efficiency WWF-P Indus for All Programme & reduced rate in application of team at Chotiari Wetlands Complex The first six month crop yielded an pesticides/insecticides & soluble conceived all the existing issues average of 10 kilograms (creeping fertilizers through the same pitchers and in response, established a crop vegetables) per pitcher with an as need to be applied only on Nature Resource based Enterprise approx net profit of Rs. 5 per kilogram. defined/cultivated areas. supported with Pitcher Irrigation With the compiled crop harvest data Technique for the herdsmen of from three villages, a total amount of The prospects of this local made Chotiari rangelands, with the title Rs. 60,000 net profit is recorded that irrigation technique are practically as “Backyard Gardening through highly advocates the introduction high in the arid/semi arid regions Pitcher Irrigation System”. The of Pitcher Irrigation System in arid (e.gThar&Cholistan) of the country enterprise is intended to establish, &semi arid regions at large scale where we have limited or no cultivation financially assist and strengthen a in such a scenario of severe water due to water scarcity & salinity. participatory community vegetable scarcity and desertification issues Pumped out saline groundwater product management enterprise on that our country is experiencing. can be used to grow creeping 1 hectares, aimed at sustainably crop such as gourd, pumpkin, and manage indigenous core livelihood melon, sponge vegetable “luffa”, source for poverty reduction, food Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Waseem Ahmad Khan Islamabad Email: [email protected]

MUD VOLCANOES OF PAKISTAN

Nature has blessed Pakistan with More than 700 mud volcanoes have New Records of Mud Volcanoes a number of geographical wonders been reported around the world so in Pakistan and mud volcanoes being one of far and according to Owais Mughal them. Mud Volcanoes also known (2007), the managing editor of ALL While conducting wildlife as Sedimentary Volcanoes or Gas- THINGS PAKISTAN - a website surveysinBabbroKaur and Laksar Oil Volcanoes are not very famous highlighting Pakistan’s beauty, there Plains in the northern HNP during and not as devastating in action are 18 mud volcanoes in Pakistan February 2007 we (a team of as their counterpart Magmatic and all being located in Balochistan. five members; the author (team Volcanoesare. They have existed leader), two wildlife watchers from on the face of this planetsince The earliest account of the presence Balochistan Forest and Wildlife very beginning but their actual of mud volcanoes in Balochistan Department and two porters) heard discoveries and studies date back dates back to 1840. The first rather strange stories from local only a few centuries. surviving account of their existence residents about occasional blasts is by Major Frederick John Goldsmith followed by fire and smoke in a mud They are one of the earth’s most who wrote a diary of his travels from mountain known as KundigoKurt.

WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN interesting natural phenomena. to Gawadar in 1862 where The last such blast was heard They may erupt abruptly and he tells about thebubbling springs by locals about six months ago. 28 powerfully vomiting tons of muddy near RasKoocheri and the mud This mountain is not very far from brackish water, which is chemically a volcanoes near Ormara. There are BabbroKaur and Laksar Plains. mixture of water, mud, gases (CH4, two known groups of mud volcanoes Visualizing that these could be C2H6, and SO2),a few elements, in Balochistanviz.,Chandargup active mud volcanoes, we decided some traces of hydrocarbons, oil and JablulGhurab. According to to investigate the stories. and some heat energy. The mud Owais Mughal, seven out of 18 mud volcanoes therefore have a direct volcanoes are located near Sapat Access to the Area link to gas and oil fields and are post in Hingol National Park (HNP) Visiting the Kundigo Kurt excellent indicators to the presence and the remaining 11 are located Mountainisnot an easy task as it of these natural resources. between Kutch and Gawadar. falls in a mountain range where only the professional hikers can venture. There are two access routes to the Kundigo Kurt Mountain and both are very difficult; One from Uthal (Tehsil of ) - Jhau on RCD Highway leading toKhuzdar / Quetta, branching off atDhalliHinj village following a dirt track to KukreeBhent (a hamlet) along the AraKaur (Ara River) in HNP;the other route is from Traanch valley which is even more difficult especially its part known as Dozakh (Hell). KukreeBhent is accessible riding a four wheel drive jeep only as there are many small mounds, stony beds, streams and plains. It takes about two and a half hours to reach KukreeBhent from

Active in Hingol National Park © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

crater size, irregular in shape and 1480 ft above sea level. Actively oozing mud. 5. Borbroong V: About 3 x 3ft crater size, circular in shape and 1480 ft above sea level and actively oozing out mud. 6. Borbroong VI: About 40 x 60ft crater size, irregular in shape and 1470 ft above sea level. Mud was oozing from two points each of 2 ft diameter. 7. Borbroong VII: About 08 x 08ft crater size, rounded in shape and 1470 ft above sea level. Crater was elevated about 3 ft from the surface and mud was oozing. Active Mud Volcano in Hingol National Park © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF One special thing about these mud Jhau at RCDHighway (a distance in the crater, a network of gullies, volcanoes is that small glittering of only 16 km). From KukreeBhent ridges and beautifully carved deep crystals of gold ranging 5 – 20 mm in onwards starts the camel ride for grooves made of mud extruded size can frequently be seen around about eight hours along AraKaur from the volcanoes by rain and wind the craters. But instead being the real up to PishiBhent and then about erosion. We returned to the base gold these are actually the crystals WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN four hours walk on footto reach the camp at 1600 hours, very tired but of pyrite or iron pyrite (FeS2); an ore 29 base of the KundigoKurtMountain in jubilant and exited at this new find of Iron also known as Fool’s Gold. the east of AraKaur. It takes about which is the 3rd mud volcano field two hours from the base of the in Pakistan after Chandargup and As mud volcanoes have a direct KundigoKurtMountainto reach the JablulGhuraband second in HNP link to gas and oil fields therefore, top following a very difficult and risky located at N: 25º 52’ .180” and E: it is recommended that government track. 65º 45’ .930”. Local people use the should search these natural word Borbroong for mud volcano. resources here but keeping in Our Findings Wetherefore named these mud view that the area falls within the After a tiresome journey of about 12 volcanoes as: boundaries of a National Park . hours both on camel back and on foot, 1. Borbroong I:About 100 x 70ft we reached the base of the mountain crater size, almost roundedin in the evening therefore spent that shape and at 1509 ft above night there.Climb to the mountain sea level. Mud was oozing from top started next morning (0700 three different points each of hours).After following the difficult about 2 ft. and risky track and passing through various gullies and depressions, we 2. BorbroongII:About 15 x 12 ft reached the top by 1100 hours and crater size, almost rounded in found seven magnificent and active shape and at 1490 ft above sea mud volcanoes within about 150 m level. Surface was wet, about 5 length and 70 m width at the top of ft deep and mud was not oozing. KundigoKurtMountain at 1509 feet (460 m) above sea level and the 3. Borbroong III: About 12 x 12 ft deposited extrusions all around. We crater size, circular in shape and took photographs, GPS coordinates 1480 ft above sea level. Surface and measurements of craters of looked like a spring and mud different volcanoes. We observed with water oozing out. gas bubbles rising from the mud 4. Borbroong IV: About 4 x 3ft

A network of Gullies in Mud Mountains, Hingol National Park © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Sharjeel Shehzad Islamabad E-mail: [email protected]

ROLE OF CHILDREN IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION! Wildlife plays a great part in the Thinking about these goals of right; that of freedom. Freedom, natural cycle of the world. To fully understanding the specifics and not in its most literal sense, but in help preserve this cycle, we must lives of other wild species, however, another sense; a deeper one. These educate the children. They are the we stand at a considerable animals that have done nothing to future of the world, and may even disadvantage. The human race deserve the ruthless hunts, they live to see the first colonies out in seems impeccably determined are being attacked with. Most of space .Wildlife is important. It helps not to let go of its prejudices, and these precious species have had preserve culture and teaches us delusions of grandeur. There are their existences wiped from the that we are not the only sentient many sensible people in this world Earth, and many are on the verge of life-forms on Earth. It shows us the (sensible in matters like these, extinction. Many of these beings are ways other animals and plants use to anyway), of course, but they, as in no control of what they do, not, live and gives us knowledge of how the poor and poverty-stricken at least, in a complete way. They they adapt to their surroundings, beggars often-mentioned, are in an possess ostentatious fur costs, and/ whether the referred-to surrounding unfortunate position, where their or a canine desire to tear all flesh-

WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN is a desert, a fish pond, a forest, or a opinions matter little. This, I consider possessing beings apart. The first 30 school ground. It gives us a reason to be a sad (yet horribly true) fact. can be explained with the simple to know about what these other In a world where power, influence, answer that this gift was given to beings do for their survival, and wealth, among others, matter most, them by God. The second, a desire: how their ways compare to ours, so the wildlife is pushed to the farthest to live, and consequently, eat food. similar, and yet, so different. corner, and deprived of a very basic The actions of humans acting against these possessions cannot be explained, however. It would be a loss of valuable time to dwell on the point. It stands to reason that we do not owe these animals anything. Parallel to that, though, it must also be remembered that these animals do not owe us anything, either. They are faultless in the matter that man possesses more intelligence and understanding than they do (not much understanding in these matters), and that man misuses that intelligence to lord and overshadow these beings. This does not mean that all animals should be treated equal to or higher than mankind, but they should be treated with appropriate amounts of dignity and respect. In simpler terms, they should in no way, shape or form, should be mistreated.

Hatchlings of Green Sea (Chelonia mydas) © Syed Shamim Fakhri, ZSD Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

So, therefore, we move to the children. As with all life cycles, nothing can sustain itself forever, not even in a physical way, much less a psychological one. It stands to reason that the children of this generation will be the leaders and men of the next. Seeing as how we cannot impose laws upon the public, to suffer a one-year sentence if caught in any way abusing a wildlife species, we have a much more foolproof and easier-to-implement method to go about saving and preserving the wildlife. The children of this world undergo a lengthy process of education. It would be extremely benefiting for them to understand the morals and values-in respect to rights of wildlife- of a good society. They would be able to garner a deeper understanding of the way the world works, and know what basic rights all beings must have (as previously mentioned). They might even be able to work out WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN ways to help and benefit humankind, 31 without harming the environment or these wild animals and plants. (This is something known as sustainable development, though that is another topic.) Thus, finding out an easy way to help wildlife, we conclude that we must educate the children on all the benefits, and moral righteousness of helping the wildlife. As previously stated, the powers of this generation will not be able to influence the next. The next generation will be able to create more suitable positions and rights for the wildlife. This would mean that the animals and plants would be well protected, pro bono mundum etuniversihomines

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Qamar Zaman Muzaffarabad, AJK Emai: [email protected]

HIMALAYAN MUSK DEER Moschus chrysogaster Description large and rounded, generally lined gland or ‘pod’, which, in the live with whitish fur. Musk deer have animal, may play a role in attracting Himalayan Musk deer is a small elongated well-developed upper females during heat period. The high member of the deer family, well saber like canine teeth, which in value of musk has been an incentive tailored to the cold environment, males can be up to 10cm long and for the illegal hunting of musk deer. having a head-to-body length of 86- protrude beneath the upper lip in a These glands contain a dense jelly- 100 cm and a weight of 13-18kg. fang-like manner. This deer is very like oily substance (about 20-30gm) The general body color of the coat, famous for musk gland or pod. with strong odor and reddish-brown composed of brittle coarse hairs, color becomes a powdery mass is a slightly grizzly brown with the Cause of trade when dried and gradually turns lower cheeks, throat and belly black. being whitish. The deer has two to The word ‘musk’ derives from the prehistoric Indian word (Sunskrit) three distinctive horizontal rows of Worldwide Distribution paler creamy spots extending from Muska meant scrotum or testicles. shoulders to the pelvic region. The This is probably due to the musk These deer are normally found sac of the male musk deer which is solitary and are highly shy animals WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN body slopes forward, as the hind legs are almost one third longer than located around their navel close to depending on sense of hearing to 32 the forelegs, causing the height at the male genital opening. The price locate sources of danger. When the rump to be at least 10 cm above of musk is more than five times the frightened, they make broad the shoulder. This is recognizable price of gold in international musk leaps and emit a loud double hiss by its distinctive jumping movement market. Traditionally musk deer if alarmed. They remain mostly – more like the leaping steps of a have been hunted for centuries in active between dawn and dusk. At kangaroo than a deer. The ears are order to excise/harvest the musk night, musk deer can be seen in the open areas of their habitat as they graze, while during the day, they remain in dense cover. These are sedentary, remaining within a defined home range throughout the year and usually do not undertake any seasonal migrations even in harsh weather conditions. Musk deer (M. chrysogaster) are found in the western region of the Himalayas, from Afghanistan and Pakistan to China, and Nepal in alpine forest and sub-alpine scrub zone and upper line of coniferous forests at elevations of 2,200-4,300 meters on the steep slopes of the Himalayas. Distribution in AJK In , these deers are distributed through outNeelumValley, some areas of JehlumValley and

Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

medicine is limited in AJK, which clearly reflects that international commercial illegal trade is the main reason for hunting. Hunting methods do not discriminate age and sex of animals. Musk deer are killed to excise the musk pod found in mature males for musk pod collection; both females without musk gland, and juveniles, which secrete little musk, are also killed in illegal harvesting. However, poaching activity fetches US $275–310 per musk pod while selling them to local market; hence musk trade, as an economic incentive, poses a major threat to the survival of the species. Musk pods extracted from Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster)  Population of Himalayan musk Tehsil Haveli of District Bagh. In Azad are its renowned hot spots, where deer is on a rapid decline Kashmir Neelum valley is renowned illegal hunters remain active all because of destruction of its Biodiversity hot spot for outstanding round the year.. natural habitat due to nomadic beauty, intact forests, floral diversity and local grazers activities, Threats to musk deer WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN and key wildlife species of the along with unsustainable temperate zone. Its forest is the  Although musk is used for commercial logging and 33 most outstanding remaining tract the treatment of ailments but extraction of medicinal plants of temperate forests in Pakistan. use of musk as traditional by the government as well as This valley hosts largest known population of globally threatened Musk deer Moschuscrysogaster, in Pakistan. At present,Neelum Valley is only the area in which biodiversity is still intact, so for the in-situ conservation of the biodiversity of Neelum, Government of AJK notified protected areas,includingMachiara National Park (MNP), Musk Deer National park (MDNP), Ghamot National Park (GNP) and Salkhala Game Reserve (SGR). In these protected areas musk deer alone gain the most attraction of international community and conservationists. It is very first time in protected areas history that an area, Musk Deer National Park was notified to conserve this specific species. MNP, Salkhala Game Reserve and MDNP are the areas in which a viable population of Deer is found, along with these areas Chogalli, Gahl, Rawtta, Pallri, Dudhnial, Tehjian, RattaPani, Sinjlinalla and Arangkail

Worldwide distribution of Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

fun by the merciless herders.  Shooting: This is a widespread method used by majority of poachers, during which, a skilful hunter, locate the foot trekking of the deer on snow through binocular and exact location of its day cover is searched. Then a team of hunters come within reach of the specific site, spread in a burrow manner, uphill side of its day hide, one of the member flush the animal to upward direction, as the deer could not flee fast in a straight line or downward due to its kangaroo like leaping, instantaneously A view of habitat of Musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Neelum Valley, AJK © Qamar Zaman, AJK deer will leap uphill toward the by the locals. According to the every individual could use the hunter who are already posted official data Neelum Valley gun to kill the deer. there and ultimately get shot Development board, in addition down.  to local livestock, a total of around Indiscriminate hunting methods Musk trade in AJK 150,000 livestock heads enter such as trapping, over shooting and poaching of kids also pose every year in NeelumValley from Musk deer are mostly killed for the severe decline in its population. lowlands for seasonal grazing. musk gland found in mature males WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN These nomads ()  Unawareness about its scenic, around the genital opening near 34 invade alpine and sub-alpine aesthetic, economic ecological the umbilicus. Many professional pastures of core habitat of musk importance and non custodian hunters are involved in musk pod deer in June and remain up to attitudes of the local community extraction and trade by killing the September. External nomads is also a main cause of decline musk deer. Local hunters can earn along with local grazers damage in musk population. about US $275– 310 per musk pod natural resources and habitat of 25 g average weight. According to relentlessly. Habitat degradation Common methods of hunting existing data, in 2000 a total of 26 is other major threats to survival  Trapping: The hunters dig a musk pods were sold, in 2001 it was of the species. pit in critical sites of the deer’s to 31, in 2002 44,in 2008, 60, and in 2009, 70 musk pods were sold from  Weak law enforcement is also a territories, trench tops are upper Neelum valley alone. Tawbutt, severe threat to its population. covered by rotten vegetation Pholawai, Kail, Sharda, Dudnyal Weak law enforcement has and small sticks. As a nocturnal and Athmuqam are its local markets made it easy for poachers and habit deer may move about where middlemen purchase the pod musk-pod traders to continue in search of food, during this and sell it in Muzaffarabad; at second their illegal activities. Due to search voyage deer drops into step illegal traders of Muzaffarabad small size of the musk gland, it is the pit and get intertwined with sell to traders in , from easy to hide and transport, thus traps. Experienced hunters where, finally handed over to the making detection of smuggling could use this method effectively international smugglers in Lahore. extremely difficult. trapping the deer. Current status within CITE  Local people of the area could  Poaching of kids: This is the easily get the license of gun widespread practice of herders The international trade in musk deer on the behalf of self defence who are very memorable to and its products has been controlled from the relevant Deputy breeding grounds of female by CITES since 1979 when musk Commissioner, which may be musk deer in the scrub forest, deer populations in Pakistan was used for hunting the deer. This just above tree line. They listed in Appendix1. weapon poses a drastic effect unswervingly locate the small on musk deer population, as kids, who could not detect threat and consequently poached as a Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Mohammad Irshad Islamabad Email:[email protected]

Biological Control in the Context of Insect Biodiversity In the process of providing food multiplied rapidly and controlled the in applied biological control. and fiber to humanity, agriculture scale. Since then there had been is putting serious burden on the 214 cases of complete or partial In Pakistan, work on biological environment. Agriculture has the biological control in the world. Many control started in 1956 when complex relationship with natural attempts have failed when launched Commonwealth Institute of resources and environment. Insects in the fields even if successful on Biological Control (CIBC) was dominate pest problems and the experimental scale. established. The material mass injury by these insects may be so explored in Pakistan is meager. severe that economic yield of a There are various agents. A It includes about 550 insect pest crop may not be possible. These parasite is an organism that is species and 600 parasitoid, 200 are managed by various means usually smaller than the host. The predators and 30 pathogens. parasite feeds on its host, usually and one is Biological control. It There are few outstanding examples is direct or indirect manipulation weakening it and sometimes killing it. Parasitoids are special kind of of its use. In sugarcane crop by man of living natural control releases of Epiricrania melanoleuca agents to increase their attack on predators. A parasitoid is parasitic in its immature stages but is free living an ectoparsite were undertaken WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN pest species. Biological control is against Pyrilla in Mardan and self perpetuating, does not show as an adult. Predators are free living 35 organisms that feed throughout their during 1975-76. It resistance and with minimal adverse became widespread and after a side effects. However, to use life on other animals. They kill their prey. Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, lot of advocacy the aerial spray biological control agents is a tricky was stopped and the pest is under preposition. In biological control, the fungi, rikettsia and nematodes infect insects. sufficient control. This resulted in whole ecological niche has to be saving of over Rs 20 million per year understood. in the cost of insecticides at that Biological control is the use of time. parasitoids, predators or pathogens The interest of mass rearing of to attack an insect and reduce its Trichogramma started in sugarcane number. It control has been more around 1983 with success in Sindh. successful against insect pests of The success achieved in Sindh perennial plants, especially those helped to spread among the sugar pests that feed externally on the industry in other areas of the country. plant and are more or less sessile Despite of its importance, rearing of in habit. It does not eradicate the Lacewing Insect (Chrysoperla sp.) © Mohammad Irshad, NARC this parasitoid in Pakistan has not target pest. been done as should have been. A There are several way of its Classical example of biological few other examples exists in some use. Introduction, also known as crops in the country. control is of the cottony cushion importation is often considered scale by the ladybird beetle. The the classical practice in biological About 30 Million Rupees have so scale had critically ruined the citrus control. Augmentation is a practice far been spent on basic work of industry in California, USA by 1880. that includes any activity designed to biological control of insect pests. The scale was found to be native increase numbers or effect of existing Another 30 million may have been of and exploration of the natural enemies. Conservation is spent on practical biological control host country showed that Vadalia allowing natural enemy to build up in Pakistan. With this meager ladybird beetle fed on this scale. A its population in appreciable number amount the achievements are much few beetles were imported in 1888 when man removes the detrimental greater. However more efforts are and 1889 and released. The beetles effects. These are all methods used needed. Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Syed Iftikhar Ahmad Karachi Email: [email protected]

BARN OWL A Friend of Farmers INTRODUCTION open wells provide daytime shelter movement of impact it closes it eyes . is scarce in status . to protect .Often kills its prey and The barn owl with nocturnal life swallows it whole from head side. style ghostly white appearance, CHARACTERS OF BARN OWL silent flight, terrifying voice and REPRODUCTION birds of ill omen are association with Barn owl can not be mistaken ruins or churches and near old well because of its heart shaped face and The barn owl is one of the few where it likes to nest, have earned large disc shape around the eyes .It birds whose eggs can be found the it a place in the folk lore of many is some time called” Monkey faced whole year round .As a rule ,the cultures. In spite of these characters owl” .The bill are strongly curved as eggs are laid in April or may .During have been thought of a being in other owls the eyes usually black favourable condition i.e. .When food very wise since the time of ancient ,are forward looking .The head large supply is an abundant .The breeding Greece .The owl was associated and round has no eartuffs. The neck period may extend from February to with Athena, the Greek goddess of is short and moveable edges of the November .There is usually only one wisdom .In our country verbally it has face mask hide large ear openings. clutch a year .Each clutch usually deep effects .There are many idioms The long and slender legs are may contain 4 to 7 eggs ,according feathered ,claws are strongly curved to available food supply .It does not

WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN and phrases, which are directly concerned with this Creature and it as in other owls .The wings are long make a nest ,but lays the incubation 36 is true that the idioms and phrases and board with rounded tips and ,a shallow hollow may be found in show a great role as indicates its soft feathers which make very little the soft earths .The female carrying importance. However, the barn owl noise in flight .It is 34 cms in length out all the incubation duties while the is best known for its association is ,with wing spans up to 95 cms .The male fetches food .The incubation best known for its association with weight of the owl is 350 g and vision period is 30 to 40 days. is better. farmers .whenever crops are grown LONGEVITY large population of rates and mice DIET AND BEHAVIOUR attracts the attention of barn owl .On Barn owls are fairly long lived .Larger this basis this creature is also known Food consists of small Mammals, species probably live even longer a as “ hunting “barn owl. Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish 68 years. and large insects, but mainly HABITAT rodents and shrews which constitute This species is an important predator an average of 80% of all prey. The of agricultural pests .it is commonly barn owl require 3 to 4 mice daily found on farmland, in marshes, .They swallow their food and like deserts also occupies uses building many other predators regurgitate such as barns, church, towers and the bones and other indigestible ruins. It is often found in or near parts in the form of pellets ,Pellets human habitations. are black and smooth on the surface ,fairly large (3.5 to 8 cms and about DISTRIBUTION 3 cms thick ) and rounded at the tip . The barn owl is the world’s most Owl catch most of the prey in the widely distributed species ,ranging open field .During hunting they suit through North ,Central and South quietly on a low perch .Watching America ,Britain and Western and listening the noise of rodents, on to the Black Sea ,Central and hearing they rapidly rotate their head Southern Africa , ,India until the sound registers equally in ,Burma, Australia and Tasmania both ears .They then directly face .In Pakistan found in Sindh and their prey .When the force of the Punjab .In Sindh specially in Karachi sound is pin pointed, the barn owl ,particularly in Malir where deep glide silently down towards it .At the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

Mrs. Gulshan Ara Mirza Islamabad Email: [email protected]

Conservation awareness of Margallah Hills National park: a success story Early start of summer season, impact on natural environment is of enthusiasts. The Human Welfare late winters, prolonged dry spells, different nature than that of richer and Nature Conservation Society and short rainy seasons started people. (HWNCS) decided to interact environmental miseries, which we with the communities living in the also share with other nations due to Margallah Hills National Park has Margallah Hills National Park, global climatic change. Locally we more than 125,000 people, native to understand and address their face the abnormalities of less flow of to the area, living in 34 village rural issues, which in turn have negative surface water, deepening of subsoil communities, within its notified impacts on this ecosystem. Under water and short duration flow of boundary. Most of them are poor. this conservation strategy creation springs in the mountains. We have Majority of these National Park of environment awareness was one been attempting remedies rather dwellers, and several living around of the projects, for which I was given than preventives. That’s why we have it, traditionally use natural resources the responsibility to take up with many National Parks, with the hope of the area, such as fuel wood, the communities. I chose school to save parts of natural ecosystems. fodder, water, land for agriculture children of class 3 to 7. The age But it remained impossible for us to and pastures for livestock grazing. groups of students in these classes prevent ever-increasing pressure on This pressure keeps increasing with do not easily forget the message, our natural resources and natural the alarming increase of population, which is given to them in series of WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN ecosystems. For many reasons making it ever difficult to achieve the slide shows. They were educated human population growth remains objectives of the National Park. on the components of environment 37 uncontrolled. At the same time and their functions and linkages majority population is uneducated As the ecosystems get degraded with each other. They were made and unskilled and poor, even lives or modified by man, the urge to to understand the unpleasant below the poverty line. Many of save nature, at least to see it consequences of disturbing the these poor communities merely intact in the National Parks has balance of nature. Also once they survive against starvation and aroused determination to address learnt that the denuded lands are live unhygienic life. Their negative issues among some nature loving slow in replenishment of subsoil

Preparation of beds for kitchen gardening © Gulshan Ara Mirza, Islamabad Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

water, they were prepared to take Poverty alleviation needs sustained village shops. During this healthy up tree plantation campaigns, for efforts for a long time. However, in activity, the leisure time, which used which I gave them training including the mean time some regular benefits to be wasted by sitting idle, was growing of their own nurseries. They can be provided. For this purpose usefully utilized. Now the household took care of the young plants so another well-conceived project, vegetables growing have become religiously that all their young trees again through the school children routine in majority of houses in the lived. HWNCS further increased was started for these HWNCS project villages of Margallah Hills National the children’s enthusiasm by giving villages. Average daily purchases of Park. incentives. The young plantations pulses and vegetables for cooking survived the unusual prolonged per family were estimated. This HWNCS celebrated even the dry and hot season as the children money was saved, by growing small achievements of the target watered them regularly. Now there seasonal vegetables in courtyards communities. Those who are are several trees in open spaces of of village houses through out the praised for their work naturally feel the schools, courtyards and open year. The school children were distinct. The others also get filled areas of the villages. The incentives given training in growing vegetables with enthusiasm to work to help included informative books on in their respective schools. Quality them selves. The villages in the scientific topics. seeds were provided to them for project area now have their own their household vegetable beds. grown trees and the green beds of The young students were also made Again the children were induced to vegetables in their houses. aware that by growing trees they compete for the incentive of first, contributed in addressing several second and third prizes. It was at global level, seen that the whole families got and also at local level. They hoped involved for their young daughters that not only their trees will be and sons. Soon they were eating source of firewood for them but also their own grown fresh vegetables their wells will no more be going dry instead of purchasing at least day in the drought seasons. old withered vegetables from the WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 38

Fuel efficient stove © Gulshan Ara Mirza, Islamabad Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 39

Green Bee eater (Merops orientalis) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF

Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) with Indus Valley toad (Bufo stomaticus) in its beak © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 40

Skittering frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF

Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

UPDATES ON WILDLIFE (NEWS & VIEWS)

NEW RECORD FROM SINDH distributed in Punjab, Sindh and a around Chotiari Dam in District few areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sanghar. According to the local Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale near DI Khan along Indus River. residents, six otter cubs per litter is perspicillata) is a semi-aquatic a common observation in the study belonging to the Order According to literature, (Roberts, area. and Family Mustellidae. 2005), four cubs per litter are It is known as “Oodh Balao” in common among Smooth coated language, “Ludhro” (singular) otter and five in rare cases. and “Ludhra” (plural) in Sindhi However, more than five cubs per language, “Ludhar” in Punjabi and litter have never been reported “Khuwarr Spay” in Pushto language. among Smooth coated otter. During It inhabits freshwater wetlands, a study in 2010 in Sindh Province including canals, rivers, lakes etc. funded by Indus For All Programme and tends to be very secretive and of WWF Pakistan, six otter cubs shy in nature. It is nocturnal in habits per litter were found at two different but social and gregarious. Its food places; first near Jamrau Headwork mainly (96%) consists of fish. It is in Khairpur District and secondly,

Lack of Awareness

An unfortunate Smooth coated otter had an accident with a motorbike on a road in Khairpur District of Sindh Province on January 4th, 2012. The otter was injured like the motorbike WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN rider and was then taken by a group 41 of local hooligan boys. The boys tied a rope around the neck of the otter and dragged it through the streets in the town claiming that they had got hold of a fearful creature. Finally, as Gadani, Deputy Conservator This is not the first incident of animal a result of the cruel attitude of locals, of Wildlife, taking notice of the rights violation but the one which lack of awareness about wild animals incident, warned the culprits and the has been highlighted. This incident and violation of , the community elders took an oath on also reflects the level of awareness innocent otter died in a miserable behalf of the motorbike driver and among the local communities condition. Mr. Ghulam Muhammad so the matter was settled. about wildlife, their importance and ecological role. Wolf Killed in AJK

A Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) was killed by local community in Domail Bala village, in Upper Neelum valley, AJK in October, 2011. According to Mr. Usman Ali, a representative of Breath Foundation, AJK the wolf caused a damage of around Pak Rs. 150,000/- by killing more than 25 sheep and goats in the area during two months. a corridor. Local residents told that wolf dared to live in close proximity Wolves use to come down in the the killed wolf and its pack could not of villages and kept on hunting Neelum Valley during autumn migrate backward during April due to livestock until October last year (September) each year and go prolonged winter season last year. when it was killed finally. back to high altitudes in Karakorum When these animals found plenty of Mountain Ranges after spring food with fewer disturbances, they (April) using the Deosai Plateau as preferred to stay here and the killed Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

UPDATES ON WILDLIFE (NEWS & VIEWS)

Huge sized Freshwater and 11 cm in width. Smaller sized Mussels (Nodularia shells were greatly abundant. These pachysoma) found in invertebrate animals belonging to the Phylum Molluska are found in the bottom mud of the ponds. They Prof. Z B Mirza and his team play important role in the fresh of Kinnaird College for Women water pond habitats by eating algae, University while studying the zooplankton and organic waste. So, they convert organic matter into ecological linkages of fauna and simple nutrients and also decrease flora of Chashma Barrage pond the concentration of suspended area under a WWF Pakistan funded particles from water through their project, found extraordinarily large filtration process. They are also part sized Freshwater Mussels on 9th of the food of many types of fishes February 2012. These Freshwater and birds. Their abundant presence Mussels are more than 19 cm long indicates the healthy pond water habitat of Chashma Barrage.

Baer’s Pochard (Aythya the middle of a sitting flock of over Mirza also thoroughly watched it baeri) sighted in Chashma ten thousand ducks which were through the spotting scope fitted on Barrage being counted by him along with two a tripod. The Pochard was a male Kinnaird College M. Phil. scholars and seemed molted to breeding Mr. Sakhawat Ali, a research scholar Ms. Azubah and Ms. Kamni. Mrs. plumage with black head and neck in Prof. Z. B. Mirza’s team while which blended into maroon-chestnut studying the ecological linkages of of the breast. This is a second fauna and flora of Chashma Barrage record of its occurrence in Pakistan. WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN under a WWF Pakistan funded In 1957 a specimen was shot in a 42 project, sighted a Baer’s Pochard pond area in district Gujrat by Brig. (Aythya baeri) along the eastern Haider. It is winter visitor to eastern flank of the Barrage on 9th February part of India and other far eastern 2012. The Pochard was sighted in countries.

Plumbeous Redstart an escape canal, which is beyond (Rhyacornis fuliginosus) Kundian towards . The Sighted in Chashma Redstart was a solitary bird feeding Barrage on insects as it found at the edge of the waterfall. Normally it is found A Plumbeous Redstart (Rhyacornis near the mountain streams at high fuliginosus) was sighted by Prof. altitudes in summer. In winter it Z. B. Mirza on 9th February 2012 at descends to lower altitude valleys. the reservoir on the eastern flank This winter, some birds dispersed to of Chashma Barrage at the fall of long distances in the plains, perhaps due to heavy snow fall even in the valleys.

Yellow-bellied Fantail March, 1998 in Malkandi forest of Flycatcher (Rhipidura Kaghan valley. hypoxantha) sighted

A Yellow-bellied Fantail Flycatcher (Rhipidura hypoxantha) was sighted in Margallah Hills National Park by Prof. Z. B. Mirza during early summer in 2011 in Margallah Hills National Park between Monal restaurant and Pir Sohawa. It was earlier recorded in winter 2010 in Margallah Hills and . It was also seen by him in Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

UPDATES ON WILDLIFE (NEWS & VIEWS)

Pied Myna ( contora) is Dispersing Further West

Pied Myna (Sturnus contora) was first recorded from Pakistan by Prof. Z. B. Mirza in 1982 in Shahdara in district Sheikhupura. Its dispersal from India advanced to Lahore, Kasur, Changa Manga, Balloki, Nankana Sahib and northwards to Kharian and Rasul Head works in about twenty years. In early 2000’s it was seen at Kalar Kahar and Dina. Recently, on 9th February, 2012 it was seen at Chashma barrage by Prof. Z. B. Mirza.

Was that a first common . That excited us, as record of Tibetan Lark we thought it could be Tibetan Lark ( maxima) in (Melanocorypha maxima). We were Pakistan? watching these birds on ground from 35 to 40 meter distance and it was The difficult mountainous terrain of snowing light so the visibility was not extreme northern Pakistan is short very clear. The Length of the wing in WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN of data on birds. Mr. Shahid Iqbal this species reaches almost to the tip 43 along with Mr. Waseem Ahmad of the tail, which could not be noted, Khan and Syed Shamim Fakhri were nor could we note the tail feathers, than a House Sparrow. Under- conducting a two-week baseline which are broadly white tipped, parts of both the species are white. avian survey in Shimshal valley in except the middle pair and the outer We attempted to photograph it Khunjerab National Park during most feather is nearly white. twice but the flock was shy of our July 2009. We observed a flock of photographer and flew away each eight , which appeared larger There is a similar lark Melanocorypha time he attempted to advance. than other lark species in Pakistan. bimaculata that also occurs in the Perhaps it was Tibtan Lark, a new These were about the size of a same area, but its size is little bigger bird record for Pakistan.

New distribution Range of and flowers of grasses and other Seistan spiny-tail ground vegetation around. Its burrow has a lizard (Uromastyx asmussi) wide opening. It uses its spinose tail in Pakistan as a weapon by lashing it out and does not attempt to bite. Syed Shamim Fakhri from Zoological Survey of Pakistan while conducting herpetological surveys in Balochistan Province during August 2009, found six specimens of the Seistan spiny-tailed ground lizard or Seistani sanda in Kharan, Washuk and Punjgur districts. It was previously reported from Chaghai in Balochistan along Pak- Afghan border whereas; the current findings extend the distribution range of the species to further south of the country. Seistani sanda is a herbivore lizard taking leaves Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012 WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 44

Indian Tree Lizard (Calotes versicolor) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

ABOUT PAKISTAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

Pakistan Wildlife Foundation publicize them for students, deposit slip to PAKISTAN is a Non-profit Conservation researchers, policy makers, WILDLIFE FOUNDATION at; Organization set up under administrators and general [email protected] Section 42 of the Companies public. 5. Account details are; Ordinance, 1984. The foundation Standard Chartered Bank JOIN US Account Title; Pakistan Wildlife was incorporated with Securities Foundation and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Wildlife Foundation Account No. 01-1887296-01 Pakistan (SECP) in October welcomes to all young scientists, 6. The completed form can also be 2010 under the Corporate researchers and nature lovers to posted at the following mailing Universal Identification No. come forward and join hands with address: 0073723. PWF is governed by a Pakistan Wildlife Foundation for board of directors supported by a nature conservation, environmental PAKISTAN WILDLIFE protection and raising awareness FOUNDATION technical advisory committee. about importance of nature and natural resources of Pakistan. The West Basement, Baluchistan Plaza, MISSION Foundation can be joined as; Fazal-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad.

To educate the masses in the  Life Fellow WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN country regarding biodiversity,  Fellow environment and social aspects  Young Scientist 45 to change their attitudes  Earth Watch Volunteer towards positive, sensible and  Corporate Member responsible actions for nature Joining procedure and contributions for each category is given below; OBJECTIVES REGISTATION PROCEDURE To help protect, preserve, conserve, manage and 1. Download and complete the sustainably utilize wildlife and registration form their habitats in the country 2. Deposit the membership fee and to provide a platform for in any branch of Standard the community at large and Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Ltd. professionals to share their 3. Scan the completed membership wildlife/environment related form and fee deposit slip 4. Email the scanned experiences and ideas and registration form and fee

CONTRIBUTIONS Category Pakistani Nationals Foreigners Life Fellow Pak Rs. 5000/- (Once in lifetime) US $ 500/- (Once in lifetime) Fellow Pak Rs. 1000/- (For two year) US $ 100/- (For two year) Young Scientist Pak Rs. 1000/- (For two year) US $ 100/- (For two year) Earth Watch Volunteer Pak Rs. 1000/- (For two year) US $ 100/- (For two year) Corporate Members Pak Rs. 25000/- (For two year) - Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

FOUNDER FELLOWS

Z. B. Mirza Abdul Sattar Khan Abdul Aleem Chaudhry Islamabad Canada Lahore WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 46

Ahmer Mujtaba Abdul Aziz Khan Waseem Ahmad Khan Islamabad Islamabad Islamabad

Syed Ahmed Shah Atif Yaqub Syed Shamim Fakhri Lahore Lahore Karachi Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

LIFE FELLOWS

Hugo Gajus Scheltema Dr. A. A. Quraishy Syed Sadruddin Hussain Dr. Mohammad Sharif Netherlands Embassy Karachi Karachi Khan Islamabad Florida, USA WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Mohammad Naeem Moula Bux Mallah Dr. Mohammad Ayub Saeed Akhter Balouch Bhatti Sangher Lahore Karachi 47 Lahore

Dr. Rehmantullah Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq Naeem Iftikhar Naureen Mumtaz Qureshi Rawalpindi Muzaffarabad, AJK Lahore Islamabad

Dr. Nazish Mazhar Ali Saeed-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Sajid Safwan Shahab Ahmad Lahore Sanghar Nadeem Islamabad Rawalpindi Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

LIFE FELLOWS

Dr. Amjad Rashid Kayani Muhammad Naeem Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Dr. Muhammad Shafiq Rawalpindi Bodla Ahmed Islamabad Lahore Lahore WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Shahzad Aslam Saleha Daud Muhammad Siddique Saher Hasnain 48 Islamabad Lahore Awan Islamabad Muzaffarabad AJK

Dr. Waseem Ahmad Javaid Ayub Prof. Tahir Omer Mehmood ul Hassan Khan Muzaffarabad, AJK Lahore Khan Islamabad Lahore

Mrs. Gulshan Ara Mirza Chand Raza Dr. Mohammad Nasim Usama Anwer Islamabad Lahore Siddiqi Nawab Shah Karachi Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

FELLOWS

Mohammad Farhan Qamar Zaman Sakhi-uz-zaman Riaz Aziz Khan Muzaffarabad, AJK Muaffarabad, AJK Muaffarabad, AJK Islamabad WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Usman Ali Mughal Muhammad Shakil Dr. Mohammad Zubair Mumtaz Hussain Muzaffarabad, AJK Ahmed Anjum Muaffarabad, AJK 49 Karachi Rawalpindi

Dr. Mohammad Ather Falak Naz Abbas Ali Syed Iftikhar Ahmed Rafi Islamabad Karachi Karachi Islamabad

Dr. Abdul Qadir Dr. Mohammad Shahid Iqbal Dr. Muhammad Farid Lahore Nusrallah Khan Lahore Akhter Lahore Karachi Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Rukhsana Tariq Faiza Masood Zunaira Noreen Rizwan Ullah Khan IIU, Islamabad UE, Lahore PU, Lahore GCU, Lahore WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Rabia Saeed Anum Yousaf Rabia Saddiq Tayyaba Afzal 50 PU, Lahore PU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore

Iram Lohdi Anum Iftikhar Sakina Nazia Memon Waheed Ali Soomro UE, Lahore APWA, Karachi APWA, Karachi NCHD, Hyderabad

Muhammad Faizan Bilal Ahmed Khan Hira Tariq Rohina Ijaz Naeem KU, Karachi GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Mehwish Mohy-u-Din Fatima Tahir Sabiha Mumtaz Butt Bilal Ahmad GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Madiha Sana Nida Ejaz Usman Khadim Ali Khadim GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore 51

Muhammad Adnan Muhammad Rizwan Faiza javed Majida Atta Muhammad Shahid Shahid GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore

Tooba Iram Maryam Mukhtar Yasir Nadeem Muhammad Atif Bilal GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Farah Khalid Abdullah Khan Irsa Karim Mehnaz Anwar IIU, Islamabad BU, Islamabad Karachi Lahore WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Jahangir Khan Jadoon Asma Khalid Anum Zafar Iqra Iqbal 52 Lahore IIU, Islamabad BU, Islamabad GCU, Lahore

Fatima Aziz Ayesha Naseem Iqra Zahoor Ayesha Mehmood GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore UE, Lahore

Qandeel Rafique Rukhshanda Rehman Arbab Zahid Arfaa Batool GCU, Lahore GCU, Lahore PU, Lahore PU, Lahore Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Maryam Aslam Muqadas Ayub Wajeeha Nawaz Sadaf Amin PU, Lahore PU, Lahore GCU, Lahore Lahore WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Fatima Sughra Abrar Ahmad Iqra Riaz Shazia Sabir UE, Lahore UAAR, Rawalpindi IIU, Islamabad UE, Lahore 53

Syeda Faiqa Bukhari Sakhawat Ali Iqra Waseem Huma Shehzadi GCU, Lahore UAAR, Rawalpindi UE, Lahore UE, Lahore

Samra Tul Hayee Syed Israr Shah Misbah Riaz Nosheen Rashid PU, Lahore UAAR, Rawalpindi UAAR, Rawalpindi UAAR, Islamabad Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Shaguafta Nighat Atufa Kawan Nadeem Akhtar Sajida Noureen UAAR, Rawalpindi UAAR, Rawalpindi IMCB, Islamabad UAAR, Rawalpindi WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Rabia Zaman Bhatti Abdul Shakoor Khan Muhammad Irfan Qadir Muhammad Munir 54 UAAR, Rawalpindi Muzaffarabad, AJK Qadosi UAAR, Rawalpindi UAAR, Rawalpindi

Fouzia Niazi Adnan Afaq Hussain Mirza Adnan Hamid Khan ICG, Islamabad SUPARCO, Karachi Bhimber, AJK Karachi

Abida Khalid Uzair Ahmed Sajid Ali Suhail Ahmed Lahore Bhimber, AJK KU, Karachi KU, Karachi Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012 WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 55

White eyed Buzzard (Butastur teesa) © Waseem Ahmad Khan, PWF Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

OUR PARTNERS

Pakistan Wildlife Foundation has singed MoUs with the following Organizations, Institutes and Universities for joint ventures and cooperative research.

Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department

The Department was established as Game Department in 1934 and in 1973 was given the status of attached department of Forestry, Wildlife, Fisheries and Tourism Department. Accordingly, the responsibilities of the Department were re-fixed with entire focus on sustainable management, conservation, propagation and protection of wildlife under the umbrella of Punjab Wildlife Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management Act, 1974. The department is supported by a squad of 1880 professional, technical and field staff with 74 members of scale 17-20, 1324 members of scale 5-16 and 482 members of scale 1-4.

Quaid-e-Azam University (Department of Biochemistry)

Quaid-e-Azam University is one of the top few universities of the country; located in the foot of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad Capital Territory of Pakistan. The University was initially

WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN founded as the “University of Islamabad” in July 1967 but later it was re-named after the title of the Founder of Pakistan as “Quaid-e-Azam University”. The University has qualified team 56 of teachers, researchers, scientists and skilled and technical personnel. According to HEC ranking 2011, the university holds the top position in the country among 177 HEC recognized private and public sector universities.

National Welfare & Human Development Organization (NWHDO)

National Welfare & Human Development Organization is a registered Non Government Organization working in Sindh Province of Pakistan. Its head office is located in Nasarpur, District Matiari. The organization works in the areas of human development, education, poverty elevation and sustainable economic development in Sindh, Pakistan.

Breath Foundation AJK

Breath Foundation is Muzaffarabad (AJK) based Non Government conservation Organization established in 2011 and registered with Joint stock company and firm Azad Government of state of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistan Societies act 1860/21. The mission of the organization is to empower the communities for active participation in the conservation of natural resources by addressing biodiversity, environmental, educational, economic and health issues and to play their role in the policy making for the sustainable utilization of natural resources.

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) (Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology)

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, is one of the oldest Veterinary Institutions in established in 1882 and one of the top few universities of the country. The university has latest and well equipped research labs and a qualified team of scientists, researchers, teachers and skilled and technical personnel. The university comprises of 21 Departments and BS, MS and offers PhD program in different fields. Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

OUR SUPPORTERS

Following organizations and institutes are among our valuable supporters and we sincerely acknowledge their support in our endeavors.

Bio-Resource Research Centre

BRC is a non-profit, non-political, multidisciplinary base organization with it’s headquarter in Islamabad, Pakistan. Main focus of BRC, till date, has been on the in Pakistan, through curbing bearbaiting. Therefore, the major part of present strategies and projects of BRC are designed in this perspective and BRC has many successes at its claim with regard to these projects. BRC assisted Pakistani authorities in development of a bear registration scheme which can be used to monitor bears in captivity.

IUCN Otter Specialist Group

The Otter Specialist Group, founded in 1974 is part of World Conservation Union (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC). The aims of the Group, as set out by IUCN, are to:

 Provide leadership for the conservation of all 13 otter species (Lutrinae).  Determine and review on a continuing basis the status and needs of otters, and WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN promote the implementation of necessary research, conservation and management 57 programmes by appropriate qualified individuals, organizations and governments.  Make known the status and conservation needs of otters, and promote the wise management of otter species. The Otter Specialist Group has around 245 members representing 62 countries. It publishes a quarterly peer-reviewed research journal; IUCN OSG Bulletin and has an E-library with hundreds of research articles about otters available to its members. The Otter Specialist Group is represented in Pakistan by Mr. Waseem Ahmad Khan.

Zoological society of Pakistan

The Zoological Society of Pakistan (ZSP) was founded in 1968 as an interdisciplinary scientific society that would draw together members from diverse scientific backgrounds under the unified discipline of Zoology. The objectives of the Society are:

 Promotion of scientific knowledge of animals and related subjects through discussions, reports and publications.  Stimulation of scientific investigations and their applications.  Planning, organization and administration of projects for the advancement of scientific knowledge in Zoology.  Improvement of education and professional qualifications in Zoology.  Promotion of international cooperation in achieving the above objectives

International Otter Survival Fund

The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) is one of the world’s leading otter charities. In the UK IOSF is the only charity solely dedicated to the conservation, protection and care of otters based on 20 years of scientific research in the UK and around the world. Through education, research, influencing policy and partner working the IOSF is making progress but there is still much to be done in the UK and other countries where otters are at risk. Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

WWF Pakistan

World Wide Fund for Nature - Pakistan was formed in 1970 to address the growing environmental and conservation issues in Pakistan that not only affected the flora and fauna, but were also affecting the human population. WWF - Pakistan is a proud component of the WWF International family network, one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organizations, with almost four million supporters, 4,500 staff members and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:

 Conserving the world’s biological diversity  ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable  promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

Sindh Wildlife Department, Government of Sindh, Pakistan

Sindh wildlife department was established for the conservation, protection and Management of Protected Areas on scientific lines.

 Enforce anti-poaching measures under the provision of Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972 and other legal enactments.  Census and Surveys of important wild animals and birds.  Encourage research and studies on different aspects of wildlife and their habitat.  Promote and facilitate captive bred wildlife trade. 

WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Regulate lawful healthy sport of hunting.  Promote wildlife related ecotourism, recreational, educational and awareness 58 activities.  Ensure Community participation in the management of wildlife resources

PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (Department of Zoology)

In the 1970, the Government of Pakistan constituted a Barani Commission to review and recommend measures for the development of rainfed agriculture and uplift of the poor masses through education, research and development of technology, and manpower. Pursuant to the recommendations of the Barani Commission, the Government of Punjab established the Barani Agriculture College, Rawalpindi which was later upgraded to University in 1994. The mandate of the University is to produce high quality agricultural scientist and to form an organized scientific infrastructure for teaching and research for the development of the dry land regions of the country, thus minimizing the income gap.

University of the Punjab, Lahore (Department of Zoology)

Established in 1882 at Lahore, the is the largest and the oldest seat of higher learning in Pakistan. It was the first to be established in the sub-continent in Muslim majority areas. The fact that two Nobel laureates are from this University speaks volumes for its academic and research excellence. Located in the historical and culturally alive city of Lahore, this University has played a leading role in higher education in the country. The University strives to provide a conducive environment for the pursuit of the academic activities. On account of its quality degrees and pleasant environment the University remains the institution of first choice for admission seeking students. Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Letters to Editor Name of the observer:  The training manual Postal Address / Email:  Practical demonstrations Dear readers, we will be happy for stuffing reptiles, birds Phone Number: to publish your letters, views, and mammals comments and suggestions.  Separate workshops The Editor Wildlife Safari / Eco- for male and female Internship participants  Maximum 10 participants Readers Evaluation Students of grade 9 and 10 (Matric  Fee Rs. 7000/- Pakistan Wildlife Foundation awards and O level’s) are invited to join Eco- Internship program with Pakistan This training can be organized in any ‘best article shield’ to the writers on Wildlife Foundation. Eco-Internship city in Pakistan depending upon the the basis of readers’ evaluations. is 1-day training in the field number of participants. Registration Readers are requested to send their regarding biodiversity, environment, form is available at; www.pakwildlife. evaluation about the article they ecosystems and their importance. org. For further information, send us Eco-Internship facility is open for an Email at; [email protected] or liked best in the following format: students from throughout Pakistan. contact Mr. Waseem Ahmad Khan at; 0333-5214333. Name of Article: A senior Wildlife Ecologist will be available for conducting the training Name of the Evaluator in natural environment preferably Training Workshop in WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN Postal Address / Email: in a about one- Wildlife Photography (Student should mantion their Class two hours’ drive from the main city. 59 Travelling, food and refreshments and the institution) A 3-day training workshop in Wildlife will be provided by Pakistan Wildlife Photography is being organized Foundation. Students will be offered in second half of April, 2012 in Wildlife Photography a MCQ test in the field and the Islamabad. Those interested in Evaluation successful students will be awarded Wildlife Photography can join the an Eco-Internship certificate. Group workshop. Key features of the Pakistan Wildlife Foundation size will be 25 and groups from workshop will be; gives awards to the best wildlife schools will be preferred. However, photograph on the basis of the separate groups for male and female  The training manual students can also be arranged. Fee  evaluation by the readers in the Practical demonstrations in for the training is Rs. 3,500/- per the field same way as written above. participant.  Maximum 12 participants Photographes will be exhibited in  Fee Rs. 7000/- Registration form is available at; the “Wildlife Photography section of www.pakwildlife.org. This training can be organized in any the magaznine. city in Pakistan depending upon the For further information contact us at; Name of the Phogograph: number of participants. Registration form is available at; Name of the Evaluator Email: [email protected] Postal Address / Email: www.pakwildlife.org (Student should mantion their Class Training Workshop in and the institution) Taxidermy For further information contact us at; A 3-day training workshop in Email: [email protected] Wildlife News Taxidermy is being organized in May, 2012 in Islamabad. Those Readers are requested to share interested in animal collection, their observations on wildlife and preservation and stuffing can join any wildlife related News. the workshop. Key features of the workshop will be; Volume 1: Issue 1: January - March, 2012

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Wildlife of Pakistan is a platform for researchers, students and nature lovers to share their wildlife related experiences, ideas and information. Its main objectives are the education and awareness raising among youth about environment, biodiversity and wildlife. The editors are grateful to all those who have contributed the magazine through their articles and photographs and indirectly to the objectives of the magazine. The editors sincerely acknowledge the contributions of all those who have contributed to this magazine and look forward to their regular support to the magazine in future. WILDLIFE OF PAKISTAN 60

Wild rose (Rosa webbiana) © Waseem Ahmed Khan, PWF