Endangered species in Pakistan

i. Markhor
ii. Black finless porpoise
iii. Asian black bear
iv. Indus River Dolphin
v. Baluchistan Forest Dormouse
vi. Mountain Weasel
vii. European Otter
viii. Snow Leopard

Causes of Endangered Species/Causes of Overexploitation:

1. Rapid increase in population and change in lifestyles

2: Lack of alternate means of energy, especially for rural households. 3: Weak capacities of the public sector agencies and the local communities to manage their forest sustainability

4: Lack of advanced machinery to manage and regenerate the forest

5: Lack of recognition of environmental resources, including recycling of water, biodiversity conservation, carbon fixing, and control of soil erosion.

Recommendations:-

A strict policy should be formed to address overharvesting in Pakistan.

People should strictly follow the environmental laws.

There should be a proper check and balance system regarding the maintenance of ecosystems.

People must be aware of overharvesting.

There should be other alternative resources so that the natural resources take time to compensate for the loss.

Porpoise

black bear

Indus Dolphin

Dormouse

Mountain Weasel

Eurpion Otter

Snow Leopard

Endangered species in Pakistan

Introduction: Endangered species are those living organisms whose populations are at risk of extinction due to various factors. Pakistan, with its diverse ecosystems, is home to several endangered species. In this article, we will explore some of the endangered species in Pakistan and the threats they face.

1. Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor)

1.1 Habitat and Distribution: The Indus River Dolphin is a unique species found exclusively in the Indus River system of Pakistan. They inhabit freshwater sections of the river.

1.2 Threats:

Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Water pollution
Indiscriminate fishing practices
Climate change

2. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

2.1 Habitat and Distribution: Snow leopards are found in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, particularly in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges.

2.2 Threats:

Poaching for their fur and body parts
Habitat loss due to infrastructure development
Decline in prey species
Human-wildlife conflict

3. Markhor (Capra falconeri)

3.1 Habitat and Distribution: Markhors are primarily found in the hilly and mountainous areas of Pakistan, such as the northern regions and Balochistan.

3.2 Threats:

Illegal hunting and poaching
Habitat degradation and fragmentation
Competition with livestock
Human-wildlife conflict

4. Hawkesbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

4.1 Habitat and Distribution: Hawkesbill turtles inhabit the coastal areas and coral reefs of Pakistan, particularly in the Arabian Sea.

4.2 Threats:

Habitat destruction due to coastal development
Pollution in marine environments
Climate change is affecting nesting sites.
Poaching for their shells

5. Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus)

5.1 Habitat and Distribution: Himalayan Brown Bears are found in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, including the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges.

5.2 Threats:

Habitat loss and fragmentation
Human-wildlife conflict
Poaching for body parts and fur
Decline in natural food sources

6. Sindh Ibex (Capra aegagrus blythi)

6.1 Habitat and Distribution: The Sindh Ibex is primarily found in the rocky and hilly regions of Sindh and Balochistan in Pakistan.

6.2 Threats:

Illegal hunting and poaching
Habitat degradation and fragmentation
Competition with livestock
Human-wildlife conflict

Conclusion: The conservation of endangered species in Pakistan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and preserving the natural heritage of the country. Efforts are being made by both government and non-government organizations to protect these species and their habitats, but continued awareness and sustainable conservation practices are essential to ensuring their survival.

All the images are taken from https://www.pexels.com/

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Overharvesting or overexploitation of biological resources