Pakistan is home to a massive variety of potent wildlife. From the green fields of Punjab to the rocky mountains of Balochistan, Pakistan accommodates versatile landscapes with astonishing ecosystem diversity. Due to factors like temperature fluctuations, increased sea levels, hunting for sport, destruction of habitats and overpopulation, the magnificent creatures found in our country are on the brink of extinction. In most developed nations, such endangered species are carefully protected but our country is one where even human life is disposable, so worrying about animals is considered absolutely absurd.
These are the animals that will be lost to the world in the next few years unless haste actions are taken to conserve them.
- Markhor: the national animal of our country!! Despite its significance, this wild goat has been classified as ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. They prefer living on steep cliffs and dangerous zones of the mountainous regions in order to save themselves from being attacked by other predators.
There is some good news though, in a 2015 study it was revealed that a 20% increase had been observed in their population.
- Snow leopard: the decline in their numbers is mostly due to climate change, loss of habitat due to industrialization and illegal poaching for their exquisite fur. Perhaps the best known of Pakistan’s threatened animals, the snow leopard is iconic among species in the Himalayan Range.
- Asian black bear: Found in our southern Balochistan mountains, the black bear is resident to the ranges of Takht-e-Suliman and Toba Kakar. The expansion of human settlement into their territory has caused a great decline in their numbers.
- Indus River dolphin: This ADORABLE creature is the second most endangered freshwater river dolphin. Poaching, habitat fragmentation, water pollution and damming are some of the main reasons behind its decreasing numbers. They are also hunted for traditional medicines and meat which is sold for large sums of money.
- Blue whale: Listed as endangered in IUCN Red List, its current global population stands at around 10,000 to 25,000. These are the largest animals to have ever existed on Earth ruling up to 100 feet long and 200 tons. Oil mining, tourism, and pollution are the reason they haven’t been spotted on the coast for years now.
- Vole: Especially highlighted by WWF, voles face serious threats of extinction due to habitat loss. They are endemic to Pakistan and are members of IUCN’s Red List.
- Siberian crane: Due to extreme water pollution and human negligence, their numbers are exceptionally low as they prefer to breed in scattered territories of wide expansive fresh water with a good visibility range.
- Long Billed Vultures: They may seem like sinister flesh-eaters but these scavengers play an essential role in Pakistan’s ecological landscape. Also important to the Parsi community, these birds are harmed due to the usage of a deadly drug component in cattle feed.
