During the past two years Pakistan has witnessed a rise in the population of migratory birds across its water bodies, and by conserving its wetlands, banning bird hunting and raising awareness among the locals about biodiversity conservation, Pakistan can become a safe haven for migratory birds.
This was stated by the WWF-Pakistan through a press release released on the occasion of World Migratory Birds Day, which is observed every year on May 8. From plastic pollution to habitat loss and the impacts of climate change, migratory birds are increasingly under threat from human activities and interventions.
Although migratory birds face many dangers along the long routes they take, they have multiple benefits to humans, such as seed dispersal, pollination and pest control. On this day the WWF-Pakistan released a video of migratory birds that take refuge at the Borith Lake in Gilgit-Baltistan.
A picturesque and placid lake surrounded on all sides by jagged mountain peaks of the mighty Karakorams, this small saline lake has become an important biodiversity hotspot for migratory birds on their passage between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
As a result of a ban on hunting, the Borith Lake today is a bright example of what a healthy ecosystem should look like. Taking lessons from Borith, we must continue to create similar protected areas across Pakistan to ensure that the unique biodiversity of this region continues to thrive in the years to come.
The video developed by Nyal Mueenuddin, film-maker at the WWF-Pakistan, showcases how the WWF-Pakistan’s community conservation work has made the Borith Lake such an important conservation success story over the years. Migratory and resident birds regularly visit this freshwater lake and help improve the ecosystem that is home to other wild species.
On this occasion, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General, WWF-Pakistan, pointed out that nature conservation, ecosystem services and the well-being of human beings are linked with the protection of migratory birds. “It is our joint responsibility to protect wild species, including birds, which play a crucial role in maintaining this ecosystem.”
He said that migratory birds face several threats in Pakistan, which include habitat loss, degradation, pollution, illegal trade and ruthless hunting. The birds not only help control the population of insects and some fish species but also improve habitat for other wildlife.
He emphasised that the relevant provincial wildlife departments should curb illegal trade and ruthless hunting of wildlife, including birds. Pakistan lies at a crossroads for bird migration, with its wetlands attracting high numbers annually in the winter season.
These birds arrive through the international migration route known as the Indus Flyway, from Siberia and over the Karakoram, Hindukush and Suleiman Ranges along the Indus River down to the delta.
They include a wide variety of ducks and waders, houbara bustard, cranes, teals, pintail, mallard, geese, spoon bills, raptors and passerines such as warblers, pipits and buntings. Some species, including the common and Demoiselle cranes, snipe and pelican enter via the Kurram Agency of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Since all migratory species are hunted in Pakistan and ducks are mercilessly killed every year, the population of some duck species, including white-eyed pochard, marbled teal and garganey, has drastically decreased.
Cranes, because of their size and beauty, unique calls and complex behaviour, are hunted and trapped during their migration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. There is a strong interdependence between people and nature, and more specifically, people and
migratory birds.
Anthropogenic activities can have negative impacts on bird migration, especially the disappearance of wetlands and degradation of bird habitats in Pakistan. The WWF-Pakistan appeals to the public to help revive the country’s natural landscape and protect the bird species.
Originally published at The news international