Op-Ed

Awareness regarding wild life biodiversity and their natural habitats in Pakistan

By Tahwer Mohibullah

Pakistan is the only country which has one of the highest rate of de-forestation, this deforestation directly affects the natural habitat of wild life of Pakistan. Pakistan has only less than 5% of area which is covered by forest. Deforestation is estimated 1% annually .this unsustainable and uncontrolled cutting is not only affecting wildlife but its also exposing regions to natural disasters. Deforestation is directly linked with increased population as well; lack of fuel alternatives and lack of awareness about use of these sustainable resources, are some of its reasons.

Wild life threats also include human activities such as hunting, fishing & agricultural practices.

Even in this age we are still illiterate, in our culture hunting has taken deep roots. Peoples are hunting animals to their extinction. In Pakistan hunting has its origin from Mughal emperors and its still getting popular. Even various reptiles like snakes, lizards and crocodiles are hunted for their skins. And this is also affecting natural balance. For example fewer numbers of snakes would eventually causes increased numbers of rats. It is also causing increase number of animals like jackal s, wildcat, wild boars and porcupines, In search of their food they head towards villages and got killed by peoples.

Few years from now, in 2006, a rare leopard was killed by security guards on mountain top in Muzaffarabad. Which didn’t even came near the people’s way. Poor animal was searching for the food and got killed by guards. And later officials were measuring it weight and taking information. It appears that the easiest way for the people is to kill animals like this.

Later on, another young female leopard was caught near Kashmir point in Murre and brought to the Lahore zoo. And place in the cage on the concrete floor. Where she get sick. And never eats because these wild animals usually eat by hunting. I mean what’s the point of that? Torture the Animal lovers?

As one of citizen from khanpur town said “Most of the wild animals are found wandering around the human settlements now a days in search of food as nothing is left in the forests. The lush green forests of Hazara have been converted in to bare brownish mountains and steeps.”

I understand that it is unacceptable to get injured or killed by wild animals. But en captivity is also questionable.

Other than that, use of modern technology in Agriculture like chemical fertilizer, pesticides and insecticides are also leading to diseases in wildlife especially insects, aquatic plants, fishes, and birds.

Whether it is about deforestation or about wild life biodiversity we are destroying the beauty of nature, knowledge is the only thing which will leads to awareness. Only then people will concern about the implications of these acts. And then peoples will try to find alternative solutions for it. Schools are not enough there must be proper institutions with interactive fun facility in the different spots of the country. Something likes nature exposition centers or equivalent. Where people would learn about sustainability and environment in an indirect manner.