Migratory Birds in Pakistan and World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated worldwide two times a year. The second Saturday in May and the Second Saturday in October, every year, are the days of these birds. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the need for the Conservation of Migratory Birds and their habitat. This event aims to raise global awareness about the threats, these birds face during their journeys. This day also promotes international cooperation to conserve these bird species. This also highlights the importance of migratory birds species. There is a specific theme every year. World Migratory Bird Day 2024, on May 11, highlights the importance of insects for birds. Details are also available about Migratory Birds in Pakistan below۔

ہجرتی پرندوں کا عالمی دن اور ان سے جڑی اہم معلومات، پاکستان اور پرندوں کی ہجرت کا راز

This day is a partnership of two treaties and a non-profit Organization. On of these treaties is the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Other one is the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds Agreement (AEWA). On the other hand, the partnership organization is Environment for the Americas (EFTA).

What are Migratory Birds?

These are species of birds that regularly travel long distances. This traveling is between their breeding grounds and their wintering grounds. These birds undertake these journeys annually. The reasons behind this migration include seasonal changes in weather, food availability, or breeding opportunities. There are thousands of migratory birds species worldwide. These include Arctic Tern, Stork, Cranes, Common Swift, Hummingbird, Songbirds, Passerine, Barn Swallow, Geese, etc. In the extreme cold season, these birds move to temperate regions. They moved back again at the end of the winter season.

سال 2022-23 میں سوا 6 لاکھ سائبیریائی پرندوں نے نقل مکانی کی

World Migratory Bird Day 2024 theme

The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is “Protect insects, protect birds”. This theme focuses on Insects and the Importance of insects for these birds. World Migratory Bird Day 2024 also highlights the concerns over the decreasing population of insects. Insects are an essential source of energy for many Migratory Birds species.

History of World Migratory Bird Day

Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) Secretariat started this day in 2006. The Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) also collaborated. On the other hand, the idea of Migratory Bird Day is very old. It emerged in the United States in 1993. It started as International Migratory Bird Day in the USA by different organizations.

Importance of Insects for Migrating Birds

Insects play a crucial role in the diets of many migratory birds species. Insects are essential for their survival during breeding, migration, and wintering period. These insects are the source of different nutrients for birds. These birds play a role in insect control as they move during the peak season of insects. The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is also highlighting the importance of insects.

Migratory Birds in Pakistan

Pakistan is also the host of several Migratory Birds Species. These birds travel to Pakistan from various regions, including Central Asia, Siberia, Europe, and even parts of Africa. Migratory Birds in Pakistan are the Siberian Crane, Houbara Bustard, Bar-headed Goose, Common Crane, European Roller Ducks, Flamingos, Swans, etc.

These birds start arriving in Pakistan at the August end. Some species spend the winter season in Pakistan. On the other hand, some species only take rest as Pakistan is on their migratory route. They move back in February.

From Siberia, birds move over Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Suleiman Ranges. Along with the Indus River, they move downwards. These birds stay at different water bodies and wetlands including Mnagla Lake, Rawal Lake, Margalla Hills, Zangi Nawar Lake in Balochistan, Natlar Wetland, and Deosai Wetlands. They also stop at Drigh, Hamal, and Langh Lakes in Sindh. Some birds move to Thar and Thatta. Lakes in Sindh like Hadero, Keenjhar, and Haleji are their sites. They move further to South Punjab.

ہجرت کرنے والے پرندوں کے بارے چند حقائق

Importance of Migratory Birds in Pakistan and the World

Besides the importance of migratory birds in Pakistan, they have also international importance. These birds play a vital role in ecosystems. They provide numerous benefits to both the environment and human societies.

These birds contribute to ecosystem functioning through various ecological roles. These roles include pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, and nutrient cycling. Their movements also help to maintain the balance and health of ecosystems across different regions.

خطرات کے باوجود پاکستان میں ہجرت کرنے والے پرندوں کی تعداد میں اضافہ

Migrating birds contribute to global biodiversity by occupying diverse habitats throughout their annual migrations. They often rely on a network of interconnected ecosystems, making them excellent indicators of ecosystem health and integrity.

These birds also generate economic activity for local communities and guest governments. They create activities like bird watching, ecotourism, and recreational hunting. The importance of migratory birds in Pakistan also relates to these activities. Moreover, These birds have also cultural importance in Pakistan and other countries. They also link different cultures. Besides this, their migrations promote genetic exchange and the dispersal of species across geographic barriers.

The importance of migratory birds also relates to the Ecosystem. These birds provide valuable ecological services, such as controlling insect pests, regulating plant populations, and maintaining ecosystem stability. For example, shorebirds help control insect populations in wetlands, while seed-dispersing birds contribute to forest regeneration.

مہمان آبی پرندوں کی آماجگاہیں بنانے کے پراجیکٹ پر کام شروع

Conservation of Migratory Birds in Pakistan

These birds are facing a wide range of threats caused by human activities. Moreover, Plastic pollution, climate change, and habitat loss are other diverse effects birds face. These birds fly long distances crossing many borders between countries.

Therefore, international cooperation between Governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders is required for the conservation of migratory birds. In Pakistan, Authorities issue guidelines in the season of their arrival. The government should take steps to stop bird poaching and illegal hunting. Moreover, the Government should also engage local communities to protect the habitats of these birds. Steps against water pollution and plastic pollution are also important.

مہمان سائبیرین پرندوں کی پاکستان آمد ، سپیشل گائیڈ لائن اور ہدایات جاری

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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