Conservation of Vultures in Pakistan – Recommendations
A report of Dawn on Saving of Scavengers in Sindh – Conservation of Vultures ( گِدھ ) . Vulture bird is facing serious threats. IUCN has declared it endangered. Three species of this bird are under critically endangered list. On the other hand, two of these are inhabitant of Tharparkar. Moreover, White backed vulture and long billed vulture of Sindh are facing critical threat. Dead animal having treatment of this medicine becomes the cause of the death of this scavenger bird. However, this is the reason why diclofenac sodium banned in animals. This report elaborates the species of vulture and vulture population.
However, Use of Diclofenac in animals was the reason behind the death of these birds. In fact, these birds eat carcass of animal. Besides this, over population, mining and pollution are the other reasons.
Eight Vulture Species Found in Pakistan
Of the nine vulture species found in South Asia, eight occur in Pakistan:
- Oriental White-backed Vulture
- Long-billed Vulture
- Red-headed Vulture
- Egyptian Vulture
- Cinereous Vulture
- Lammergeier
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture
- Eurasian Griffon Vulture
Among these, the Oriental White-backed Vulture and Long-billed Vulture are classified as critically endangered and are found in Sindh’s Tharparkar region.
Alarming Decline in Vulture Populations
A study titled “The Status of Vultures Sindh Population Baseline Survey 2019-20” identified several factors contributing to the decline of vultures in Sindh:
- Expansion of road networks
- Growth in human and livestock populations
- Coal and stone mining
- Power plant development
- Habitat destruction
- Reduced food availability
Researchers emphasize that vultures are nature’s sanitation workers. Without them, carcasses would remain exposed for longer periods, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks such as anthrax and botulism.
Survey Findings on Conservation of Vultures
The study was conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in collaboration with:
- Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC)
- Sindh Wildlife Department
- Baahn Beli
The survey focused on Tharparkar before expanding to other districts of Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Kirthar Range, and Gorakh Hills.
While the IUCN survey recorded around 50 Long-billed Vultures during the breeding season, WWF-Pakistan researchers reported significantly higher numbers, including:
- 288 Long-billed Vultures
- 189 adults
- 24 sub-adults
- 75 chicks
- 75 active nests in Karoonjhar Hills
Diclofenac – A Killer of Vultures
One of the biggest threats to vultures has been diclofenac, a veterinary anti-inflammatory drug widely used in livestock.
When vultures feed on carcasses of animals treated with diclofenac, they suffer kidney failure and die. Research linked diclofenac to catastrophic vulture declines across South Asia.
Although Pakistan banned veterinary diclofenac in 2006, human formulations of the drug are still available and are often used illegally on livestock.
Experts recommend meloxicam as a safer alternative because it does not harm vultures.
Food Shortages and Conservation of Vultures
Researchers also examined whether food scarcity is affecting vulture populations.
The IUCN study suggested that vultures face increasing competition from:
- Large populations of stray dogs
- Human utilization of animal remains
- Tanneries
- Feed mills
- Bone crushing industries
However, WWF-Pakistan experts argue that food shortages alone do not explain the decline because vultures can travel hundreds of kilometers in search of food.
Habitat Destruction in Tharparkar
Habitat loss remains one of the most serious threats.
- Trees such as acacia and kandi, which vultures use for nesting, are increasingly cut for fuel and fodder.
- The critically endangered medicinal shrub Guggul (Commiphora wightii) grows in Karoonjhar Hills. Local communities harvest its resin during the same period that vultures breed.
- Human activity in nesting areas often disturbs birds, damages nests, and reduces breeding success.
- Livestock numbers in Tharparkar increased from approximately 4.59 million in 2010 to more than 7.01 million, increasing pressure on vegetation and natural habitats.
- The role of coal mining remains controversial.
Mining Company Perspective
SECMC states that its operations occupy only a small portion of the region and do not threaten known vulture habitats. The company says it has supported conservation efforts, including:
- Funding vulture surveys
- Tree plantation programs
- Bio-saline agriculture projects
- Conservation initiatives in Thar
Concerns over Conservation of Vultures
Wildlife experts warn that mining can:
- Destroy habitats
- Increase air and water pollution
- Introduce heavy metals such as lead into ecosystems
Scientific studies from other regions have linked mining activities to negative impacts on vulture populations.
Recommendations for Conservation of Vultures
Conservation experts recommend several urgent measures:
- Expand areas where diclofenac use is prohibited and monitoring is strengthened.
- Declare Karoonjhar Hills and surrounding habitats as a protected national park to reduce commercial exploitation and habitat destruction.
- Engage local communities in conservation efforts and increase awareness about the ecological importance of vultures.
- Encourage the exclusive use of meloxicam and other vulture-safe alternatives instead of diclofenac.
The Way Forward for Conservation of Vultures
Experts agree that vultures are indispensable for ecosystem health and public sanitation. Protecting their habitats, eliminating harmful veterinary drugs, and strengthening conservation programs are essential steps to reverse their decline in Sindh.
With coordinated efforts from government agencies, conservation organizations, local communities, and the private sector, Tharparkar can continue to serve as one of Pakistan’s most important strongholds for these remarkable scavengers.
ملک بھر میں ختم ہونے کے خطرے سے دوچار گدھوں کی تعداد بڑھنے لگی
تھر میں قحط سالی ، بچوں کے بعد مور پرندے بھی مرنا شروع
