PAKISTAN is known for its biodiversity, including endemic wildlife species, and is home to spectacular wild animals and birds. Unfortunately, a lot of exotic animals are close to extinction.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Pakistan’s climate change ministry have compiled a list of critically endangered species. Over 50 species in the list are on the verge of extinction. These include snow leopards, flare-horned markhors, Marco Polo sheep, Ladakh urial, musk deer, brown bear, woolly lying squirrel, Indus River dolphin, tigers, cheetahs, golden mahaseer, green sea turtles, long billed vultures, yellow eyes pigeons, vole, caracal and mountain gorillas.

Climate change, anthropogenic activities, such as habitat fragmentation, poaching, hunting, killing, and anti-environment practices lead to extinction. The general population should be made aware of the importance of wildlife conservation. The extinction of animals should be treated seriously.

If these endangered species continue to vanish at the current pace, Pakistan will lose the magnificence of its landscape.

Ariba Ali
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2022