THE World Wildlife Day is being observed today (March 3). The theme this year is: ‘Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet’. Contrary to general perception, wildlife is not confined to deep forests or isolated sanctuaries; it thrives all around us, often unnoticed.

Pakistan recognises the importance of biodiversity conservation, and adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2016 as part of its national development agenda. Among them, SDG 15 (Life on Land) directly aligns with this year’s theme. It focusses on protecting, restoring and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests responsibly, combatting desertification, and halting biodiversity loss.

The day serves as a reminder of the delicate and intricate bond between humans and the wildlife. Despite rapid urbanisation, where nature is often overshadowed by concrete and steel, encounters like a francolin’s call in an urban setting remind us of what we stand to lose if we fail to protect our wildlife.

Pakistan is geographically diverse, spanning from the Sir Creek at sea level to the towering K2 at 8,611 meters, providing an extraordinary range of wildlife habitats. From the soaring snow leopards in the Himalayas to the majestic, long-curled-horned markhor, which contributes to foreign exchange earnings through community-based trophy hunting, Pakistan is home to incredible biodiversity.

The elusive and endangered Indus River dolphin glides through the depths of the Indus, a testament to the richness of our natural heritage.

Human activities continue to alter habitats drastically, forcing birds to either withstand the pressures of modern development and adapt to new conditions in urban environments or to migrate. Once thriving in rural fields and scrublands, these species are now adapting to shrinking habitats, surviving alongside human settlements.

Pakistan wildlife faces severe threats from habitat destruction, illegal hunting, pollution and climate change. The forest cover in Sindh has plummeted to less than two per cent, with over 200,000 acres of forest land lost in the past three decades due to illegal encroachment and unabated deforestation.

The population of migratory birds has drastically declined due to pollution and habitat loss, while species like the snow leopard and common leopard are under threat from habitat degradation.

According to a 2022 report, monitored wildlife populations have experienced an average decline of 69 per cent since 1970. Freshwater species have seen an alarming 83pc drop, highlighting a critical biodiversity crisis. Approximately one million plants and animals are currently threatened with extinction.

In Pakistan, regionally extinct species include Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Asiatic lion, Asiatic cheetah, Bengal tiger and Kashmir stag (possibly extinct).

With the 2025 theme focussing on financing conservation efforts, Pakistan must consider investing in nature-based solutions, community-driven conservation programmes, as well as having sustainable policies to protect its rich biodiversity.

Altaf Hussain Narejo
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2025