Components of Project:

The Sandy beaches of Hawksbay, Ormara, Astola Island and Jiwani are famous for turtle nesting. Out of seven species in the world five species of marine turtles are found in coastal waters (Fischer and Bianchi 1984) of Pakistan. Some work on breeding biology of green turtles has been conducted by Sindh Wildlife Department on the beaches of Karachi coast (Fehmida, 1988) while most of the area of coastal belt of Pakistan has been ignored.

There is an urgent need to protect these internationally endangered species (CMS appendix-1). Pakistan being a signatory of Convention on Migratory Species (Bonn, 1979) is bound to protect these endangered species because migratory species represent a common natural heritage and countries where they pass some period during their migratory phase, have the equal responsibility to protect them.

Studies on marine turtles are in progress. Similar studies on marine snakes are also essential which are needed to be undertaken.

About 79 species of cetaceans are found in the waters of the world (Nawak 1999). Out of these 79 species, 13 species are recorded in coastal waters of Pakistan (Roberts 1997). According to CMS, three species of whales Balaenoptera musculus, B. prysalys and Megapter novangliae, which are found in waters of Pakistan, are treated as endangered internationally (CMS appendix-1) while finless porposis (Neaphocaena phocanoides)  and Bryde’s whale (Ealaenoptera edem) are given on CMS appendix-II.

 Studies have been undertaken on Coastal Areas of Karachi and Thatta Districts. Detailed studies are in progress on Badin Coast which will be undertaken under this project.

Previous studies on the coastal birds were mostly confined to   the Karachi Coast. Studies on the remaining portion of Sindh Coast had been taken during this project. Project will continue the remaining study in Sindh Coast especially the areas of Badin Coast.

Wild goats are scattered throughout the arid and often isolated mountain ranges of southern Balochistan and southwestern Sindh. Most of the world’s population of markhors occurs in Pakistan from mountains of Balochistan, NWFP and NAs (Hess et al. 1977, Robert 1977). Pakistan has several sub species of wild sheep and all are threatened to some extent. Their conservation and management is urgently needed. For this purpose studies regarding their distribution, population status and threats to some selected species i.e. goral, barking deer, urial and ibex have been proposed. The results of these studies will provide a database for preparation of conservation strategy and management plan for important ungulate species. The studies have been conducted in Punjab and some areas of NWFP. Studies are needed to be continued and will be undertaken next year.

ii)         Study of biodiversity of selected wetlands of the country with reference to CMS water birds species.

Pakistan is signatory to RAMSAR convention and Convention on Migratory Species. This sub-component of the project will determine the distribution of migratory species especially bird fauna on important wetlands of Pakistan and also identify the threats to wetlands. It will provide the opportunity of establishment of database of migratory birds in Pakistan.

iii)                Study of reptilian fauna.

Kharan and Chagi district of Balochistan are highly important for reptilian fauna due to having endemic species. Tharparkar district of Sindh has also similar importance. Fresh water turtles are also important being rare and threatened owing to illegal hunting and trade to Central Asian Countries including China and Indonesia.

During field surveys in all four provinces of Pakistan, staff of Zoological Survey Department will involve the respective provincial Wildlife Departments and their staff in field activities and will provide practical training about biodiversity survey techniques to assess and determine the status and distribution of wildlife in their respective area.

 Zoological Survey Department is also involved to train the staff of respective provincial Wildlife Department to identify different species of birds, mammals and reptiles in the field.

The above-mentioned studies will provide an authentic database of the target species through out Pakistan. This data will be computerized for use of Provincial Wildlife Departments, Universities, Research and Development Organizations, Government and International Agencies. 

Pakistan is signatory to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This convention stresses the need to disseminate information and awareness among the masses for wise use of natural resources and conservation of biodiversity. The activities being undertaken in this project will pave the way to provide information and awareness regarding status, distribution and importance of rare and endangered species in the country. This component will be helpful to implement the research, education and awareness provisions of CBD to which Pakistan is a signatory. 

Pakistan is signatory to RAMSAR Convention (International Convention on Wetlands), Convention on Migratory Species (BONN Convention) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). All these three conventions will be taken up under this project. Many regional and sub-regional countries are signatory to these conventions as well. The activities under this project will increase cooperation with regional and sub-regional countries. Moreover the establishment of a database will lead to more financial and technical support of the donor agencies to help Pakistan in the sustainable conservation of its wildlife species of national and international significance.

Zoological Survey Department has 583 acres of land at Bani Gala, which is to be developed as Zoo-Cum-Botanical Garden. The process of demarcation has been finalized in July 2004. Fencing is in process. After fencing of the area and development of preliminary infrastructure at the Botanical Garden site, a comprehensive PC-1 will be prepared to develop this area into a Zoo-Cum-Botanical Garden as envisaged under master plan for Islamabad. All these activities are related to the conservation of local fauna and flora of the area.

Survey related Activities and Technical Reports

Baseline survey Of protected Areas

Ungulates survey w.r.t. Trophy Hunting  Programme

CMS species of Water Birds in Wetlands of Pakistan

• CMS species of Water Birds on Wetlands of Upper Punjab (2009)

• Avifauna of Kallar Kahar Lake (2009).

• Avifauna of Chumbi-Surla wildlife Sanctuary (2008).

• Midwinter Water Fowl Census (2006).

Reptilian fauna of Pakistan