Islamabad: The Ministry of Climate Change, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, is working on its first-ever Red Data List; with the initial data collected for its preparation suggesting that Pakistan’s national animal ‘Markhor’, as well as the rare Indus Dolphin, should be categorized under the ‘endangered species’ classification — according to news sources. As per the publication, the said mammals have been classed as such despite the implementation of multiple preservation measures introduced for their protection over the years.
The sources report that some 50 wildlife scientists, researchers, biodiversity experts, and conservationists will lend their expertise to prepare this Red Data List. In turn, the list will act as the most inclusive inventory of wildlife animals, plants and other organisms in the country.
Inspector General (IG) Forest
Muhammad Suleyman Khan Warraich launched the initiative and took the
opportunity to say that the private sector was also making efforts to protect
and conserve endangered species in the country.
Once the study is completed, it will assist the climate change ministry to formulate new policies to protect endangered species in Pakistan, based on data collected regarding their range, habitat, population size, ecology, threats and conservation status.
IG
Suleyman stated that the recent increase in the Markhor population was
promising but habitat loss and competition for resources with domestic gazers were
still proving to be a challenge for the species’ growth. He also added that
many centres had been set up to conserve the blind Indus dolphins as well, but that
they were still facing the risk of going extinct.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
