Islamabad: The Ministry of Climate Change on Tuesday launched a survey to facilitate the compilation of a ‘Pakistan Red Data List’ – an extension of the government’s efforts to identify endangered wildlife species in the country, according to news sources.
Secretary Hassan Nasir Jami, during a press briefing, stated that the ministry had contacted international wildlife conservation firms to assist the government in its compilation efforts pertaining to the ‘first-ever specialised Pakistan-specific Red Data List’ of the endangered species.
He said that the catalogue would serve as the ‘most inclusive inventory’ on the country’s endangered wildlife (plants, animals and other organisms). Further, the officials concerned would conduct an exhaustive study of the local habitat to determine the impact of climate change on the living conditions of the species. The red list will be based on the criteria specified by global organisations to analyse the extinction risk posed to thousands of species and subspecies.
Climate Change Ministry Acting Inspector General Forest and leader of red list initiative Mohammad Suleman Khan Warraich revealed that as many as 50 wildlife scientists and biodiversity experts, surveyors, researchers, students from International Union for Conservation of Nature Pakistan (IUCN-Pakistan), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for Nature, Zoological Survey of Pakistan, Wildlife Conservation Society Pakistan had been roped in for the data collection. These researchers were trained to devise appropriate methodologies, tools and techniques required for the survey process.
The survey will be a critical indicator of the country’s biodiversity health, which is affected by climate change risks. It will also help formulate and modify the biodiversity conservation policies to help protect the natural resources. Moreover, it will determine the range, population size, habitat and ecology, use, trade, threats, and conservation actions needed to secure the wildlife.
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