Fifteen Endangered Wild

Animals in Pakistan Are At

Risk of Extinction

A Lecture

By

Mr. Allah Dad Khan

1. Markhor

Yep, the national animal! It

is on the brink of extinction,

too. This wild goat is

classified as “near

threatened” by the

International Union for the

Conservation of Nature.

There is some good news,

though. It was discovered in

early 2015 that their

population has increased by

20%.

2. Mountain Weasel

These are creatures that live

in the higher altitudes,

mainly Kashmir. The habitat

change is pushing their

number to dangerously low.

Human development is

causing this change, such

as the construction of roads

and bridges. Their food

supply is also reduced,

having to share it with

domesticated cattle and

horses.

3. Asian Black Bear

This big black monster

seems to be an interesting

hunting trophy for many

people. That and expansion

of human settlement into

wildlife territory has affected

their growth putting a threat

on their species. It’s a

shame people are

destroying such things for

personal pleasure.

4. Baluchistan Forest

Dormouse

This tiny rodent is

apparently an ingredient

in medicine, putting it in high

demand, especially for the

Chinese. An interesting fact,

this creature has a crescent

shape on its chest. They

might look ugly and small,

but they are an important

part to the habitat and its

cycle.

5. Black Finless Porpoise

For a sea creature to be fin-

less and unique should be

all for special treatment and

preservation. Unfortunately,

this and many other marine

creatures are suffering due

to human stupidity and

pollution.

6. European Otter

This endangered animal is

one of the most rapidly

dying creatures in

Pakistan. Considering it’s a

water animal, and the

amount of pollution in our

water, it is not so surprising

why.

7. Vole

Due to habitat changes

these little rats are facing

threats of extinction, this

also one of the endangered

animals the WWF has

especially highlighted for

protection.

8. Indus River Dolphin

This is a dolphin at high risk

thanks to the development

of the dams and other water

storage and collection

resources. This is one of the

most recognized sea

creatures we have, it would

be helpful if we learn to take

care of it, before it dies out

forever.

9. Branded Eagle Ray

This fish is a part of the

eagle ray family of fish who

live in naturally low sea

areas and shallow waters.

Unfortunately, water

pollution – people throwing

away shopping bags and

waste, factories spilling their

waste chemical matter and

sewage – is harming this

beautiful sea creature.

10. Bigeye Tuna

This is an important fish for

food. Unfortunately, rapidly

increasing, uncontrolled

pollution and recreational

fishing has caused massive

drop in the number of this

fish. This endangered

animal is killed brutally for

human pleasure.

11. Marco Polo Sheep

This sheep, found in the

northern areas, is a target

for many hunters. Their

spiraling horns and

imposing stature are a thing

of beauty, don’t let them die

forever.

12. Snow Leopard

A unique creature in the mountainous areas of Pakistan that is also sadly under threat. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, as of 2003, the size of the global population of this beauty was estimated at 4,080–6,590 adults, of which fewer than 2,500 individuals may reproduce in the wild. Due to hunting and rapid human expansion, there is a very limited amount of these beasts left.

13. Siberian Cranes

Siberian Cranes nest in scattered breeding territories, preferring wide expanses of fresh water with good visibility. Sadly, water pollution due to human negligence and selfishness is the prime cause for their decrease in population. At one time, they were a common sight in Pakistan. Maybe one day if humans keep on with their selfish encroachment, you will say the same about horses or cows.

14. Green Sea Turtle

It’s shocking to know that

one of the most fascinating

creatures isn’t developing

because of our man-made

horrid climate. It is illegal,

around the world to collect,

kill or harm them but

law never stopped

Pakistanis, did it? These

animals are captured for

their shells and skins to be

sold at high prices in the

black market.

15. Long Billed Vultures

These creatures may seem sinister because they are flesh eaters, but they play an important role in Pakistan’s ecological landscape. They feed off of dead animal carcases and are an important part of the Parsi community’s ritual disposition of their dead. The deadly drug DiclofenacSodium, which is used in the feed for cattle is a chemical compound that kills these vultures at a rapid rate. Pakistani skies were populated by throngs of vultures until 2001 and now areas like ChangaManga forest, which boasted a population of over 1500 vultures, has none today.