It is utterly disappointing to find out that about 90 species of mammals, reptiles and birds are approaching the critical stage of extinction in Pakistan. A few mammals sadly have been reported to be vanished from the wildlife’s habitat, which include the tiger, deer the notable being blackbucks, lion and Indian horned rhinoceros.
The Wildlife of Pakistan has reported that a few other animals including Asiatic Cheetah, Indian Wild Ass, Hangul, Siberian Crane, White Rumped Vulture, Long Billed Vulture, and Hawksbill Turtle are vulnerable to extinction. Besides, several animals are endangered including Kashmir Grey Langur, Indus Dolphin, Finback Whale, Balochistan Beer, Green Turtle, Musk and Hog Deer and Indian narrow headed Turtles.
In context of wildlife species, the provinces are divided as per the biological assets and the provinces are rightly labeled as Himalayan highlands, Pamir Karakoram highlands, Antolia Iranian deserts, Indus Ganges Desert and Thar Desert. The wildlife species which are deemed to be endangered and vulnerable to extinction are found in these biological provinces.
International Union for conservation of nature has exhibited 37 species of mammals, which are facing threats of extinction and are continually endangered. The mammal species in these provinces, which are critically endangered include Balochistan Back Bear, Chiltan Goat, Bats, Dogs, Cats, and Otter. There is a dire need to adopt strict measures to preserve these endangered species much like the way steps are adopted to safeguard the national animal of Pakistan, Markhor. Similarly, the efforts to preserve Snow Leopard should also be rightly implemented for bringing these animal species to the status of being vulnerable rather than being categorically deemed as endangered. Several birds are critically endangered in Pakistan; and the prominent ones are Houbara Bustard, and Lesser Florican (Eupodotis indica). No amphibians luckily are reported to be endangered in Pakistan.
The private experts are adopting stringent measures and practices to ensure the survival of endangered species of birds and mammals. Different laws, measures and practices are adopted to prevent illegal hunting of these birds and mammals. In this respect, the role of Honorable Lahore High Court should be appreciated for constituting wildlife commissions for the preservation of protected species of blackbucks and Houbara Bustard in a petition filed through an animal rights activist and a human rights lawyer; Sheraz Zaka. It is appealed to the government to formulate a proactive mechanism for saving the endangered and near to extinct wildlife species of Pakistan.