On Dec 10, 2019, the Sindh Assembly was informed that about 164,000 birds were vaccinated against Newcastle and avian influenza diseases through mass vaccination and medication in rural poultry in Umerkot by June. Furnishing replies to the lawmakers’ queries during Question Hour, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Abdul Bari Pitafi said that a scheme of prevention […]
By Imran Asghar Migratory cranes seen perched on a tree in Rawalpindi. Migratory birds are slowly making their way to Islamabad and Rawalpindi in November, leaving behind colder climates of Siberia. These seasonal guests would stay in Pakistan until the onset of warm climate in the country to begin in March or April next year. […]
Three Billion Canaries in the Coal Mine What does it mean for us that birds are dying? And what can we do about it? By Margaret Renkl A Magnolia Warbler found recently on a suburban lawn in the northeast. During the nearly quarter-century that my family has lived in this house, the changes in our neighborhood […]
by Kalbe Ali/ October 27, 2019/ Photos by Mohibullah Kaleej Pheasant, a local breed, has made a comeback in the Margalla Hills during the last one decade after extraordinary security was put in place to discourage poaching. Islamabad is probably the only area in the country where wildlife enjoys its natural habitat without much disturbance […]
According to the wildlife department, 10 rare falcons were rescued from smugglers who were attempting to send them to the Gulf States. The Sindh Wildlife Department officials set free seven of the 10 falcons, which were rescued as a smuggling bid was foiled earlier, in Kirthar National Park on Oct 26, 2019. The birds were […]
By Asif Mehmood/ October 12, 2019 The Punjab Wildlife department has decided to conduct a survey of the upcoming arrival of seasonal aquatic birds in the province. The Midwinter Waterfowl Count and Houbara Bustard survey will be launched in the second week of December. Survey reports will be sent to the International Waterfowl Research Bureau […]
By Asif Mehmood Every year, millions of ducks, storks and other fowl leave behind the harsh snows of Siberia and make Pakistan their temporary home. As harbingers of seasonal change, their yearly journeys are imbued with special cultural significance, both in Pakistan and elsewhere. But a change in season is not all they signify – […]
They spread their wings and took flight, their silhouettes contrasting against the Karachi’s hazy sky. It was only a moment ago that they were set free from cages which had been their abode for the past few days. Leaving the crammed space of those cages behind, they flapped their wings and the resultant sound produced […]
The number of migratory birds coming in from Siberia has declined drastically over the past three decades. Around 150,000 birds, including local and migratory waterfowl, were estimated to have landed at 12 aquatic ‘stopovers’, which is 70% less than in 2017-2018, according to a survey conducted during the winter season. The migratory birds usually arrive […]
Indian border guards might fly into a tizzy every time a pigeon from Pakistan crosses over to their side. But little do they know that at least some of these birds might simply be trying to visit their ancestral home. “Most of the breeds Pakistani pigeon enthusiasts raise these days are descended from Indian varieties,” […]