World Wide Life Day: Unsustainable human development threatening wildlife

Climate change minister warns against overhunting of big cats

ISLAMABAD: The unsustainable pattern of human development is leading to the destruction of ecosystems and in turn, habitats of endangered wildlife such as the snow leopard in mountainous regions and common leopards in the low-lying area.

This was stated by Climate Change Minister Mushahiduallah Khan while addressing a seminar in connection with World Wide Life Day-2018 in the capital the other day. The seminar had been organized by the Kyrgyzstan Embassy in the capital.



He revealed that snow leopards, which inhabit the high mountains regions of the country, were under threat, as were their cousins in the plains of the country.

But there was some good news to be had.

“I am glad to report that leopards were seen in the Margalla Hills during a recent study by the Quaid-i-Azam University which proves that these wild animals are dependent upon natural preys instead of cattle,” Mushahidullah enthused.



The study, which the climate change minister referred to, used motion-triggered camera traps in the Magalla Hills. Conducted by researchers Dr Ali Nawaz and his team, saw the Barking Deer, the common leopard, grey wolf, leopard cat, golden jackal, Mongoose, the Indian civet, jungle cat, porcupines, and Wild Boars in abundant quantity in the natural park.

He emphasized that the youth have a great responsibility for creating awareness about the impact of climate change and the fast deterioration of wildlife and biodiversity.

Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Romina Khursheed Alam emphasised the rapid progress in wildlife conservation efforts. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2018.