Migratory birds flock to Sindh as lockdown keeps poachers at bay

741,042 migratory birds counted in Sindh this year, which a big jump from 248,105 in 2019, says wildlife dept official

KARACHI: Migratory birds have flocked to the wetlands of Sindh in greater numbers this year, and officials and observers link the increase to coronavirus lockdown measures that have kept hunters and bird catchers away.

The lockdown was lifted in last month Sindh, which has recorded over 72,000 coronavirus cases and more than 1,100 deaths so far.

A survey conducted this year observed 741,042 migratory birds in Sindh- a big jump from the 248,105 birds counted in 2019, said Sindh Wildlife Department provincial conservator Javed Ahmed Mahar.

Each year, approximately 40 percent of Sindh's wetlands are surveyed to gain insight into the migratory patterns and numbers of birds. Migratory birds, among them pelicans, mallards, cranes and waders, stop in Sindh on their way to and from Siberia.

Veteran Pakistani wildlife photographer Ahmer Ali Rizvi said coronavirus measures had helped the birds to settle in.

"The birds have stayed longer this year, maybe due to meager disturbances by humans due to the lockdown everywhere," he said.

According to Mahar, Sindh authorities had not recorded any wildlife-related crimes such as trapping, hunting or illegal trading in the province since the lockdown was imposed.

Hunting has been a problem in the area, threatening several rare species, including houbara bustard.

"The illegal trade in the domestic markets is no more," he said.

There are more than 33 wildlife sanctuaries and one national park in Sindh, which is home to more than 300 bird species.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2020.