It had become a winter ritual for us birders to visit Lungh Lake in Larkana to document flocks of local and migratory birds, and forage for content for our documentaries. This year, however it could not be materialised, as our friend Yasir Pechuho who lives in the area, informed us of the lake’s devastated state, after last year’s floods. Quite a number of trees had succumbed to the wrath of these floods and the aftermath depicted an apocalyptic picture ― hardly welcoming for our migratory feathered friends who decided to opt for alternate options. The consequences of flooding are still being faced by living beings throughout the affected areas, be they humans or birds, several homes have been destroyed and many are still at the mercy of aid.
However, several new water bodies had formed causing the birds to find new abode and scatter around, even influencing census figures which are known to have declined in comparison to those of preceding years. To our surprise, we even spotted a few migratory species including ducks, glossy, ibises, snipes, and even a northern lapwing in water bodies formed around the residential area of Karachi’s DHA Phase 8, near the sea in September last year. There was abundant food available to be foraged, and these birds were found busy partaking in a lavish, protein-rich platter of insects served by nature.
The following weekend was yet another treat for us as we filmed and documented the species for which we travelled several kilometres. The glossy ibis for instance, in its black brocade-like plumage with shimmers of a variety of hues and long bill was a prized sighting, something which I previously photographed in Thar, followed by Larkana. The rain, despite the troubles, did bring in several blessings, simultaneously.
On the other hand, local bird species have been massively affected as a result of land reclamation, especially along the coasts, and poaching of course. For instance, most people are not aware of the fact that flamingoes are also resident birds and were once sighted in great numbers along the mangroves near the Mai Kolachi route. Although they still do exist in Karachi, they are threatened by poachers.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department monthly climate summary for August 2022 the month alone witnessed an above average rainfall in Sindh, which experienced an increase of 726%, breaking a 62-year-old record. Considering the dire water scarcity in Karachi including that artificially created, had we been equipped with proper rainwater preservation techniques, urban flooding could have been mitigated. Hence, rainwater harvesting is something to invest in. The birds evidently took advantage of the water bodies within the urban sprawl, humans could have too.
According to a bird census conducted by the Sindh Wildlife Department, 613,851 migratory birds had been observed in existing lakes and such temporary water bodies in the season of 2022-23 as compared to 661,537 in 2021 which is a decline of 7.8%. However, not all hope is lost as birders from around Sindh have varying observations and points of view.
“Because of the change in climate and weather patterns i.e. out of season heavy rains resulting in floods and creation of scattered wetlands all over the country, we could never be fully sure of the population of migratory and local birds as nesting, roosting, and relaxing spots for birds are far too many,” says Nusrat Ali, a seasoned bird watcher and photographer who spends his weekends documenting birds and analysing their migratory patterns. Meanwhile Usama Tabani, a wildlife photographer (and a gem that was discovered and polished during the pandemic lockdowns when he chanced upon his newfound hobby) has his own set of observations. He has been travelling domestically and international to document bird and animal species.
“There are several factors contributing to the decline in migratory bird numbers from year to year,” says Tabani, discussing his experience of birding this year and voicing his concerns about habitat loss as a result of a series of long term real estate developments. “Some of these factors are climate change, unregulated hunting, illegal poaching and increase in human pollution are some factors but the most critical one is the loss of habitat. As a nation, we are converting all uninhabited and wild lands, which are the lifeline for these migratory birds, into housing societies across Pakistan. We need to coexist with the wild because the Earth is what we all have in common.”
Syed Khizar Sharif, a scuba diver and birder from Karachi agrees with Tabani. Introduced by Mirza Naim Beg, the late birding guru for Karachiites, Sharif has been in this hobby for well over five years. “Since many migratory bird species rely on certain environments for breeding, feeding, and resting during their lengthy migrations, it appears that a combination of vital factors, such as habitat loss, climate change, and human activities like hunting, pollution, and urbanisation, are to be blamed for the decline of these migratory birds that we’ve observed in Pakistan,” he says. “Particularly after last year’s floods that severely affected the Sindh province. To sustain migratory bird populations and their critical ecological functions, we must address these issues through conservation projects and ecologically responsible practices.”
Flooding may appear to be a small factor in the entire equation of habitat loss, however, the prevailing ills such as netting and poaching have been a persevering menace and despite efforts by authorities, still linger on.
Pechuho, an ardent wildlife photographer with 353 species documented so far in Sindh has quite an optimistic take regarding the realities and perceptions pertaining to a decline in the migratory bird population this time around. Also associated with the Sindh Wildlife Department, he has also been contributing to the annual bird census. “Birds were not normally found in large numbers in traditional lakes as the flood water had contaminated these and bird feed was affected too as a result,” he says. “Migratory birds mostly land in Hamal Lake and Lungh Lake, but the numbers were drastically limited. In an unusual case, a large number of birds were found in lakes, unaffected by floods despite the fact that they usually do not descend here, but they opted for these as a better alternative. The birds seemed to also have opted for the water bodies in Badin, followed by Tando Muhammad, and Sufi Anwar Shah Safari Park where they were found in large numbers and could be seen on roads leading towards the local reserve in the area. Badin homed about 150,000 birds this time. Also, considering the number of misplaced people, whoever got a chance was hunting for these birds for food.”
According to Pechuho, there was a decent presence of birds this time, however, they had changed their resting spots and much to our surprise, they were abundantly found in some places, thus covering the skies in a blanket-like spectacle as they took flight. Meanwhile, some species stayed beyond their anticipated time as compared to March last year as the weather became warmer bringing him to the conclusion that bird behaviour was quite extraordinary this time around and if allowed more time for conducting the census, the figure would have been far greater than what was calculated.
Yasir’s guidance is always quite obliging whenever we plan our birding trips and his knowledge very insightful, along with his amusing narration of events. He has been maintaining a record of bird species with their names documented, not just in English, but in Urdu and Sindhi as well, something which will be great help locally.
Although it may be too early to say for sure that migratory bird populations have declined, evidence suggests otherwise and even then the difference is not significant. Once, the flood effects dissipate completely and the lakes traverse back to their glory, the next migratory pattern will reveal whatever is in store for us.
Heba Moeen is a PR and communication professional, an artist, and a wildlife photographer. She can be reached at moeen.hiba@gmail.com
All facts and information is the sole responsibility of the writer