Migratory birds treated as 'special guests'

KARACHI:

World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice a year during the second Saturday in May and October. The aim is to raise awareness of issues affecting migratory birds and to inspire action around the world to take measures for their conservation. This year's theme is 'Protect Insects, Protect the Birds,' to focus on the importance of insects for migratory birds, and highlight concerns related to dwindling populations of insects.

The Sindh Wildlife Department Act, enacted in 2022, is effective in preventing the poaching and trafficking of birds. In Sindh, the main habitats for migratory birds include not only Sea View in Karachi but also the coastal areas of Keenjhar and Haleji lakes, Badin, and Nangarparkar. Birds are often referred to as engineers of the ecosystem, responsible for plant propagation and pest control.

The goal of World Migratory Bird Day is to protect the temporary and permanent habitats of migratory birds, which undertake long and challenging flights between countries and even continents in search of food. Their migration is primarily driven by the need to find food during varying weather conditions. On this World Migratory Bird Day, attention is drawn to the crucial role insects play as a food source for migratory birds during their journeys. These birds heavily depend on various insects for sustenance while migrating and resting.

From December to February each year, locations like Karachi, Keenjhar and Haleji lakes, Badin, and Nangarparkar become havens for migratory birds. The feathered guests are often seen as indicators of the Earth's health, acting as unseen engineers in the environment by aiding in plant propagation and removing harmful insects.

According to experts, increasing water demand, pollution, and climate change pose serious threats to migratory birds that rely on ecosystems. Deputy Conservator of Sindh Wildlife Department Mumtaz Soomro said that every year, birds arriving from colder regions like Siberia are granted a special guest status throughout Sindh, and all necessary measures are taken to protect them.