Rare vulture rescued in South Punjab

Bird weakened by extreme heat, dehydration attacked by stray dogs in Sadiqabad

RAHIM YAR KHAN:

A heatwave sweeping across Rahim Yar Khan and other parts of South Punjab has begun taking a heavy toll on wildlife, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius and reports emerging of animals and birds collapsing due to extreme heat and dehydration.

In one such incident, a rare vulture weakened by heat, hunger and thirst fell to the ground in Sadiqabad tehsil and was later attacked by stray dogs before being rescued by Rescue 1122 officials.

According to rescue sources, the incident took place near Chak 21 on Jamil Din Wali Road where local residents spotted the injured bird surrounded by stray dogs and immediately alerted emergency services.

Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene and safely recovered the vulture from the dogs. Officials said the bird appeared severely exhausted and dehydrated due to the ongoing heatwave.

Emergency responders provided first aid and water to stabilise the bird before shifting it to the Rescue 1122 office for further treatment and care.

Officials said the rescued vulture weighs around 16 kilograms and would be handed over to wildlife authorities after medical assessment and recovery procedures are completed.

Rescue personnel described the operation as a wildlife rescue carried out under difficult weather conditions.

Environmental experts have warned that the prolonged heatwave and shortage of water sources are posing a serious threat to wildlife across South Punjab.

They said birds and animals are increasingly struggling to survive due to rising temperatures and shrinking natural habitats.

Experts urged authorities to establish emergency water points and strengthen wildlife protection measures during extreme weather conditions.