1. Snow leopard
The snow leopard, known as the "mountain ghost," is an iconic species found in Pakistan's Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. These elusive cats are under threat due to habitat loss, poaching, and retaliatory killings. There are only 210-430 snow leopards left in Pakistan.
Efforts are being made to preserve this species through conservation measures and community involvement. The WWF has established snow leopard conservation programs in Pakistan to protect the species from poaching and habitat destruction. The programs also provide alternative livelihoods to local communities to reduce their dependence on natural resources.
2. Indus River Dolphin
A singular freshwater species found only in the Indus River is the Indus River Dolphin, also referred to as the Blind Dolphin. Given that there are only about 1,500 of them in the world, it is one of the rarest mammals. Due to habitat loss, water pollution, and unintentional entanglement in fishing nets, the species is in danger.
The Pakistani government and several non-governmental organizations have carried out a number of conservation initiatives to safeguard the Indus River Dolphin. The creation of protected areas, like the Indus River Dolphin Reserve, and the encouragement of sustainable fishing methods are examples of these initiatives.
3. Markhor
The Markhor is a wild goat species found in the mountains of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The animal is considered endangered in Pakistan, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. Markhor's habitat is being destroyed due to deforestation, overgrazing by livestock, and human encroachment.
Efforts are being made to preserve the Markhor through conservation measures and community involvement. The Pakistani government has established protected areas for the species, and conservation organizations are working to reduce poaching and increase awareness about the importance of Markhor conservation.
4. Himalayan Brown Bear
The Himalayan Brown Bear is a subspecies of brown bears found in the mountains of Pakistan. It is under threat due to habitat loss and poaching. According to the IUCN Red List, only 150-200 individuals are left in the wild. Himalayan Brown Bears are an important part of the ecosystem in which they live, helping to disperse seeds and regulate the populations of their prey.
However, the loss of their habitat due to human encroachment, hunting, and climate change are significant threats to the survival of Himalayan Brown Bears. They are also susceptible to poaching for their fur, gallbladders, and other body parts, which are highly valued in traditional Asian medicine.
5. Green Turtle
Pakistan's coastal waters are home to a species of sea turtle known as the green turtle. Green Turtles are significant contributors to the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds, making them essential components of the marine ecosystem. They are also culturally significant to many coastal communities, who rely on them for their meat and eggs.
However, the loss of their nesting beaches due to human encroachment, poaching of eggs and adults, and pollution are significant threats to the survival of Green Turtles. The consumption of turtle meat and eggs is also widespread in some parts of the country, despite being illegal.
To protect the Green Turtle, the government of Pakistan, along with various non-governmental organizations, has implemented several conservation initiatives.
6. Asiatic Cheetah
The critically endangered Asiatic cheetah also referred to as the Iranian cheetah, is found in Iran and Pakistan. It is under threat due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. According to the IUCN Red List, only 50-100 individuals are left in the wild.
The cheetah is known for its speed, with the ability to run at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. However, it is also a shy and elusive animal that prefers open grasslands and semi-deserts.
Efforts are being made to preserve the Asiatic Cheetah through conservation measures and community involvement. The Pakistani government has established protected areas for the species, and conservation organizations like the WWF are working to reduce poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
7. Indian Pangolin
Pakistan is home to the severely endangered Indian pangolin, which faces threats from poaching, habitat degradation, and other activities. The great value of the animal's scales in traditional Chinese medicine has encouraged illicit pangolin hunting and smuggling.
The Indian Pangolin is a shy and elusive animal that prefers to live in forested areas, where it feeds on ants and termites. However, the loss of their natural habitat due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion has been a significant threat to their survival.
8. Ganges River Dolphin
The Indus River system in Pakistan is home to the critically endangered Ganges river dolphin, sometimes referred to as the South Asian river dolphin. The population of the animal has drastically decreased as a result of several problems, including habitat loss, pollution, and poaching.
The Ganges River Dolphin is being preserved through awareness campaigns and conservation efforts. Conservation groups are working to lessen water pollution and unintentional entanglement in fishing nets, and the Pakistani government has established protected areas for the species.