Endangered vultures reappear in Punjab after conservation efforts

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Endangered vultures have started appearing again in natural habitats in Punjab following conservation measures taken by the wildlife department, according to officials and experts.

A large number of Eurasian griffon vultures were seen two days ago in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district. The sighting drew the attention of wildlife specialists, who described it as an important development.

Experts said Eurasian griffon vultures are generally found in Pakistan’s northern mountainous regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan. They said the species is only rarely seen in Punjab, and its presence in southern areas such as Cholistan is considered unusual and is often associated with seasonal movement or the search for food.

Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Ranger Assistant Chief Mujahid Kaleem said the exact population of Eurasian griffon vultures in Pakistan has not been established because of limited data. He said the species is present in small and scattered numbers across the country. In Punjab, he added, the bird is regarded as rare, with little evidence of breeding populations.

He said these vultures are scavengers that feed on carcasses and perform an important role in environmental sanitation.

Threats to the species

Wildlife expert and Punjab Captive Wildlife Management Committee member Bader Muneer said the species is facing several threats, with toxic veterinary drugs, especially diclofenac, posing the most serious danger. He said the drug reaches vultures through livestock carcasses and proves fatal to them.

He added that habitat loss, shortage of food, collisions with power lines and human interference are also among the threats facing the species.

Experts said several vulture species in Pakistan have undergone steep population declines, with some approaching extinction. They noted that although the Eurasian griffon vulture is listed globally as a species of least concern, its falling numbers at the local level remain worrying.

Conservation measures in Punjab

South Punjab Wildlife Ranger Additional Chief Sheikh Muhammad Zahid said steps including awareness campaigns, the creation of protected areas and curbs on harmful drugs are being implemented for vulture conservation.

He said the recent large sighting in Cholistan points to progress in conservation efforts and suggests the population may be increasing gradually.

The latest sighting in Rahim Yar Khan has therefore been seen by wildlife officials and experts as a notable sign for the species in Punjab, where its presence has remained limited.