Zoological Survey of Pakistan conducts two protected areas faunal survey
Shares
ISLAMABAD: (APP) The Zoological Survey of Pakistan (ZSP), under its mandate to conduct new research on animals, has undertaken faunal survey of two protected areas to obtain information on population dynamics.
The survey has been conducted in Machiara National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Chumbi Surla Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab, with participation and in-kind assistance of provincial wildlife departments.
Sources at Climate Change Division on Wednesday said ZSP has no mandate to carry out breeding of animals, however, it has conducted research and survey of wild animals during the last three years (2013-15) which also included animal data collection of protected areas in collaboration with provincial wildlife departments for scientific management of resources.
The sources said Pakistan has a comprehensive protected area network including 26 national parks, 93 wildlife sanctuaries and 96 game reserves, adding the ZSP is responsible to undertake periodic studies on biological aspects of these protected areas.
In this regard, during the period, the sources said, ZSP had undertaken faunal survey of two protected areas and also conservation oriented studies of endangered and threatened species for trophy-hunting programme.
Pakistan's successful trophy hunting programme has ensured sustainability of the game species like Markhor, Urial, Ibex and Blue sheep that were on verge of extinction only few years ago.
Moreover, the sources said ZSP on recommendation of Conservator Wildlife, Ministry of Climate Change and provincial wildlife departments had conducted studies on ungulate species including Suleiman Markhor, Afghan Urial and Himalayan Ibex in Balochistan and AJK with the involvement of local communities and provided outcome of these studies to authorities to facilitate in allocation of trophy hunting quota to provinces and conservation communities.
Replying to a question, the sources said ZSP is providing data and recommending quota on regular basis to the concerned Ministry in context of national trade policy to regulate international trade in wild animals and birds.
The objectives of Zoological Survey of Pakistan are to set up and maintain standard zoological collections for reference, advise government on all zoological matters including conservation, management, export and import of fauna and to impart training and create public awareness about annual (fauna) conservation.
