Migratory birds have flocked the wetlands of Sindh, Pakistan’s southern province, in much
greater numbers this year. Officials and other observers are linking it to the coronavirus
lockdown measures that have kept poachers at pay.
Pakistan lifted a month-long country-wide lockdown in May. However, currently, with over
185,000 cases and 3500 deaths, the situation is still grave.
There is one national park in Sindh, which is home to more than 300 bird species, along with
more than 33 wildlife sanctuaries. Hence, Sindh Wildlife Department conducts surveys in around
40 percent of Sindh’s wetlands, to gain insight into the migratory patterns and numbers of birds,
every year. This year they recorded a record high number of 741,042 migratory birds in the
province. Last year the figure stood at 248,105! Cranes, mallards, pelicans, and waders, amongst
many other birds, stop in Pakistan on their way to and from Siberia.
A veteran Pakistani wildlife photographer Ahmer Ali Rizvi also said that it is likely that
lockdown measures have reduced disturbances by humans and caused the birds to stay longer
than usual. Speaking of trapping, or the bird black market in the province, Sindh authorities also
revealed that no wildlife-related crimes have been recorded since the lockdown was imposed.
Hunting, however, has been a consistent problem in the area and poses a threat to several rare
species of birds, including the Houbara Bustard.
