A large number of Eurasian griffon vultures discovered in Toba Tharo Lal, attracting expert attention
Vulture sightings have attracted attention from wildlife experts, who described it as a significant development. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
LAHORE:
Faced with the threat of extinction, vultures have started reappearing in natural habitats in Punjab following conservation efforts by the wildlife department.
According to details, a large number of Eurasian vultures were observed two days ago in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district. The sighting has attracted attention from wildlife experts who described it as a significant development.
A large number of Eurasian griffon vultures were observed two days ago in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Experts said Eurasian griffon vultures are mainly found in the northern mountainous areas of Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan. Their presence in Punjab is considered limited and unusual, with sightings in southern areas such as Cholistan often associated with seasonal movement or foraging.
Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Ranger Assistant Chief Mujahid Kaleem said the exact population of Eurasian vultures in Pakistan has not been determined due to limited data. However, he noted that the species is found in small and scattered numbers across the country. In Punjab, the bird is considered rare, with limited evidence of breeding populations.
Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Rahim Yar Khan, Mujahid Kaleem, said the exact population of Eurasian griffon vultures in Pakistan has not been determined due to limited data. PHOTO: EXPRSS NEWS
He added that these vultures are primarily scavengers that feed on carrion and play a vital role in maintaining environmental sanitation.
Wildlife expert and member of the Punjab Captive Wildlife Management Committee, Bader Muneer, said the species faces several threats, with toxic veterinary drugs, especially diclofenac, being the most significant. He explained that the substance enters the vultures’ system through livestock carcasses and proves fatal. Other threats include habitat loss, food shortages, collisions with power lines and human interference.
Experts said Eurasian griffon vultures are mainly found in the northern mountainous areas of Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Experts further said that several vulture species in Pakistan have experienced sharp population declines, with some approaching extinction. Although the Eurasian vulture is globally listed as a species of least concern, its declining numbers at the local level remain a concern.
Vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding on carcasses and playing a vital role in maintaining environmental sanitation. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
South Punjab Wildlife Ranger Additional Chief Sheikh Muhammad Zahid said measures such as awareness campaigns, establishment of protected areas and restrictions on harmful substances are being implemented to conserve vultures. He added that the recent large sighting in Cholistan indicates improvements in conservation efforts and suggests that the population is gradually increasing.
