Large number of griffon vultures spotted in Toba Tharo Lal, attracting attention of experts
The vulture sighting has caught the attention of wildlife experts, who described it as a significant development. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
LAHORE:
Vultures facing the threat of extinction have started reappearing in natural habitats in Punjab, following conservation efforts by the wildlife department.
According to details, a large number of griffon vultures were observed in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district two days ago. The sighting caught the attention of wildlife experts, who described it as a significant development.
Two days ago, a large number of griffon vultures were observed in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Experts said griffon vultures are mainly found in the northern mountainous regions of Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan. Their presence in Punjab is considered limited and unusual, and sightings in southern areas such as Cholistan are often linked to seasonal movements or foraging.
Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Rahim Yar Khan Mujahid Kaleem said the exact population of griffon vultures in Pakistan has not been determined as data is limited. However, he noted that the species exists in small and dispersed quantities throughout the country. In Punjab, the bird is considered rare, with limited evidence of breeding populations.
Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Rahim Yar Khan Mujahid Kaleem said the exact population of griffon vultures in Pakistan has not been determined as data is limited. PHOTO: EXPRSS NEWS
He added that these vultures are mainly scavengers, feed on carcasses 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 multiple threats, with toxic veterinary drugs, particularly diclofenac, being the most important. He explained that the drug enters the vultures’ bodies through cattle carcasses and is fatal. Other threats include habitat loss, food shortages, collisions with power lines, and human interference.
Experts said griffon vultures are mainly found in the northern mountainous regions of Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Experts further said that several species of vultures in Pakistan have seen sharp population declines, and some are on the brink of extinction. Although the griffon vulture is listed globally as a species of least concern, its decline locally remains a concern.
Vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding on carcasses and playing a vital role in maintaining environmental sanitation. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger South Punjab Sheikh Muhammad Zahid said measures such as awareness campaigns, establishment of protected areas and restrictions on harmful drugs are being implemented to conserve vultures. He added that the recent large sighting in Cholistan indicates an improvement in conservation efforts and suggests that the population may be increasing gradually.
