Sindh, once a vital sanctuary for migratory birds in Pakistan, has experienced a dramatic decline in avian visitors, with numbers dropping by more than half over the past two years — a trend experts link to climate change and environmental degradation.
According to the Sindh Wildlife Department’s 2024-25 waterfowl census, the number of migratory birds plummeted from 1.2 million in 2023 to 545,000 this year. In contrast, 2023 had seen a spike in bird numbers following the 2022 floods, which temporarily rejuvenated the region’s wetlands and attracted birds along the 4,500-kilometre Indus flyway from Siberia to India.
But the situation has since deteriorated. Droughts, receding water levels, and degrading ecosystems have reduced the province’s capacity to support migratory species. Key habitats like Manchar, Keenjhar, Hamal, and Haleji lakes, as well as Nareri lagoon and the Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary, are experiencing alarming water shortages. Some of these are internationally recognised Ramsar sites known for their ecological significance.
“The decline began after 2023 as drought conditions worsened,” said Mumtaz Soomro of the Sindh Wildlife Department. The department’s recent survey covered 40% of Sindh and highlighted the deteriorating condition of these vital wetlands.
Though over 50 migratory species were recorded — including cranes, storks, plovers, and mallards — their numbers are significantly lower than in previous years. The Nareri lagoon and Rann of Kutch reported the highest counts, but still far below historic levels.
Zohaib Ahmed, a Karachi-based ornithologist, noted that while climate change is a key driver, human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal hunting are also contributing to the decline. He warned that continued environmental neglect could strip Pakistan of its importance on global bird migration routes.
Punjab, too, appears to be following a similar trend, with preliminary surveys indicating a drop in bird numbers. Mudasser Hasan of the Punjab Wildlife Rangers attributed this to climate-related disruptions like water scarcity and prolonged heatwaves.
Pakistan is among the world’s top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change. Experts warn that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and glacial melt are endangering not just human settlements but also the ecosystems that support migratory wildlife.
While provincial authorities claim improved enforcement of hunting regulations, Ahmed disputes this, particularly in Sindh. He said illegal bird trapping continues in places like the Kirthar mountain range and Karachi’s coastal areas, with many species still sold openly in black markets.
In sum, a combination of climate stress and human interference is threatening Pakistan’s role as a seasonal haven for migratory birds — a trend conservationists warn could become irreversible without immediate intervention.
