Download Research studies supported during 2014-2016 - WWF

Assess the presence, threats and human wildlife conflict of Indian Wolf and Striped
hyena in Dera Ghazi Khan District
Umer Waqas, Deputy Director Wildlife Dera Ghazi Khan and Abdul Rauf
Project Duration: 12 Months (August 2015-July 2016)
Introduction
Wolf belongs to family canidae and two species of wolf are found in Pakistan. There is less
information and scientific data about the distribution and population status of wolf species is
available in Pakistan. Further, it is believed that wolf population is at the fast decline and
vanishing from its known range in Pakistan. The present study funded by WWF-Pakistan
through its Small Grants Programme aimed in collecting information regarding presence, issues,
and threats and the pressure the Grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and Striped hyena (Hyena
hyaena) are facing regarding their availability of food and to account the incidents of attacks
from these animals on the livestock of local people. Field surveys were conducted to collect
direct and indirect evidences using questionnaires to assess the presence of wolf and hyena
and their present status in foothills of Suleiman range particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan Area. The
field work included sightings of pug marks and information about their dens. Incidents of attacks
on livestock by wolves and hyena were also reported and documented. The study identified
hotspots regarding the sightings of the animals, conflicts with communities and also explored
possible management options. Striped hyena was not reported during the study, however some
people stated that it is still present on Balochistan side but not from the project target area
Aims and objectives
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Assess presence of the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and striped hyena (Hyena
hyaena) in selected potential sites of Dera Ghazi Khan District.
Collect and document direct and indirect evidences and relevant information on Indian wolf
and Striped hyena
Determine the threats being faced to both animals especially related to human-wildlife
conflict
Explore possible management options and suggest measures for the conservation of these
species in the wild
Results and achievements
A family of wolf was reported in Village Jogiyani located at about 35km southwest of Dera Ghazi
Khan Airport and 4km from Choti Bala. An incident of wolf killing by local people was reported in
Kotha Jindoo town near Dajal Road. The site was visited and a skinned wolf was found.
Similarly a female wolf along 4-5 cubs were reported in Khar Buzdar mountain belt near
Ahmadani village of which female wolf along with 2-3 cubs were killed by local people, however,
two cubs were found in the custody of local people that were rescued by the Punjab Wildlife and
Parks Department and were transferred to Dera Ghazi Khan Zoo. Two groups of wolves are
also reported and pug marks are observed during the surveys in Choti Bala area. The presence
of wolf is also reported in Raikh belt, Kotha Jindoo-Sohrani Khosa, Basti Shah, Village Gadi
Wala-Moza Ashraf and village Dhodak, Tehsil Taunsa. some people reported that Hyena is
present in Balochistan side of the hills but it has not been confirmed and there is no information
available in support of presence of Hyena from project target area.
Lesson learnt
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The duration of the project should be at least 2-3 years.
Support and information from local people is very important and helpful.
Sometimes local people do not report wolf killing incidents due to the fear of charges against
them by Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department.
Wolves and their groups keep on changing their locations and travel a long distance very
often.
Suggestions and recommendations
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Further DNA studies should be conducted
Detailed surveys should be conducted and camera traps should be used to assess and
monitor the populations.
Dialogue with local community involving Chief of Laghari, Khitran and Buzdar tribes should
be undertaken and a CBO needs to be established for the protection and management of
wildlife resources.
Social mobilization should be done through local politically influential people
Awareness sessions should be organized at the village level to educate the local people
about the importance of wildlife.
Watch and Ward system should be established for the protection of animals
Livestock Insurance Scheme with the help of local people should be introduced
Baseline Surveys of the status of Butterflies in and around Lahore, Pakistan
Dr Farkhanda Manzoor, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore
Project Duration: 24 Months (September 2014-September 2016)
Introduction
Lahore is the home of many striking species of plants and animals in Pakistan but unfortunately
it has lost many of its important and significant butterfly species, and this list will increase if the
same climate change moves forward. Butterfly species with climate change are also in stress
with land use change, environmental degradation, pollution and fragmentation. Climate is
changing rapidly day by day. Butterflies act as indicators of climate change and these are often
used to study the impact of climatic change because butterflies are sensitive to climate change.
So butterflies may be the only practical means of assessing and evaluating the impact of
climatic change/variables. Lahore has numerous delightful gardens and Parks which are home
to numerous intriguing species. Fifteen sites will be surveyed to determine the status of
butterflies in and around Lahore.
Aims and objectives
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Determine the status of butterflies in and around the Lahore
Identify threats that butterflies face
Relationship between temperature, humidity and population of butterflies
Suggest measures to mitigate the threats like replacement of native trees with ornamental
trees.
Results and achievements
A total of 31 butterfly species were observed and counted. Maximum number of species of
butterflies was observed from Oasis Golf and Aqua resort, Nasir Bagh, Islamia Park and
Racecourse Park. One species of butterfly known as Graphium euryplus mecisteus was also
observed from Bagh-e- Jinnah and Lahore College, which was not found in Pakistan. There
were two main predators of butterflies which were also observed. Black king crow and wild
lizard were observed as main predators of butterflies. Other predators include rats, parasitic
flies, toads, frogs, spiders and even monkeys. The details of species and their individuals
observed at different sites are as follows:
1. Lawrence Garden, 20 species and 3085 individuals
2. Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, 19 species and 2669 individuals
3. Iqbal Park, 17 species and 2329 individuals
4. Race course park, 21 species and 2238 and individuals
5. Nawaz Sharif park, 20 species and 2835 individuals
6. Model Town Park, 18 species and 2209
7. Shalimar Bagh, 18 species and 2519 individuals
8. Nasir Bagh, 21 species and 3211individuals
9. Riwaz Garden, 16 species and 2716 individuals
10. Shahdara Bagh, 18 species and 2955 individuals
11. Sukh Chayn Gardens, 18 species and 3124 individuals
12. Hazuri Bagh, 18 species and 2675 individuals
13. Islamia Park, 21 species and 3186 individuals
14. Oasis Golf and Aqua Resort, 23 species and 3492 individuals
15. Mochi Bagh, 20 species and 3231 individuals
Effect of climate on butterflies
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There was positive correlation between climatic factors and number of butterflies
In twenty years, the precipitation has decreased a lot and this has impacted the plant
species which in turn is responsible for butterfly loss.
Similarly, we can observe shifts in climate change as winter extending to February.
This climate shift is affecting most of plant species, disturbing butterflies egg laying patterns
and larvae hatching.
The intensity of extreme weather conditions has also affected many species.
The year 2005 which was world warmest year, had the mean average temperature of -5.5
for February which is the minimum lowest in past twenty years in any month.
The larvae of butterflies are associated with plants but cause only little damage to the
hosts.
The adults act as incidental, wild pollinators and help in pollination of many native plants.
The larvae as well as adults are food for many predators like lizards and birds.
The butterfly diversity in an ecosystem tells how much healthy it is, as butterflies are very
sensitive to any change in the environment
Suggestions and recommendations
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First of all the most important thing is to organize continuous dialogue between climate
scientists and biodiversity scientists to translate or interpret climate data into impacts on
biodiversity.
Secondly it is necessary to integrate and assimilate data and knowledge from local
communities, including citizen based observation, about ecosystem responses.
Development of butterfly parks and community awareness should be implemented.
Minimize localized human-caused disturbances e.g. nitrogen addition, pollution and
fragmentation that hinder the ability of species or ecosystems to withstand climate events.
Study of the status of threatened medicinal plant Guggul (Commiphora wightii) and
community based conservation in Kund Malir area, Balochistan
Village Conservation Committee Kund Malir, Kund Malir
Project duration: 24 Months (1st April, 2014 to 30 March, 2016)
Introduction
The project aims to assess the status of Guggul, which is an acclaimed medicinal plant, in the
Kund Malir area in District Lasbela along Balochistan Coast. The area is known for Guggul
abundance on rocky façade which are harvested by locals as well as suppliers of medicinal
plants to hakims based mainly in Karachi and other part of the country. In the last decade a
large number of suppliers have been observed to harvest resin, seeds and even whole plants
resulting in apparent decrease in Guggul in the area. Considering the alarming situation
Scientific Committee of WWF-Pakistan has funded this study.
Aims and objectives
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Survey for the assessment of the population of Guggul on the southern and south-western
Slopes of Kund Malir area using standard plant survey techniques.
An assessment of the threats being faced by Guggul in the Kund Malir Area
Strengthening of local conservation methods to control indiscriminate harvesting of Guggul
in Kund Malir and its vicinity.
Awareness campaign in the villages for protection of this endangered plant species
Results and achievements
Survey for the assessment of the population of Guggul in Kund Malir area
The dense population of Guggul was observed on the façade of southern and south-western
slopes of Kund Malir area
An assessment of the threats being faced by Guggul in the Kund Malir Area
The major threats are:
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Extraction of resin
Grazing by livestock
Smothering by mesquite
Attack of termites
Damage caused by wild animals
Drought
Climate condition
Fire
Slow growth
Strengthening of local conservation methods to control indiscriminate harvesting of
Guggul in Kund Malir and its vicinity:
Suppliers of medicinal plants to hakims based mainly in Karachi and other part of the country
are usually influential or do this work in connivance of some locals. In order to protect the
natural population in areas with dense population, a system of community guard was
established. For the protection of wildlife, a system of community guards has already been
established in the Kund Malir area with the support of authorities of Hingol National Park. Under
the project, services on community guards was established during peak extraction (of resin)
season. These guards were trained and required to patrol main areas in the Kund Malir area.
These guards have played an active role in stopping the extraction of resin in Haji Washi and
Badeen Goth during 2014 season.
Awareness campaign in the villages for protection of this endangered plant species
In order to make the communities aware of the importance of Guggul a series of
meeting/workshops/melas were organized under the project. Project envisages holding of
community meeting (11), workshops (2), mela (2) and female workshop (2). These meeting
were to be held in different villages in the Kund Malir Area. However main meetings including
male workshops, female workshops and melas were organized at Kund Malir Community Hall
which is a centralized location in the Chief of the Area (Haji Mir Abdullah Village). For the
distribution among the participants a brochure was published and circulated among the
participants.
Suggestions and recommendations
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A survey of medicinal plants occurring in Kund Malir and other coastal areas may be
conducted.
Conservation of endangered plants may be included in Wildlife and Forest Acts.
Gene bank for medicinal plants may be established to ensure that endangered species may
not be lost.
Trade of resins from Guggul and other medicinal plants may be monitored with hakims and
other traditional medicine stores/outlets.
Lesson learnt
Project was able to generate important information about a threatened plant whose population
although dwindling in most of the area in Sindh and Balochistan, but still in healthy condition in
the Kund Malir. It was also observed that emphasis is usually being paid for the conservation of
wild animals and little or no attention is being paid for the conservation of plant species whose
population is threatened. Communities are well aware of the importance of these plants but
because of their limited resources they cannot undertake any conservation activities. The
traditional knowledge about the medicinal plants like Guggul is not being transferred from older
generation to new generation which needs to be supported by conservation organizations like
WWF-Pakistan. Community meetings can play a major role in dissemination of information
about such threatened plants and even animals. This project was a success because
communities were taken on board at all stages. The project taken on board womenfolk of the
area because shepherds are mostly women and they have been advised not to take their
livestock in the area which have dense growth of Guggul.
Helminth threat to wild sheep and goats of protected areas from domestic herds
Sher Ahmed. Federal Government Degree College, Quetta Cantt
Project Duration: 12 Months (01 September 2014 – 31 August 2015)
Introduction
Parasitism is a host-parasite relationship, in which host behaves as an environment to its
inhabitant, the parasites. As a field, parasitology encompasses organisms living in other
organisms. Effects of parasites may be variable, depending upon intensity of parasite and site
of infection. Though, parasites are comparatively less lethal than viruses and bacteria, but still
they contribute to 3.7% of 833 known species extinctions, and are posing a further extinction
threat to 24% of extant mammal species, majority being carnivores and artiodactyls. Effect of
parasites is more obvious in cases when other environmental stresses and bacteria collaborate
against host. Majority of Helminth are found to be common between wild and domestic sheep
goats. In Pakistan, most of the parasitological research is focused on domestic animals. Only
one remarkable report on helminthosis of chinkara and blackbuck was found by Project
Executant (PE).The current Project addresses presence of Helminth parasites in domestic and
wild ruminants of two regions, Chiltan National Park (CNP) in Quetta, and Torghar Game
Reserve (TGR) in Qilla Saifullah.
Aims and objectives
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To determine diversity and prevalence of helminth fauna infecting wild and domestic
sheep/goats of target areas, evaluating the possibility of parasite transmission between the
two groups of ruminants.
To find out possible reasons and type of wild animal more susceptible to parasitic infections
To compare Government and private protected areas, in preventing parasitic diseases from
the rare wild species.
Results and achievements
The present study was based on 4 seasons and is the first to report protozoan and helminth
infections in markhor, urial and Chiltan wild goat of Pakistan. All the parasites present in wild
animals were also prevalent in domestic animals of the areas. Hence, it is strongly established
that transmission of parasites does take place from domestic to wild animals. A total of 11
protozoan parasites (Eimeria) and 9 helminth parasites were seen in wild and domestic animals.
The study indicates that parasites of domestic animals could infect wild animals, as many
parasites were common between the two populations of animals. Helminths that were common
between wild and domestic sheep and goats were Moniezia spp., Trichuris spp. Nematodirus
spp. and P. rufescens. Among species of Eimeria, all but E. crandallis and E. parva commonly
infected wild and domestic animals. Just as poaching by hunters, or grazing of rangeland by
domestic animals are limiting factors to population of wild animals, parasites of domestic animals
are formidable to the population of markhor, urial and Chiltan wild goats.
Suggestions and Recommendations
Important scientific issues recommended for research, as per PE’s vision:
 Genetic study of markhor, urial and Chiltan wild goats.
 Viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoa and arthropod diseases of these wild animals.
 Parasitological studies based upon molecular tools.
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Study of wildlife Eimeria with high resolution microscope and camera
Molecular studies, especially PCR and gene sequencing of Eimeria of domestic and
wildlife origin.
A thorough survey of fasciolosis in domestic livestock is necessary for the whole
province
Survey regarding terrestrial snail diversity
A survey of slaughtered and trophy hunted animals is necessary to achieve proglottids
or scolices of Moniezia worms, for detailed morphology, and also for molecular studies.
There is a strong need to work on the taxonomy of intermediate host of Moniezia
parasite, i.e., oribatid mites of Torghar and Chiltan.
Collection and taxonomic description of adult Trichuris from small and large ruminants of
Balochistan is necessary.
Studies based on polymerase chain reaction techniques on Nematodirus and
Marshallagia of domestic and wildlife origin are rapid, reliable, noninvasive, and
scientifically valuable
A survey addressing diversity and prevalence of Oesophagostomum species in large
and small domestic animals of Pakistan.
There is need to study parasites of free-living primates and wild ungulates of northeastern areas, as Islamabad, Murree and Kashmir etc., so that taxonomy of
oesophagostomes and possibly other zoonotic parasites could be determined.
Distribution, Population Status and Habitat Evaluation of Punjab Urial (Ovisvignei
punabiensis) in Punjab, Pakistan
Dr. Waseem Ahmad Khan, Pakistan Wildlife Foundation
Project Duration: 18 month (July 2014 to December, 2015)
Introduction
Punjab Urial (Ovisvignei punjabiensis) is an Endemic mammalian species in Pakistan and
principal mammalian game species of scrub forest in Salt and Kala Chitta Ranges of Punjab.
Although it is protected under the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and
Management) Act, 1974, yet it is facing severe hunting and poaching pressure and hence,
striving for its survival in its locality. Although the Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department and some
private wildlife breeding farms are breeding these animals for commercial purposes but they are
unable to offer these animals to animal lovers on payment. This situation has posed a serious
threat to the wild population of the species as hunters and poachers collect lambs of the Urial
during lambing season and sell illegally.
The present study is aimed to find out the current distribution, population status and potential
threats to the Punjab Urial in its distribution range and to study the habitat requirements of the
species. Moreover, potential Urial sites will be identified to be used for eco-tourism and
biodiversity awareness.
Aims and objectives
The objectives of the project were to;
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Find out the current distribution and population status of Punjab Urial in Punjab, Pakistan
Evaluate the habitat of Punjab Urial and assess the existing threats to the species in Punjab
Awareness raising about importance of the species among masses in the project area
To identify potential habitats from eco-tourism point of view
Results and achievements
Based on the available literature and personal communication with local communities and some
biologists, project achieved to mark 80 sites in five districts of Punjab province and 3,500 km
were traversed to record the existence of Punjab Urial. At 59 sites in 13 Tehsils of five districts,
the existence of Urial was confirmed. Forty five sites were found as potential Urial sites where
the species could be found throughout the year while rests of the 14 sites of Urial existence
were those visited by Urial occasionally in different seasons. After traversing around 3,500 km
area in the Salt and Kala Chitta mountain ranges in the Punjab, a total of 3,482 animals
including male, female and young ones were recorded in five districts.
Threats to Punjab Urial in the Study Area
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Habitat Degradation
Poaching of Lambs
Predation of Lambs by Jackals
Illegal Hunting
Forest Fires
Over Grazing and Competition with Livestock
Suggestions and recommendations
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Awareness Raising Campaign among general public about the importance of wildlife.
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Regular Follow-up Surveys
Urial Watch Programme / Eco-tourism
Coordination between Forest and Wildlife Departments and CBOs
Demarcation of Grazing Lands for Livestock
A separate project for conservation and management of Punjab urial in Salt Range.
Check on lamb poaching
Check an control of the mixing of both livestock and wildlife species to prevent the
diseases from livestock.