IN a heartwarming rescue mission, the Kaghan Development Authority recently saved 40,000 snow trout which had gotten trapped in a tributary of the Kunhar River due to rising water levels. Thanks to the swift action of the KDA workers, who cleared a path for these magnificent creatures, the trout were able to return to the main Kunhar River to swim upstream. While this is an encouraging display of dedication to our natural heritage, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts in Pakistan. The Kaghan Valley is not only rich in natural beauty but also boasts a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, including the endangered snow leopard, a symbol of our region’s biodiversity. Its survival is threatened by climate change as it navigates changing landscapes. Similarly, the Indus blind dolphin, unique to Pakistan’s waters, faces numerous threats, from habitat degradation, to fishing and net entanglement incidents, to pollution, and to even being killed by ignorant people.

However, these species are not alone in their struggle. Pakistan is home to several endangered species like the houbara bustard, markhor, and pangolin, all facing threats like habitat loss, hunting, poaching, and climate-induced changes. Moreover, our mangroves, vital coastal ecosystems, are also under threat. Rising sea levels and human activities endanger these critical habitats, further emphasising the urgency of conservation efforts. Climate change poses a grave challenge to these species as it disrupts ecosystems and forces them to adapt or perish. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and habitat shifts make survival a daily battle. While the rescue of the snow trout is a positive development, we must not rest on our laurels. Conservation efforts — most importantly, awareness campaigns — must be intensified to protect biodiversity. Let this rescue mission ignite renewed determination to safeguard our irreplaceable natural heritage. Our responsibility extends beyond a single rescue; it is a lifelong commitment to preserving the diverse species that make Pakistan’s natural world extraordinary.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2023