Wherever and whenever environment is being discussed, we find people lamenting the depletion of forests and wetlands in the country, the shrinking wildlife breeding space and the resultant extinction of hundreds of valuable species; leaving others endangered.

It’s true that Pakistan, especially Sindh was once a generous host to a variety of animals and migratory birds. It’s also true that the loss of habitat coupled with outdated legislation on deforestation and hunting are the major causes of turning our forests from ‘no man’s land’ to ‘no wildlife land’.

But not all is lost. There are still places that are home to a number of endangered species. One such place is Sufi Anwar Shah Safari Park in Ghotki district. Situated down the National Highway, near Mirpur Mathelo, in the midst of the country’s biggest fertiliser industrial units; the well-equipped and scientifically managed Sufi Anwar Shah Safari Park is truly a silver lining in the otherwise gloomy scenario of wildlife management in Sindh.

Spread over an area of 2,400 acres, this properly fenced safari park was established in 2008 as a joint venture of Sindh Forest Department and United Nation’s Joint Programme on Environment. Over the years, the park has successfully served the purpose with which it was established: to conserve diverse species of flora and fauna in a controlled and protected environment. At the same time it provides recreation opportunities to local people.

More public-private partnership initiatives are needed to preserve wildlife

“In addition to protecting the already existing species, we have reintroduced wild animals and birds such hog deer, black bucks, blue bull, chinkara, pea fowl, grey partridges and black partridges making it more diverse,” says project director and architect of the park, Javed Ahmed. “We have apportioned an undisturbed breeding space for wildlife which is managed on most advanced and scientific lines,” says Ahmed. One can watch all these animals and birds through specially constructed hideouts and watch towers. Dressed in neat uniforms and equipped with walkie-talkie sets, the staff offers guided tours, buggy and horseback rides to the visitors.

Abundant wildlife attracts tourists and creates jobs. For the children of neighbouring Ghotki and Mirpur Mathelo, the park is no less than a blessing due to the ample ‘fun area’ reserved for children. “One of the objectives of this safari park is to create awareness about wildlife among the people of this remote part of the province,” says Divisional Forest Officer Mirpur Mathelo Sanaullah Baloch. “Special classes are frequently arranged for the visiting children where they are taught about the importance of wildlife and its management,” Baloch adds.

Pakistan, especially Sindh was once a generous host to a variety of animals and migratory birds.

Creating awareness in this regard is important as in our country, especially Sindh, forests which form a crucial link in the chain of ecosystem sustainability, are replete with a host of problems — from deadly deforestation to ever-increasing encroachment. As a matter of fact, wildlife is often the first casualty of this ecological disturbance. “Apart from the loss of habitat, poor wildlife legislation is also a contributing factor in the deteriorating state of wildlife in Sindh,” says Environmental journalist Satram Sangi. “Illegal hunting of tamed animals is often carried out by influential people; meagre fines and penalties prescribed in the Wildlife Act have further eroded the writ across the province’’ he says.

The Sufi Anwar Shah Safari Park is a success story of public-private partnership in an area which is otherwise considered a most hostile land for wildlife. These joint ventures to preserve/protect natural habitats would not only help in conserving biodiversity to a great extent but would also give a boost to eco-tourism. Efforts to conserve/protect forests and wetlands that are home for wild animals can save a number of threatened species on the verge of extinction.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, June 29th, 2014