There are more than seven billion people on earth. Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone becomes committed to doing one good thing, no matter how big or small it is. The world would become so much better!

Among the things that need our attention and effort is wildlife protection. So many animals are facing a lot of problems, some natural and many due to mankind’s actions. Wildlife protection in Pakistan, under the umbrella of team WWF, has been started to protect every animal in Pakistan that is in danger. Moreover, people can adopt animals from wildlife shelter so that the animals can be in the right hands.

There are only 4,500 to 7,500 snow leopards living in the mountains of central Asia. If we don’t protect the snow leopards, soon there will be none because every day or so, a snow cat is being killed, which means 220 to 450 snow cats are being killed every year. Perhaps the reason that snow cats are becoming extinct is that people use their fur/skin for warm clothes and their body parts are used in alternate medicine.

It is important for people to stop killing snow cats for their skin. If we can cut down the use of wild animal skin by using other fabric and material, we may save this and other endangered animals.

Next, let’s discuss about another precious and endangered animal of Pakistan, the Markhor. This animal is the largest goat in the goat family. The Markhors are found in the rugged mountains of Central Asia. They live at the altitude of 500 to 3,500 metres (1,600 to 11000 feet), depending on the season. Summer is spent at higher altitudes and in the winter, the Markhors live at the low altitudes. And it is at that time when most of these are killed by humans, who have the permission to hunt them.

As we all know that the Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan, but, unfortunately, these innocent creatures remain endangered. They are usually hunted for their horns and skin, which sell for a lot of money and are used in many precious handicrafts. Markhors are also very famous for their meat which, people believe, is of very nutritious value and has many benefits. Their thick fur helps them to survive in the cold climates up in the mountain, which makes the fur in high demand.

People risk their lives and go hunt for these amazing animals for profits, without a thought to the dwindling population of these wildlife. I believe that we, the new generation, need to take up the issue of conservation of wildlife and environment very seriously. So let’s join our hands to save these near extinct species.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 25th, 2020