The Nara Game Reserve area having a number of wetlands and Nara Canal form a Wetland Complex in D... more The Nara Game Reserve area having a number of wetlands and Nara Canal form a Wetland Complex in Desert. In this study selected areas of twenty two important spots of the Nagiopeer and Dangewari wetlands was surveyed and their physico-chemical data was recorded. The samples were taken season wise from both the wetlands and the estimated parameters showed their chemical characters and quality of water. The water of both the wetlands was not suitable for human drinking due to high value of TDS. Seepage from Nara Canal is responsible for making most of the wetlands of the area to have high salt contents making them largely brackish. We also evaluated the status of wildlife of Nara Game Reserve. Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) has declined in numbers due to habitat degradation and human disturbance. Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrina) and Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) are rare and observed only in Jamrao Head area. The status of large mammals, especially ungulates and carnivore...
The paper aims to describe the wildlife of the Jhimpir Wind Corridor consisting of 15 species of ... more The paper aims to describe the wildlife of the Jhimpir Wind Corridor consisting of 15 species of mammals, 79 species of birds, 13 species of reptiles and 20 species of plants recorded during the environmental studies undertaken in the area during 2012 to 2014.The area is under the influence of the existing/future, Wind Power Plants. This will affect the general ecology of the area and may also affect the distribution and movements of the birds in the area.There are chances of bird mortality in the area due to possible collision against the rotating blades of the turbines of the Wind Power Plants.A Bird Monitoring Strategy has been suggested for the study of the impacts of Wind Power Plants on the ecology and movement of birds in the impacted area.
Studies were undertaken in the Khirthar Protected Area Complex (KPAC) during 2010 and 2011 to rec... more Studies were undertaken in the Khirthar Protected Area Complex (KPAC) during 2010 and 2011 to record the species of mammals, their main habitats and distribution in this area. A total of 33 species of mammals were recorded and 22 main habitats of mammals were identified. The occurrence of 11 key species of the mammals was recorded in the different components of the KPAC. These species included Sind Ibex or Sind Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus), Urial (Ovis vignei), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Caracal (Felis caracal), Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis), Indian or Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus), Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Desert Cat (Felis silvestris) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). During the study, 1200 Sind Ibex, 1000 Urial and 150 Chinkara were sighted. Disturbance, human and wildlife conflicts, and degradation of habitats are the main threats to the wild animals particularly to Chinkara. These adverse environmental impact...
Beaked whales are not a commonly encountered species, but Cuvier's beaked whale, Ziphius cavirost... more Beaked whales are not a commonly encountered species, but Cuvier's beaked whale, Ziphius cavirostris, is the most cosmopolitan. Nonetheless, little is known of its distribution in the northeastern Indian Ocean, particularly along the coasts of India, Pakistan and Iran. Here we present the first confirmed record of the species for Pakistan from a stranded specimen that was found during a routine beach survey. None have been seen during inshore boat surveys to date. Considering the level of naval activity and seismic surveys in the waters off of Pakistan, incorporation of mitigating measures and monitoring surveys are suggested to avoid potential beaked whale mortality. This is the first confirmed record of Z. cavirostris on the Pakistani coast and is an important finding for the Pakistan Biodiversity Action Plan and their National Conservation Strategy for marine mammals.
During the present study in 2012, a total of twenty four mammalian species were recorded belongin... more During the present study in 2012, a total of twenty four mammalian species were recorded belonging to 5 orders and 10 families; out of these, 8 species are less common, 2 species are rare, while 14 species are common in Hub Dam area. Twenty five reptilian species belonging to 3 orders and 12 families were also recorded from the area. Three species of mammalian Urial (Ovis vignei), Chinkara/Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennettii) and Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), one reptilian species Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) were recorded as rare from the study area during 2012. During the present study, nine mammalian species Wild Goat/Sindh Ibex (Capra aegagrus), Urial (Ovis vignei), Chinkara/Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennettii), Indian Hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus), Cape Hare (Lepus capensis), Little Indian Field Mouse (Mus booduga), House Shrew (Sorex thibetanus), Balochistan Gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) and Indian Gerbil (Tatera indica) and two reptilian Warty Rock Gecko (Cyrtodactylus kachhensis kachhensis) and Banded Dwarf Gecko (Tropiocolotes helenae) were recorded from the area. As regards threats to mammals and reptiles, these are affected by disturbance. Efforts are being made to conserve the important mammals and reptiles particularly in the protected area especially at Hub Dam.
In this study, total twenty seven reptilian species including three turtle species, Green Turtle ... more In this study, total twenty seven reptilian species including three turtle species, Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), nine lizard species such as Common Tree Lizard (Calotes versicolor versicolor), Spotted Barn Gecko (Hemidactylus brooki), Yellow Bellied Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus flaviviridis), Persian House Gecko (Hemidactylus persicus), Blotched House Gecko (Hamidactylus triedrus), Mediterranean House Gecko (Hamidactylus turcicus), Blue Tail Sand Lizard (Acanthodactylus cantoris), Spotted Lacerta (Mesalina watsonana), and Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) were recorded from Manora, Sandspit, Hawksbay and Cape Monze areas during 2001-2009. Fifteen snakes species viz Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistosa), Blue Green Sea Snake (Hydrophis caerulescens), Annulated Sea Snake (Hydrophis cyanocinctus), Persian Sea Snake (Hydrophis lapemoides), Broad Band Sea Snake (Hydrophis mamillaris), Reef Sea ...
This paper reports the findings of a project (Cetacean Conservation Pakistan) launched in 2004 wi... more This paper reports the findings of a project (Cetacean Conservation Pakistan) launched in 2004 with a view to: (a) undertaking quantitative surveys to determine the variety and abundance of species present; (b) working with local fisher communities to collate local knowledge and promote public awareness; and (c) promoting a marine cetacean conservation strategy and measures. Boat-based surveys for live animals and shore surveys for beachcast specimens have confirmed the presence of twelve species of whale and dolphin. Among these bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) occur both inshore along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, and offshore in parts of Balochistan; these two populations possibly representing different sub-species. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are common inshore around the mouth of the Indus Delta and in large sheltered bays in Balochistan, where finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) also occur. Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) were obs...
The finding of neonatal whale sharks from Northern Indian Ocean waters off of Pakistan and Bangla... more The finding of neonatal whale sharks from Northern Indian Ocean waters off of Pakistan and Bangladesh and the description of several very small whale sharks from around Seychelles during the last few years are reported. These findings are discussed in relation to published reports of growth rates, the areas of occurrence and segregation by sex, and the behaviour of very young whale sharks, which are key factors in their conservation management.
In this study, surveys were undertaken during 2008 – 2013, to record the distribution and status ... more In this study, surveys were undertaken during 2008 – 2013, to record the distribution and status of reptiles of the area, during the study 41 species of reptiles were recorded. Twenty two important habitats for reptiles in the area were identified and listed. Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard (Saara hardwickii) was found to be under threat in its localized habitat in Jhimpir Wind Corridor block in Thatta district and Indian Fat–tail Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) was noted to have been almost disappeared from most of the area due to large scale capture of the species for sale in the local markets.
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 2007
Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) occur frequently in stranding records worldwide. However, n... more Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) occur frequently in stranding records worldwide. However, none have been reported along the Pakistani coastline to date. This paper documents the first reported stranding of a sperm whale on the Pakistani coast. Ultimately, this finding is important in the planning of Pakistan's Biodiversity Action Plan and its National Conservation Strategy for marine mammals.
Five sea turtle species, including green turtles (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley turtles (Lepidoch... more Five sea turtle species, including green turtles (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) have been reported from the Pakistan Coast ( ...
The Nara Game Reserve area having a number of wetlands and Nara Canal form a Wetland Complex in D... more The Nara Game Reserve area having a number of wetlands and Nara Canal form a Wetland Complex in Desert. In this study selected areas of twenty two important spots of the Nagiopeer and Dangewari wetlands was surveyed and their physico-chemical data was recorded. The samples were taken season wise from both the wetlands and the estimated parameters showed their chemical characters and quality of water. The water of both the wetlands was not suitable for human drinking due to high value of TDS. Seepage from Nara Canal is responsible for making most of the wetlands of the area to have high salt contents making them largely brackish. We also evaluated the status of wildlife of Nara Game Reserve. Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) has declined in numbers due to habitat degradation and human disturbance. Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrina) and Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) are rare and observed only in Jamrao Head area. The status of large mammals, especially ungulates and carnivore...
The paper aims to describe the wildlife of the Jhimpir Wind Corridor consisting of 15 species of ... more The paper aims to describe the wildlife of the Jhimpir Wind Corridor consisting of 15 species of mammals, 79 species of birds, 13 species of reptiles and 20 species of plants recorded during the environmental studies undertaken in the area during 2012 to 2014.The area is under the influence of the existing/future, Wind Power Plants. This will affect the general ecology of the area and may also affect the distribution and movements of the birds in the area.There are chances of bird mortality in the area due to possible collision against the rotating blades of the turbines of the Wind Power Plants.A Bird Monitoring Strategy has been suggested for the study of the impacts of Wind Power Plants on the ecology and movement of birds in the impacted area.
Studies were undertaken in the Khirthar Protected Area Complex (KPAC) during 2010 and 2011 to rec... more Studies were undertaken in the Khirthar Protected Area Complex (KPAC) during 2010 and 2011 to record the species of mammals, their main habitats and distribution in this area. A total of 33 species of mammals were recorded and 22 main habitats of mammals were identified. The occurrence of 11 key species of the mammals was recorded in the different components of the KPAC. These species included Sind Ibex or Sind Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus), Urial (Ovis vignei), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Caracal (Felis caracal), Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis), Indian or Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus), Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Desert Cat (Felis silvestris) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). During the study, 1200 Sind Ibex, 1000 Urial and 150 Chinkara were sighted. Disturbance, human and wildlife conflicts, and degradation of habitats are the main threats to the wild animals particularly to Chinkara. These adverse environmental impact...
Beaked whales are not a commonly encountered species, but Cuvier's beaked whale, Ziphius cavirost... more Beaked whales are not a commonly encountered species, but Cuvier's beaked whale, Ziphius cavirostris, is the most cosmopolitan. Nonetheless, little is known of its distribution in the northeastern Indian Ocean, particularly along the coasts of India, Pakistan and Iran. Here we present the first confirmed record of the species for Pakistan from a stranded specimen that was found during a routine beach survey. None have been seen during inshore boat surveys to date. Considering the level of naval activity and seismic surveys in the waters off of Pakistan, incorporation of mitigating measures and monitoring surveys are suggested to avoid potential beaked whale mortality. This is the first confirmed record of Z. cavirostris on the Pakistani coast and is an important finding for the Pakistan Biodiversity Action Plan and their National Conservation Strategy for marine mammals.
During the present study in 2012, a total of twenty four mammalian species were recorded belongin... more During the present study in 2012, a total of twenty four mammalian species were recorded belonging to 5 orders and 10 families; out of these, 8 species are less common, 2 species are rare, while 14 species are common in Hub Dam area. Twenty five reptilian species belonging to 3 orders and 12 families were also recorded from the area. Three species of mammalian Urial (Ovis vignei), Chinkara/Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennettii) and Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), one reptilian species Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) were recorded as rare from the study area during 2012. During the present study, nine mammalian species Wild Goat/Sindh Ibex (Capra aegagrus), Urial (Ovis vignei), Chinkara/Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennettii), Indian Hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus), Cape Hare (Lepus capensis), Little Indian Field Mouse (Mus booduga), House Shrew (Sorex thibetanus), Balochistan Gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) and Indian Gerbil (Tatera indica) and two reptilian Warty Rock Gecko (Cyrtodactylus kachhensis kachhensis) and Banded Dwarf Gecko (Tropiocolotes helenae) were recorded from the area. As regards threats to mammals and reptiles, these are affected by disturbance. Efforts are being made to conserve the important mammals and reptiles particularly in the protected area especially at Hub Dam.
In this study, total twenty seven reptilian species including three turtle species, Green Turtle ... more In this study, total twenty seven reptilian species including three turtle species, Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), nine lizard species such as Common Tree Lizard (Calotes versicolor versicolor), Spotted Barn Gecko (Hemidactylus brooki), Yellow Bellied Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus flaviviridis), Persian House Gecko (Hemidactylus persicus), Blotched House Gecko (Hamidactylus triedrus), Mediterranean House Gecko (Hamidactylus turcicus), Blue Tail Sand Lizard (Acanthodactylus cantoris), Spotted Lacerta (Mesalina watsonana), and Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) were recorded from Manora, Sandspit, Hawksbay and Cape Monze areas during 2001-2009. Fifteen snakes species viz Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistosa), Blue Green Sea Snake (Hydrophis caerulescens), Annulated Sea Snake (Hydrophis cyanocinctus), Persian Sea Snake (Hydrophis lapemoides), Broad Band Sea Snake (Hydrophis mamillaris), Reef Sea ...
This paper reports the findings of a project (Cetacean Conservation Pakistan) launched in 2004 wi... more This paper reports the findings of a project (Cetacean Conservation Pakistan) launched in 2004 with a view to: (a) undertaking quantitative surveys to determine the variety and abundance of species present; (b) working with local fisher communities to collate local knowledge and promote public awareness; and (c) promoting a marine cetacean conservation strategy and measures. Boat-based surveys for live animals and shore surveys for beachcast specimens have confirmed the presence of twelve species of whale and dolphin. Among these bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) occur both inshore along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, and offshore in parts of Balochistan; these two populations possibly representing different sub-species. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are common inshore around the mouth of the Indus Delta and in large sheltered bays in Balochistan, where finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) also occur. Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) were obs...
The finding of neonatal whale sharks from Northern Indian Ocean waters off of Pakistan and Bangla... more The finding of neonatal whale sharks from Northern Indian Ocean waters off of Pakistan and Bangladesh and the description of several very small whale sharks from around Seychelles during the last few years are reported. These findings are discussed in relation to published reports of growth rates, the areas of occurrence and segregation by sex, and the behaviour of very young whale sharks, which are key factors in their conservation management.
In this study, surveys were undertaken during 2008 – 2013, to record the distribution and status ... more In this study, surveys were undertaken during 2008 – 2013, to record the distribution and status of reptiles of the area, during the study 41 species of reptiles were recorded. Twenty two important habitats for reptiles in the area were identified and listed. Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard (Saara hardwickii) was found to be under threat in its localized habitat in Jhimpir Wind Corridor block in Thatta district and Indian Fat–tail Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) was noted to have been almost disappeared from most of the area due to large scale capture of the species for sale in the local markets.
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 2007
Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) occur frequently in stranding records worldwide. However, n... more Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) occur frequently in stranding records worldwide. However, none have been reported along the Pakistani coastline to date. This paper documents the first reported stranding of a sperm whale on the Pakistani coast. Ultimately, this finding is important in the planning of Pakistan's Biodiversity Action Plan and its National Conservation Strategy for marine mammals.
Five sea turtle species, including green turtles (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley turtles (Lepidoch... more Five sea turtle species, including green turtles (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) have been reported from the Pakistan Coast ( ...
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