Migratory Birds in Sindh: Emerging Threats

Emerging Threats and Conservation Challenges faced by Migratory Birds in Sindh

• Conservation of migratory birds in Sindh is not merely a wildlife management issue; it is intrinsically linked to wetland sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and ecological security

Dr. Abdullah Arijo

Sindh province of Pakistan occupies a critical ecological position along the Indus Flyway, serving as an important wintering and stopover region for migratory birds originating from Central Asia, Siberia, and Western China. However, increasing anthropogenic pressures, habitat degradation, illegal hunting, pollution, and climate change are posing significant threats to migratory avifauna. This article examines the major conservation challenges affecting migratory birds in Sindh, highlighting local examples and proposing evidence-based conservation strategies.

Migratory birds are among the most ecologically significant faunal groups, linking ecosystems across continents. Their seasonal movements reflect environmental stability and ecosystem productivity. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, migratory species are particularly vulnerable because they depend on multiple geographically dispersed habitats during their life cycles.

Pakistan lies along one of the world’s major avian migration corridors, the Indus Flyway (also known as the Green Route). Within Pakistan, Sindh province plays a vital role due to its extensive wetlands, lakes, riverine belts, and coastal ecosystems. These habitats support thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds during winter migration.

Major Migratory Bird Habitats in Sindh

Keenjhar Lake

Keenjhar Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Pakistan, is a designated Ramsar site. It provides feeding and roosting grounds for species such as the Greater Flamingo and various migratory ducks.

Haleji Lake

Haleji Lake is another internationally recognised wetland supporting thousands of wintering waterbirds annually. It is a critical refuge for the Bar-headed Goose and the Demoiselle Crane.

The Indus Delta’s mangrove forests and mudflats provide habitat for shorebirds and waders. However, reduced freshwater inflow has significantly altered its ecological balance.

Key Threats to Migratory Birds

Habitat Degradation

Wetland shrinkage due to water diversion, dam construction, and agricultural expansion has reduced available habitats. Decreased environmental flows in the Indus River have intensified salinity intrusion in the delta, leading to mangrove degradation and loss of feeding grounds for migratory birds.

Urban encroachment around lakes such as Keenjhar and Haleji further exacerbates habitat fragmentation. Siltation and eutrophication also reduce water quality and aquatic productivity.

Illegal Hunting

Illegal hunting remains a persistent conservation issue. Species such as the Houbara Bustard, which migrates to arid regions of Sindh, are particularly vulnerable. Despite legal protections, enforcement gaps and socio-political pressures undermine conservation measures.

Unregulated hunting not only reduces population size but also disrupts migratory behaviour and breeding success.

Pollution

Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilisers, and plastic waste contaminate water bodies. Pollutants accumulate in aquatic food chains, affecting piscivorous and filter-feeding birds. Heavy metals and toxic compounds can impair reproduction and immune function.

Climate variability is altering migration timing, breeding phenology, and habitat suitability. Prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures affect wetland hydrology. Reduced water levels limit food availability and increase competition among species.

Climate change also increases the frequency of extreme weather events, disrupting migratory pathways.

Infrastructure requirements

Expansion of road networks, power transmission lines, and wind energy projects in coastal Sindh increases collision risks. Habitat disturbance from tourism and recreational activities further stresses sensitive species.

Conservation challenges

Pakistan is a signatory to several international agreements aimed at protecting migratory species. Nevertheless, practical implementation faces significant challenges:

• Weak monitoring and data deficiencies
• Limited financial resources
• Insufficient inter-agency coordination
• Inadequate community engagement

Although wetlands such as Keenjhar and Haleji possess Ramsar status, management effectiveness remains constrained by institutional and logistical limitations.

Conservation Measures

An integrated conservation approach is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of migratory bird populations in Sindh.

1. Ensuring Environmental Flows: Restoration of freshwater inflow into the Indus Delta to maintain ecological balance.
2. Strengthening Law Enforcement: Enhanced surveillance and strict penalties for illegal hunting.
3. Community Participation: Involving local fishermen, farmers, and hunting communities in conservation awareness programs.
4. Scientific Monitoring: Establishing long-term bird census programs and ecological research initiatives through universities and wildlife departments.

Climate Adaptation Planning

Developing adaptive wetland management strategies to address climate variability. Academic institutions in Sindh can play a critical role by integrating migration ecology into research and teaching curricula. Collaborative research between wildlife biologists, fisheries experts, and environmental scientists will strengthen evidence-based policy development.

Migratory birds represent a shared ecological heritage that transcends national boundaries. Sindh’s wetlands serve as indispensable components of the Indus Flyway, yet they face escalating threats from habitat degradation, pollution, illegal hunting, and climate change. Without coordinated and scientifically grounded interventions, the decline of migratory bird populations may accelerate.

Conservation of migratory birds in Sindh is not merely a wildlife management issue; it is intrinsically linked to wetland sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and ecological security. A multidisciplinary, community-inclusive, and policy-driven approach is essential to safeguard these species for future generations.

Read: Fear, Crime, Silence: Sindh’s Hidden Order

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Abdullah Arijo is a professor and curriculum architect at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, specializing in Parasitology, fisheries, aquaculture, zoology, and environmental sciences. He is also a civic advocate for climate resilience and sustainable development.