Over 70% of Siberian migratory birds have stopped visiting Pakistan
Dried up and contaminated water bodies, hunting and netting identified as major causes
Welcome no more: Siberian migratory birds which made their way to Sindh every winter season, have largely stopped coming due to various reasons. Photo: file
KARACHI:
The number of migratory birds coming in from Siberia has declined drastically over the past three decades. Around 150,000 birds, including local and migratory waterfowl, were estimated to have landed at 12 aquatic stopovers , which is 70% less than in 2017-2018, according to a survey conducted during the winter season.
The migratory birds usually arrive in Pakistan at the end of August and begin leaving in February. The birds are all gone by March.
This region attracts a large number of workers from Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan every production season that usually coincides with monsoon rains that undermine date production.
The oppressive heat of summer over June-July makes weather conditions unbearable but it is an ideal period for the ripening of fruits, such as dates. Rows of date palm trees in orchards start dotting the landscape while one travels on the National Highway as Khairpur draws near. Coupled with mango and guava orchards, date palm trees make Khairpur a rich and diversified district in an agricultural sense.
This region attracts a large number of workers from Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan every production season that usually coincides with monsoon rains that undermine date production.