Endangered vultures rebound in Punjab habitats

Vultures facing the threat of extinction have started reappearing in natural habitats in Punjab, following conservation efforts by the wildlife department. According to details, a large number of Eurasian griffon vultures were observed two days ago in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district. The sighting has drawn attention from wildlife experts, who described it as a significant development. A large number of Eurasian griffon vultures were observed two days ago in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS Experts said Eurasian griffon vultures are mainly found in northern mountainous regions of Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan. Their presence in Punjab is considered limited and unusual, with sightings in southern areas such as Cholistan often linked to seasonal movement or search for food. Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Ranger Assistant Chief Mujahid Kaleem said that the exact population of Eurasian griffon vultures in Pakistan has not been determined due to limited data. However, he noted that the species exists in small and scattered numbers across the country. In Punjab, the bird is considered rare, with limited evidence of breeding populations. Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Rahim Yar Khan, Mujahid Kaleem, said that the exact population of Eurasian griffon vultures in Pakistan has not been determined due to limited data. PHOTO: EXPRSS NEWS He added that these vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding on carcasses, and play a vital role in maintaining environmental sanitation. Wildlife expert and member of the Punjab Captive Wildlife Management Committee, Bader Muneer, said the species faces multiple threats, with toxic veterinary drugs, particularly diclofenac, being the most significant. He explained that the drug enters the vultures’ system through livestock carcasses and proves fatal. Other threats include habitat loss, food scarcity, collisions with power lines and human interference. Experts said Eurasian griffon vultures are mainly found in northern mountainous regions of Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS Experts further said several vulture species in Pakistan have experienced sharp population declines, with some nearing extinction. Although the Eurasian griffon vulture is globally listed as a species of least concern, its declining numbers at the local level remain a concern. Vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding on carcasses, and play a vital role in maintaining environmental sanitation. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS South Punjab Wildlife Ranger Additional Chief Sheikh Muhammad Zahid said measures such as awareness campaigns, establishment of protected areas and restrictions on harmful drugs are being implemented to conserve vultures. He added that the recent large sighting in Cholistan indicates improvement in conservation efforts and suggests that the population may be gradually increasing.