Punjab Launches First Comprehensive Wildlife and Botanical Survey to Protect Biodiversity Amid Climate Threats

LAHORE: Punjab has completed its first province-wide survey of reptiles and amphibians and is now embarking on a comprehensive survey of plant species under the Punjab Wildlife Survey Scheme, a special initiative of the Chief Minister launched earlier this year. Experts say the survey will not only fill longstanding data gaps but also help the province adapt to the mounting pressures of climate change on biodiversity.
A consultative meeting brought together Punjab Wildlife Rangers, Forest Department officials, experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and university faculty members. The session finalized the methodology, duration, and use of technology for the botanical survey, which will be conducted according to international standards.
Project in-charge Muddassir Hassan said the survey’s primary focus is on indigenous species such as urial, chinkara, nilgai, hog deer, Indus dolphin, pangolin, and houbara bustard, though other wildlife and flora will also be documented. He noted that camera traps, drones, and GPS technology will be used, with teams consisting of biologists, volunteers, local communities, professors, students, and NGO representatives.
IUCN’s National Project Manager, Asim Jamal, said Punjab is likely the only province in the region to undertake such an organized wildlife survey. Data collected will be compiled into a Wildlife Red Data Book, later integrated into IUCN’s global database. The survey will record species numbers, habitats, and threats, offering critical insights for conservation planning.
Dr. Atif Yaqoob of Government College University Lahore, a member of the steering committee, cautioned that the success of such initiatives depends on policy continuity and local community engagement. He stressed that rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and industrial expansion must be aligned with biodiversity data to ensure sustainable and climate-friendly growth.
Experts highlight that Punjab hosts over 500 identified species, many of which face extinction pressures linked to climate change, habitat loss, and human encroachment. The endangered Indus dolphin, Indian pangolin, houbara bustard, urial, and chinkara are among species already on the IUCN Red List. Several migratory birds, including white-rumped and long-billed vultures, are also on the brink of disappearance from Pakistan.
By combining scientific data with modern technology and local knowledge, officials hope this first-of-its-kind initiative will guide conservation policies and strengthen Pakistan’s resilience to climate change.