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Wildlife preservation

by Momina Ahsan | 15-04-2023 05:58 recommendations 1

Let them ROAM, Let them THRIVE!


Wildlife is not a commodity, it is a treasure that needs to be preserved. It is looking for the five freedoms essential to live, breathe and breed. Pakistan is a land of diverse ecosystems, ranging from deserts to mountains, forests to wetlands, and coastal areas. It is blessed to have diversity, inclusive ecosystem and a rich climate making it suitable to flourish every living form. These ecosystems support a rich diversity of wildlife, including endangered species such as the Indus River Dolphin, Snow Leopard, and Markhor. However, like many other countries, Pakistan's wildlife is under threat due to habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. Like other countries, the wildlife of Pakistan is looking forward to be preserved and handed over by the gift of five freedoms.

STONE AGE & WILDLIFE


Since the emergence of life on the Earth, wildlife is a pivotal aspect of all life forms, inhabiting on earth and breeding for its expansion. In the Stone Age, Humans used to have a chemistry with wildlife from protection to hunting that is portrayed beautifully by many artists. The Stone Age, which lasted from about 2.5 million years ago to about 4,500 years ago, was a time when humans were primarily hunter-gatherers. During this period, wildlife played a crucial role in the survival of humans. In fact, many prehistoric cave paintings depict wild animals, suggesting that they were an important part of daily life and culture. One of the key ways that wildlife was important to early humans was as a source of food. Hunting was a primary means of obtaining food during the Stone Age, and many animals were hunted for their meat, fur, and other resources. Early humans hunted a wide range of animals, including deer, wild boar, bison, and even woolly mammoths and other large, now-extinct creatures. In addition to providing food, wildlife also played a role in early human art and spirituality. Many cave paintings from the Stone Age feature images of animals, such as the famous Lascaux cave paintings in France, which depict horses, deer, and other creatures. These paintings may have been created for spiritual or cultural reasons, or may have served as a way for early humans to pass down stories and knowledge to future generations.

From providing food and resources to inspiring art and culture, wild animals were an essential part of daily life and survival. While the ways in which humans interact with wildlife have certainly evolved since the Stone Age, our connection to and dependence on the natural world remains just as strong. As the time passed, humans started evolving as timid creatures on Earth fearing the WILDLIFE for its sagacious nature. 

REVOLUTIONIZED ERA & WILDLIFE:

The current revolutionized era, characterized by unprecedented technological advancements and industrialization, has brought about significant changes to the natural world and its inhabitants, including wildlife. While these changes have brought many benefits to humans, they have also had a profound impact on the planet's wildlife populations.

  • One of the primary ways in which the modern era has impacted wildlife is through Habitat destruction. As human populations have grown and urbanization has expanded, natural habitats have been destroyed or altered, leaving many species struggling to survive. Deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, and infrastructure development have all contributed to this problem.
  • Another major threat to wildlife in the modern era is climate change. Rising global temperatures, caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, have altered ecosystems, disrupted migration patterns, and led to the extinction of many species. Climate change also poses a significant threat to human communities, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.
  • In addition to these threats, wildlife in the modern era is also impacted by pollution and overexploitation. Industries emit various pollutants into the air and water, which can harm or kill wildlife. Overfishing, hunting, and poaching have also contributed to the decline of many species, particularly those that are commercially valuable.
  • The most important factor that has posed threat to the survival of WILDLIFE is unannounced travel of Humans on Distant and Remote areas. Wildlife is considered to roam with freewill to eat, hunt, breed and breath. As Humans started revolutionizing, they started exploring the mountains, forests and unexplored areas of earth. These unattended and unannounced visit to hunt and gather the valuable skin, organs and satiation of hunting brought fear to WILDLIFE, restricting their freedoms and desires. 
  • Moreover, humans have become captivated by the beauty of the WILDLIFE and is trying its best to tame the nature. For this purpose, as the forests are reducing and there are limited areas for wildlife to reside, humans started capturing them for zoos and parks. This has restricted the five main freedoms of the wildlife and is posing the greatest threat of EXTINCTION. 

FIVE FREEDOMS OF WILDLIFE:

Wildlife requires five freedoms to breed and expand its generations like humans. These five freedoms are:

  1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: Wildlife should have access to a diet that meets their nutritional needs and ensures they are not left thirsty or hungry.
  2. Freedom from Discomfort: Wildlife should be provided with an appropriate environment that promotes their physical and psychological well-being, including access to appropriate shelter, bedding, and space.
  3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease: Wildlife should be protected from physical or psychological harm, including injury, illness, and disease.
  4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior: Wildlife should be allowed to exhibit natural behaviors that are typical for their species, including the ability to move freely, breed freely, socialize with others of their kind, and engage in appropriate activities.
  5. Freedom from Fear and Distress: Wildlife should not experience fear or distress, which can be caused by factors such as inadequate housing, handling, or socialization.
As humans started keeping the wildlife to the narrow cages, their most desires of freedoms are getting restricted and ultimately making them prone to extinct due to lesser breeding and generational expansion.

WILDLIFE AND PAKISTAN:


According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan, the country has lost over 80 percent of its wildlife in the last few decades. This alarming statistic is largely due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural practices. In addition, poaching and illegal trade of wildlife and their products, such as ivory and skins, pose a significant threat to many species in Pakistan.

ACTIONS NEEDED FOR WILDLIFE PRESERVATION:


Conservation organizations, governments, and individuals are working to establish protected areas, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and combat pollution and overexploitation. In addition, new technologies such as wildlife tracking and conservation drones are helping to improve our understanding of wildlife populations and inform conservation efforts.

The government of Pakistan has taken several steps to protect its wildlife and natural resources. In 1975, the government established the Pakistan Wildlife and Parks Department, which is responsible for the conservation and management of wildlife and protected areas. The department oversees over 30 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries throughout the country, which serve as important habitats for a variety of species.

In recent years, Pakistan has also made significant progress in protecting its flagship species, including the Snow Leopard and Markhor. The Snow Leopard, which is native to the high-altitude regions of northern Pakistan, has been listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). To protect the Snow Leopard, Pakistan has established the Khunjerab National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan, which serves as a protected habitat for the species. Similarly, the Markhor, which is a wild goat found in the mountains of Pakistan, has been listed as a near-threatened species by the IUCN. In 1991, the government of Pakistan established the Markhor Conservation Program, which has been successful in increasing the population of the species in several regions of the country.

While the revolutionized era has brought about significant challenges to the planet's wildlife populations, it has also spurred new efforts to protect and preserve these important creatures. By working together to address these challenges, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and diversity of our planet's wildlife. There is a dire need to create awareness for the preservation of WILDLIFE before its too late. 

Our planet's future lies in the paws of wildlife

Following steps must be taken at individual and community level to promote wildlife:

  • Creation of Awareness not only on SOCIAL MEDIA but also in schools, workplaces and organizations. By raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the threats facing endangered species, we can inspire others to take action and support conservation efforts.
  • One of the most effective ways to promote wildlife preservation is by Supporting conservation organizations that work to protect endangered species and their habitats. These organizations work tirelessly to conduct research, create awareness campaigns, and advocate for policies that promote the conservation of wildlife. We must donate as much as possible for the conservation of wildlife and for the better future.
  • Another important way to promote wildlife preservation is by reducing ecological footprint. This can be achieved by adopting environmentally friendly practices such as recycling, using energy-efficient appliances, and reducing your water usage. By reducing your impact on the environment, we can help to preserve the natural habitats that are essential for wildlife survival.
  • Agriculture can have a significant impact on wildlife habitats, particularly when forests and other natural areas are cleared for farming. By supporting sustainable agriculture practices that minimize habitat destruction and promote wildlife-friendly farming methods, we can help to protect the natural habitats that are essential for wildlife survival.
  • Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on wildlife. Responsible tourism practices, such as supporting eco-tourism companies that prioritize wildlife conservation, can help to promote wildlife preservation while also providing economic benefits to local communities.

Together we can create a diversified impact and contribute for the betterment of wildlife. These essential and small steps can bring back the wildlife and protect the nature. 

Join the fight, protect wildlife with all your might
Keep the wild life, don't let them DIE!
They might be voiceless, but their hearts thump!
Be their VOICE, Respect NATURE!
 

MominaAhsan

  • Pakistan Former E-gen Ambassador Momina Ahsan
 
 
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3 Comments

  • Yewon Mentor says :
    Hello again Momina! This is your mentor Yewon.

    This time, you have written a wonderful report about wildlife preservation!
    You have mentioned diverse topics related to wildlife preservation. Among them, 'five freedom of Wildlife' was very impressive to me!
    Also, you explained the actions needed to protect wildlife, and I think that it is very important to have a constant interest in wildlife and put effort into this problem.

    Thank you for your hard work! Great report!!
    Posted 08-08-2023 13:28

Momina Ahsan

  • Momina Ahsan says :
    Thank you so much for this appreciation!
    Means a lot to me!
    Posted 10-05-2023 04:12

  • James Mentor says :
    Hello again Momina! This is your mentor James.

    I have to admit that your reports are as inspirational as a well-made documentary! I hope other ambassadors take a look at this piece and be motivated as I am right now.

    In your report, I really liked the part where you've mentioned the deprived 5 freedoms of wildlife. Even though our society is partisan with the idea of freedom for humans, it seems that we could only care about "our" freedom and not that of other species.

    Thanks again for this inspiring writing!
    Posted 06-05-2023 11:37

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