ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh, once a vibrant haven for migratory birds, has witnessed a dramatic 50% decline in bird arrivals over the past two years — a stark warning of the devastating impact of climate change on fragile ecosystems.
According to the Sindh Wildlife Department’s latest waterfowl survey, the number of migratory birds has plummeted from 1.2 million in 2023 to just 545,000 in 2025.
Experts attribute this sharp decline to prolonged drought, receding water levels, and increasing habitat degradation across key wetland zones.
Drought, Dry Lakes, and Shrinking Stopovers
Sindh, part of the famous Indus Flyway — a 4,500-kilometre migratory route from Siberia to India — has traditionally been a critical stopover for dozens of bird species.
However, many of its wetlands, including Manchar, Keenjhar, Haleji, and Hamal lakes, and the Ramsar-listed Nareri Lagoon and Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary, are now suffering from significant water shortages.
“Climate change has disrupted our wetland ecosystems. Birds simply have fewer places to rest and feed,” said Mumtaz Soomro, an official from the Sindh Wildlife Department.
These wetlands, rejuvenated briefly after the devastating 2022 floods, are now drying up again under the pressure of prolonged dry spells and erratic weather patterns.
Habitat Destruction and Human Interference
While climate change is the primary driver, experts warn that man-made threats are equally destructive. Karachi-based ornithologist Zohaib Ahmed pointed to unchecked habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and pollution as factors accelerating the birds’ disappearance.
“Illegal bird markets are still operating in parts of Sindh, particularly around the Kirthar Range and coastal Karachi,” Ahmed noted. “Poaching remains a problem, despite claims by authorities.”
The seasonal migration, which peaks from August to February, brings over 50 species of birds including mallards, gulls, cranes, and cormorants. This year, the highest count was 112,000 birds at Nareri Lagoon — a shadow of the flocks seen in past decades.
In Punjab, wildlife officials also report similar trends, blaming climate-induced heatwaves and water scarcity for the gradual drop in bird numbers.
Pakistan is among the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, glacial melt, and erratic monsoons are not only affecting human communities but also crippling biodiversity and natural habitats.
