Karachi, April 12: Once a seasonal spectacle, the arrival of migratory birds to Sindh’s wetlands is beginning to fade.
According to the latest 2024–25 Annual Waterfowl Survey, there has been a staggering 14.68% drop in bird populations compared to the previous year.
Only 545,258 waterbirds were recorded this season, down from 639,122.
Wildlife experts blame shrinking water bodies, increasingly erratic rainfall, and the intensifying effects of climate change.
With just 40% of Sindh’s wetlands surveyed, the figures are deeply troubling and may only hint at a larger crisis.
Climate Change Tightens Its Grip on Vital Wetlands
A detailed ecological study is now being planned to dig deeper into the root causes.
Read more: PMD Issues Drought Warning for Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab
The Drying Heart of Sindh: A Crisis in Numbers
Among the most affected areas is the Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, where drought-like conditions were reported.
In contrast, Nareri Lagoon saw the largest influx of birds — 155,068 — offering a sliver of hope in an otherwise grim report.
Read more: UN Says 5.4m Climate Migrants to Settle in Karachi, Dhaka by 2050
The survey recorded 57 species of migratory birds, including Common Teal, Indian Spot-Billed Duck, and Lesser Flamingo.
Endangered species like the Great White Pelican were also spotted, underscoring the ecological importance of these habitats.
Ramsar Sites at Risk
Pakistan is home to 19 Ramsar-designated wetlands — internationally recognized for their ecological importance.
Sindh hosts more than half of these, including iconic locations like Keenjhar Lake, Haleji Lake, Jubho Lagoon, and the Indus Delta. These sites are crucial stopovers along the Indus Flyway, a migratory route stretching from Siberia and Central Asia.
If water scarcity and ecological degradation persist, these globally significant wetlands could lose their ability to support future migrations, potentially forever.
A Call to Conserve What’s Left
The warning signs are clear. Birdsong is fading from Sindh’s skies, and with it, an entire ecosystem is under threat.
As Pakistan grapples with the growing realities of climate change, conservationists urge immediate action to protect these delicate habitats before it’s too late.
Will the world listen before the skies go silent?
