The Houbara bustard has been placed in the endangered species list in Pakistan.
In the 1970s, the Houbara bustard was also abundant in the oil-rich Arab states but, unfortunately, the bird was hunted near-extinction because they (the Arabs) think it contains an aphrodisiac. This is a myth that has no scientific explanation. Consequently, a large number of vulnerable birds migrate from the freezing regions of Siberia to Pakistan, India and the rest of the world.
Wealthy sheikhs often travel in winters from the Gulf States to hunt the bird (Houbara bustard) by using falcons, dogs, guns etc.
For many in Pakistan, the bird has emerged as a symbol of the infirmity of the government. If the government does want to tie close relations with the Arab states and to promote peace and prosperity with the Arabs then a permanent ban will be a terrible misconduct in dealings with the Arabs.
To protect the bird, the government has to form such projects that not only ban hunting completely but to help the bird’s preservation as well.
In 1980, trophy hunting was introduced to save the national animal of Pakistan (Markhor). Generally, the range for hunting permits for Markhors was between USD 50,000 to 100,000.
According to some figures compiled by the KP Wildlife Department, 80 percent of the amount generated by the sale of each permit is distributed to the local community, and the remaining 20 percent is spent for improving biodiversity. It must be noticed that the results are surprising: the number of Markhors have actually increased from 275 in the early 1990 to over 3,500 in 2015.
We might yet save the bustards from completely dwindling from the country’s hills and deserts and every creature plays a part in the ecosystem. Preserve biodiversity and play your part to beautify Earth.
Zeeshan Nasir
Turbat
