ID: 2146
Presenting Author: Kashif Sheikh
Session: 653 - Biodiversity Impact Assessment: Information Disclosure, Risk Identification, and Legal Regulation
Status: pending
AraPerera Nature Reserve is a significant biodiversity hotspot located in the Salt Range of Pakistan, but it remains relatively unknown due to a lack of transparency.
Ara-Perera Nature Reserve is a significant biodiversity hotspot located in the Salt Range of Pakistan, but it remains relatively unknown to the scientific community. The area's rich biodiversity was studied through field surveys that focused on birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles to establish baseline data, identify key species and their habitats, recognize major threats, and evaluate community interest in biodiversity conservation. Additionally, local communities were interviewed to gather their knowledge of wild animals in the area. The key avian species observed included the Common Kestrel, Benelli’s Eagle, and Sparrow Hawk/Shikra. These species are declining rapidly due to urbanization, pollution, and habitat loss. 23 mammal species were recorded, with the Indian Pangolin already listed as Endangered, and two species—the Punjab Urial and Fishing Cat—classified as Vulnerable. The Punjab Urial and Wild Hare are also under severe hunting pressure. Important species in the area include the Indian Cobra, Skittering Frog, Punjab Snake-eyed Lizard, Garden Lizard, and Indian Monitor Lizard. The forest area in Chakwal district is fragmented, inadequately studied, and is the only known natural refuge for the region’s rich biodiversity. These forests are crucial for the long-term survival of local fauna; however, they are surrounded by extensive human settlements and are subject to ongoing degradation. Mining activities, such as blasting for coal extraction, further disturb wildlife. There appears to be a lack of transparency in reporting local biodiversity.
Kashif Sheikh has assessed, conducted multidisciplinary biodiversity management planning and protected areas around various parts of the globe over last three decades.
Coauthor 1: Muhammad Nadeem
Coauthor 2: Tariq Mehmood