By: Anwar khan Lodhi
According to the WWF Pakistan chapter, a burgeoning population and ever expanding infrastructure needs has led to the decimation of animal habitats and forests, which resulted in loss and endangerment of animal and plant species in Pakistan. Other factors that add to the injury include climate change and disregard to the conservation of endangered species.. In such a challenging condition, Houbara Foundation International Pakistan(HFIP) and Dear Foundation International Pakistan ( DFIP) rose to the occasion. Their efforts for conservation of the endangered species developed into the establishment of CBC which is worth praising and supporting.
HFIP is committed to the conservation of Houbara in particular and of Wildlife in general. For this purpose, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Conservation Breeding Centre (CBC), Lal Suhanra National Park, Bahawalpur was established on 18th March 2015 by HFIP and Deer Foundation International Pakistan (DFIP) after signing an MOU with Government of Punjab, Forest Department. CBC is one of its kind in Pakistan with an area of 147.5 Sq Km (4750 Hectare) which is fenced, guarded and fully equipped with all facilities required to fulfill its purpose. The main objective of this facility is to promote the breeding of Chinkara and Blackbucks in semi wild condition, carry out research on Houbara Bustard along with preservation of flora and fauna of Cholistan Desert.
The Centre is enclosed in an area secured by a 10 feet high chain link fence and is furnished with following state-of-the-art facilities: –
a. Living accommodation for Officers, Veterinary Doctors, staff and 100 Guards.
b. Office and Research Centre building.
c. Guest House
d. RO Plant to provide water supply for the complete manpower.
e. Solar Plant for electricity in all buildings.
f. Mosque.
g. Wildlife Check Post with staff and officer’s accommodation towards South of Enclosure for better control and security.
h. The Enclosure is duly guarded by security staff in 24 x Watch Towers: Each Tower has Security Guard Room (14’ x 14’) with Watch Tower over its roof, kitchen and a bathroom.
i. Watch Towers are also provided with wireless sets (with solar chargers) for timely reporting of any information to the base.
j. Besides observation from Watch Towers, Mobile Patrolling is carried out by composite teams of Wildlife Watchers and Security Guards along the fence during the night.
These wonderful animals are the main focus of the CBC. Fawns of Blackbuck and Chinkara are propagating which are sighted and photographed inside the Centre.
The research on Houbara Bustard is done inside the Enclosure The bloodline of Pakistan’s resident species of Houbara Bustard, bred in captivity in Abu Dhabi, are regularly released in the Enclosure. Few of these Houbara Bustards stay inside the CBC, which are available for research purposes by university students and other scientists. An other fantastic and apreciabke task is the preservation of flora and fauna of Cholistan Desert.The facility being fully protected against negative activities therefore the habitat inside has been preserved richly in local vegetation, and is a natural sanctuary to a large number of fauna. The conducive environment allows the breeding of all birds of Cholistan Desert inside the CBC. Species like Laggar Falcons, Cattle Egret, Little Egrets, Pond Herons, lesser Spotted Eagles, Asiatic Collared Doves, Asiatic Rollers, Starlings, Mynas, Peacock, Bee Eaters and Butterflies etc. In addition, flora of Cholistan Desert is flourishing inside the enclosure. Recently Berry and Kikar saplings have been planted in the enclosure to enhance the existing flora. The results of these efforts are quite encouraging.
The efforts by HFIP and DFIP along with the technical assistance provided by the Government of Punjab are praiseworthy in the field of propagation, conservation and research. The CBC has become a center of attraction for the visitors who are interested in Wildlife to enjoy the natural environments of Cholistan Desert.
Ultimately once we achieve the optimum population in the Enclosure, these ungulates will be released for re-wilding in its habitats.
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