Large number of Eurasian griffon vultures spotted in Toba Tharo Lal, attracting attention of experts
The vulture sighting has attracted the attention of wildlife experts, who described it as a significant development. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
LAHORE:
Endangered vultures have started reappearing in Punjab’s natural habitats, following conservation efforts by the wildlife department.
According to details, a large number of Eurasian griffon vultures were seen two days ago in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district. The sighting caught the attention of wildlife experts, who described it as a significant development.
A large number of Eurasian griffon vultures were seen two days ago in Toba Tharo Lal, an area of Yazman in Rahim Yar Khan district. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Experts said that Eurasian griffon vultures are mainly found in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan. Their presence in Punjab is considered limited and unusual, with sightings in southern areas such as Cholistan often linked to seasonal movements or foraging.
Rahim Yar Khan Deputy Chief of Wildlife Warden Mujahid Kaleem said the exact population of Eurasian griffon vultures in Pakistan has not been determined due to limited data. However, he noted that the species exists in small numbers and scattered across the country. In Punjab, the bird is considered rare, with limited evidence of breeding populations.
Deputy Chief Forest Ranger Rahim Yar Khan Mujahid Kaleem said the exact population of Eurasian griffon vultures in Pakistan has not been determined due to limited data. PHOTO: EXPRSS NEWS
He added that these vultures are primarily scavengers, feed on carcasses and play a vital role in maintaining environmental sanitation.
Bader Muneer, wildlife expert and member of the Punjab Captive Wildlife Management Committee, said the species faces multiple threats, with toxic veterinary drugs, particularly diclofenac, being the most prominent. He explained that the drug enters the body of vultures through livestock carcasses and proves fatal. Other threats include habitat loss, food shortages, power line collisions, and human interference.
Experts said that Eurasian griffon vultures are mainly found in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Experts further said that several species of vultures in Pakistan have seen steep population declines, with some facing extinction. Although the Eurasian Griffon Vulture is globally listed as a species of Least Concern, its declining numbers locally remains a concern.
Vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding on carcasses and playing a vital role in maintaining environmental sanitation. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Additional Chief of South Punjab Wildlife Warden Sheikh Muhammad Zahid said measures such as awareness campaigns, creation of protected areas and restrictions on harmful medicines were being implemented to conserve vultures. He added that the recent large sighting in Cholistan indicates improving conservation efforts and suggests the population could gradually increase.
