CONTENTS

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

PART 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Distribution of raptor species in Pakistan

Resident and migratory raptors

Breeding and feeding habits

Habitat requirements

Habitat alterations

Threats and limiting factors

Poisoning

Shortage of food

Persecution and illegal trade

Human disturbance

Conservation status and recent conservation measures

Obligation under international instruments (CBD, CMS, CITES, etc.)

Falconry and its status

PART 2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

AIMS

OBJECTIVES

1. POLICY AND LEGISLATION’S
2. PREFERED SPECIES AND HABITAT PROTECTION
3. I) Saker falcon
4. II) Peregrine falcon

III) Red-headed Merlin

1. IV) Laggar falcon
2. V) Sooty falcon
3. VI) Common kestrel

VII) Long-billed vulture

VIII) White-backed vulture

1. IX) Himalayan Griffon vulture
2. X) Egyptian vulture
3. XI) Steppe eagle

XII) Pallas’s Fishing eagle

XIII) Golden eagle

XIV) Northern Goshawk

1. XV) Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk
2. ART OF FALCONRY AND CONSERVATION
3. MONITORING AND RESEARCH
4. PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING

REFERENCES

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

ANNEX 1. RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION ACTIONS BY

1. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
2. PUNJAB

• SINDH

1. KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP)
2. BALOCHISTAN
3. GILGIT-BALTISTAN (GB)

• AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR (AJK)
• NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION’s (NGO,s)

ANNEX 2. CHECKLIST OF RAPTORS OF PAKISTAN

ABBREVIATIONS

CBD                Convention on Biological Diversity

CITES             Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

CMS                Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

COP                Conference of Parties

CU                   Coordinating Unit

GCC                Gulf Cooperation Council

IAF                  International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey

IGO                 Inter-governmental Organisation

IUCN               International Union for Conservation of Nature

MEA                Multilateral Environmental Agreement

MoS                Meeting of Signatories

MOU               Memorandum of Understanding

NGO               Non-governmental Organization

Raptors MOU MOU on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia

SakerGAP      Saker Falcon Global Action Plan

SDMS                         Saker Data Management System

STF                 Saker Falcon Task Force

UAE                United Arab Emirates

UNDP                         United Nations Development Programme

UNEP             United Nations Environment Programme

PART 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Distribution of raptor species in Pakistan

Many bird species prey on other animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates, but the term ‘birds of prey’ has long been applied chiefly to the kites, vultures, hawks, eagles, falcons and their allies. Nowadays, the birds of this broad group are perhaps better known as ‘raptors’. The  word  raptor  is taken  from  the  Latin  word  “Raptare”  means  to  grasp. They used their sharp claws to grasp and hunt on their prey. Their fossil records mention that they were found in the late Eocene period which shows a huge primitive background of these creatures. Birds of prey are considered as the major hunters, which predate on other living organisms for the purpose of food. Among raptors, vultures  are  the  only  birds  which  are  scavenging  in nature and  feed  on  animal carcasses.

Out of 312, Pakistan has 50 species of raptors, both resident and migratory. This group of birds have gained wide attention due to the fact that over half of the world’s raptors have declining populations. As regards the Conservation Status of raptor species in Pakistan, eight species are threatened viz. Indian White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed  Vulture  (Gyps indicus), King  Vulture  (Sarcogyps calvus) are Critically  endangered,  Egyptian  Vulture  (Neophron  percnopterus),  Pallas’s  Fishing  Eagle  (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) are  Endangered,  while  Imperial  Eagle  (Aquila heliaca)  and  Greater  Spotted  Eagle (Aquila clanga) are Vulnerable.

The raptors have generally been placed as diurnal birds, including falcons, hawks, eagles, and kites. Among the large genus Falco, there is such an array of falcon types, ranging from largely insect-eating kestrels to the almost exclusively bird-eating Peregrine Falcon. Certainly, falconids are readily identified as birds of prey but perhaps not as easily distinguished from some of the hawks and kites of the family Accipitridae.

The immature plumage of several species is distinct from that of the adult, though it is more distinctive in some species than in others.

Raptors are renowned for their supposedly remarkable powers of sight. Head bobbing, while perched, is a typical characteristic of birds of prey that makes the object of interest move in relation to the horizon and the background and thus aids in the perception of distance.

Raptors Species found in Pakistan.

Common  Name	Scientific Name	Seasonal Status
– Black-winged or Black-shouldered Kite	Elanus caeruleus	R
– Black Kite	Milvus migrans	R
– Brahminy Kite	Haliastur indus	R
– Northern Goshawk	Accipiter gentilis	SBV
– Shikra or Indian Sparrow-hawk	Accipiter badius	R
– Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk	Accipiter nisus	WV
– Besra Sparrow-Hawk	Accipiter virgatus	WV
– Common Buzzard	Buteo buteo	WV
– Long-legged Buzzard	Buteo rufinus	WV
– Oriental /Crested Honey Buzzard	Pernis ptilorhynchus	WV
– White-eyed Buzzard	Butastur teesa	R
– Bonnelli’s or Slender Hawk Eagle	Hieraaetus fasciatus	WV
– Booted  Eagle	Hieraaetus pennatus	WV
– Golden Eagle	Aquila chrysaetos	R
– Imperial Eagle	Aquila heliaca	R
– Tawny Eagle	Aquila rapax	R
– Steppe Eagle	Aquila nipalensis	WV
– Greater Spotted Eagle	Aquila clanga	WV
– Lesser Spotted Eagle	Aquila pomarina	WV
Indian Spotted Eagle	Aquila histata	R
– White-tailed Eagle	Haliaeetus albicilla	WV
– Pallas’s Fishing Eagle	Haliaeetus leucoryphus	R
– Black Eagle	Ictinaetus malayensis	WV
– Short-toed Eagle	Circaetus gallicus	R
– Mountain Hawk Eagle	Spizaetus nipalensis	R
– Crested Serpent Eagle	Spilornis cheela	WV
– Redheaded or King Vulture	Sarcogyps calvus	WV
– Cinereous Vulture	Aegypius monachus	WV
– Eurasian Griffon Vulture	Gyps fulvus	WV
– Himalayan Griffon Vulture	Gyps himalayensis	R
– White-rumped Vulture	Gyps bengalensis	R
– Egyptian Vulture or Scavenger	Neophron percnopterus	R
– Bearded Vulture or Lammergier	Gypaetus barbatus	WV
– Long-billed or Indian Vulture	Gyps indicus	R
– Hen Harrier	Circus cyaneus	WV
– Pale or Pallid Harrier	Circus macrourus	WV
– Montagu’s Harrier	Circus pygargus	WV
– Eurasian Marsh Harrier	Circus aeruginosus	WV
– Pied Harrier	Circus melanoleucos	WV
– Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	WV
– Saker Falcon	Falco cherrug	WV
– Laggar Falcon	Falco jugger	R
– Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen)	Falco peregrinus	WV
– Barbary or Red-capped Falcon	Falco pelegrinoides	WV
– Sooty Falcon	Falco concolor	R
– Eurasian or Northern Hobby	Falco subbuteo	WV
– Merlin	Falco columbarius	WV
– Red-headed Merlin	Falco chicquera	R
– Eurasian or Common Kestrel	Falco tinnunculus	R
– Lesser Kestrel	Falco naumanni	WV

Legend: R= Resident, WV= Winter Visitor, SBV= Summer Breeding Visitor

 

Species covered by the Multi-species Raptors Action Plan

Common Names of Raptors	Scientific Names
Saker Falcon	Falco cherrug
Peregrine Falcon	Falco peregrinus
Red-headed Merlin	Falco chicquera (Shaheen)
Laggar Falcon	Falco jugger
Sooty Falcon	Falco concolor
Common Kestrel	Falco tinnunculus
Long-billed or Indian Vulture	Gyps indicus
White-rumped Vulture	Gyps bengalensis
Himalayan Griffon Vulture	Gyps himalayensis
Egyptian Vulture	Neophron percnopterus
Steppe Eagle	Aquila nipalensis
Pallas’s Fishing Eagle	Haliaeetus leucoryphus
Golden Eagle	Aquila chrysaetos
Northern Goshawk	Accipiter gentilis
Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk	Accipiter nisus

 

Resident and migratory raptors

Out  of  50  species  of  Raptors  recorded  in  Pakistan,  of  which  20 species  are  resident,  while  30  species  are  migratory. Pakistan is lying at the crossroads of major bird migration routes. The post monsoon abundance of insect life and vegetative shelter provided by seasonal inundations, afford rich feeding conditions which attract a host of Palearctic winter visitors to the Indian subcontinent, not only from central Asia, but from as far away as Western Europe and eastern Siberia. Most of winter visitors to Pakistan enter via the Indus plains.

Most species of raptors living in low latitudes and tropical areas, such as falconets, are sedentary or dispersive. Those that do migrate, mainly are diurnal migrants, but they tend to be well on their way at first light and may not roost for the night until after dusk. Most of the migration is accomplished by powered flight, so birds may put on weight by depositing extra fat prior to the migration.

Regardless of the extent of movement, raptors show a tendency to return to an area near their place of origin, when ready to breed. This tendency is responsible, in part, for the great geographical variation. Raptors can fly at immense heights if necessary with little inconvenience from the rarefied air is evident from the fact that one of the Everest Expeditions met Griffon Vultures and Lammergeier between 6 and 7 thousand meters. The majority of migratory birds of prey visit Pakistan as non-breeding are from central Asian Countries.

There are many species of raptors occurring in Pakistan, part of whose population appears to be sedentary, part of whose breeding and part locally migratory. The Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) and the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in Pakistan’s northern areas are conspicuous examples of sedentary birds.

Unbearable social and economic pressures upon the populations of certain highly prized target species are noticed in different parts of Pakistan, such as Saker and Peregrine falcons, Common and Lesser Kestrels, and Laggar falcon. Similarly juvenile Goshawks Accipiter gentilis which used to migrate in numbers through the Kunhar valley of Chitral into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, have since ancient times been decoyed and netted by local Chitrali hunters.

Breeding and feeding habits

In details of breeding biology, the family Falconidae contains some of the best known, as well as some of the least known, of birds. Many falcons and their breeding habits have been studied for centuries, but, by contrast, the first forest-falcon nest was not discovered till the 1970’s. Falconids are ostensibly monogamous and most nest as solitary pairs. They tend to be conservative breeders with rather stable breeding populations. A feature of their breeding is the division of duties between the sexes; the females’ brood, feed and defend the nestlings while the males do most of the hunting for the family. The choice of nest-site can be flexible or fixed, both within and between species. Typically, the cosmopolitan Peregrine Falcon nests on cliffs. A remarkable aspect of copulation in falconids, and in raptors in general, is its frequency.

By about mid-October the majority of young birds of the monsoon –breeding species have left their nests. The raptors, or birds of prey, commence their nesting activities about this period and are busy throughout the winter months up till about the end of February. It is often quite late in March or even the middle of April before the young of some of the larger forms – vultures and eagles – have launched into the world. Young raptors have astonishingly healthy appetites. The continuous supply of animal food the parents are obliged to procure for them makes the choice of this season a happy one; young birds are then plentiful and easily hunted, and their numbers are augmented by vast migratory birds.

Most falcons are territorial breeders and, where food, habitat and nest-sites allow, spacing between breeding pairs is often fairly regular. Some species are resident in and around their nesting territory all year, whereas others migrate or wander, and return to re-establish territories just before the next breeding season. Typically, the breeding season coincides with an influx of prey species, or an increase in their availability, or both, which continues or intensifies until after fledgling independence.

Roughly related to body size, the incubation period averages about 28 days for falconets and smaller falcons, up to 35 to 50 days for other large raptors.

Falconids usually evoke images of fast-flying, highly effective predators that catch birds on the wing, and in fact, most large members of Falco and some falconets do so. Some tiny family members, the dashing falconets catch large flying insects rather than birds in the air.

During the breeding season, even starting as early as the courtship period, the female falcon, in most species, is dependent on the male to provide food. In many species, nestling are provisioned by the male for at least the first half of their nest life, after which time the female begins to hunt for food. Food requirements vary considerably depending on a bird’s age, size, and activity, and also on the season.

Habitat requirements and alteration

Raptors are found throughout the world. They occur in most habitats from forest to desert, from wilderness to city centre. Although members of the group are encountered in nearly every climatic zone.

Most falconids have a fairly wide distribution, but, with notable exceptions, typically occur at fairly low densities with somewhat scattered distribution. Nevertheless, certain species may be the most successful of raptors. For instance, the Common Kestrel survive over large areas of Eurasia and Africa, in a wide variety of habitats and under a number of climatic conditions, and it is often common. Similarly, the Peregrine Falcon may have also the widest distribution as of any raptor. Typically, the raptors are thought of as birds of open country.

According to the categorization developed by L. H. Brown, there are twelve main raptor habitats, each with its own typical mix of falconids. After breeding, many species shift to a different habitat. Resident species may make a local movement to an area with more abundant food than is found around the nest-site.

One of the main factors adversely affecting many, probably most, bird species, and indeed most forms of wildlife throughout the world is the degradation and destruction of natural habitats. As the majority of raptor species are mainly associated with fairly open habitats, therefore, they are probably less affected than most other groups of birds.

As with most animals during the present century, the sheer density of the human population has reduced the amount of habitat available, and unless species can adjust to human alterations they are eliminated. Alteration of habitats have both negative and positive effects on falconids. The reason for some raptor species decline in Pakistan is food shortage caused by habitat alteration. However, adoptability of some species is driving force to save them.

Threats and limiting factors

The known threats to raptors in Pakistan are not fully documented. However, they includes  trapping, netting, scarcity of food, habitat loss/ degradation, electrocution on/ collision with energy infrastructure, poisoning through herbicides/ pesticides/ veterinary drugs in food sources, persecution, mortality of juveniles in fires, taking of chicks and disturbance.

Poisoning

Falconids and other raptors are particularly sensitive to the pesticides DDT, which can cause them to lay thin-shelled eggs and result in egg breakage. In case of White-backed and Long-billed vulture species, the veterinary drugs diclofenac sodium in food sources impacted devastatingly.

Persecution and illegal trade

Illegal wildlife trafficking is the most lucrative illegal trade in the world after drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal arms trade. In Pakistan despite all the efforts by the federal government (CITES Management Authority), provincial wildlife departments, Custom department, and others, it is still easy to illegally trade wildlife species and their parts. The commonly used wild animals in illegal trade also includes saker and peregrine falcons.

Conservation status and recent conservation measures

There are five main ways in which humans have had direct impact on the status of different raptors including systematic persecution through netting and trapping; habitat conversion or alteration; illegal trade; falconry; and chemical pollution (use of pesticides, DDT, diclofenac sodium as drugs, and other synthetic chemical biocides). While each of these factors differed in importance through time and some may have had great local impact, on the last once has detrimental/ devastating effect to crash down the whole colonies or populations of two vulture species in Pakistan. However, when these drugs have been banned, the populations began to recover.

Different studies are underway to determine the impact of falconry on different falconid species used directly and indirectly in the sport, but its true effects on populations is not yet well-known.

National Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2016-2025) has been prepared with the goal to restore viable wild populations of vultures in Pakistan. The twin objectives are to strengthen the conservation of vultures in the wild and in captivity, and to save vultures from the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other toxic compounds. The major priority actions are: i) Nation-wide population assessment, ii) policy and legal frameworks, iii) ex-situ conservation, and iv) in-situ conservation. Similarly, the supporting actions are: i) Research and monitoring, and ii) communication and awareness. For each priority action area, issues are identified and strategies and activities are proposed.

Among raptors, vultures and kites are invaluable scavengers. They speedily and effectively dispose of carcasses of cattle and other refuse dumped in the precincts of our villages – notoriously lacking in any organised system of sanitation – that would otherwise putrefy and befoul the air and become veritable culture beds of disease. The services of the birds of prey are of special importance during famines and cattle epidemics when large numbers of domestic animals perish. The speed and thoroughness with which a party of vultures will dispose of carrion is astounding.  The Himalayan Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier is one of the largest raptors found in Pakistan with a wing spread of over 8 feet.

Obligation under international instruments (CBD, CMS, CITES, etc.)

This multi-species raptor action plan will also contribute towards implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, particularly to the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of wild animals (CMS) and its subsidiary agreement on birds of prey, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Raptor species of Pakistan in the Appendix I of CMS included are Greater spotted eagle, Imperial eagle, White-tailed sea eagle, Pallas’s fishing eagle, lesser kestrel, Saker falcon and Egyptian vulture. Similarly all species above mentioned species except Egyptian vulture are included in the Appendix I of CITES, whereas all species of Falconidae are included on appendix II of CITES, except those that are on Appendix I.

Falconry and its status

As a result of the controversy, problems and negative impacts associated with collecting the birds from the wild, many raptor species in Europe and Central Asian countries are now being bred in captivity for the sole purpose of falconry. Apart from zoos and the breeding of falcons for falconry, many falconids have been bred in captivity for research projects, or simply for amateur interest. Much of the captive breeding effort started because of the deleterious effects of synthetic chemical biocides, and subsequent efforts to bolster or reintroduce populations that had been reduced or eliminated. Because of the ease of captive breeding, no species of falcon need ever become extinct, except only one known historical times.

Falconry is largely practiced in Pakistan. It is the capture, keeping, training of and hunting with falcons, eagles and hawks for sport and pastime.  Many  wild  populations  of some falcon species have fallen drastically in numbers in recent  years  for  a  variety  of  reasons,  including  loss  of habitats,  persecution,  accidental  poisoning  by pesticides,  unsustainable  harvest,  for  illegal  and unregulated falcon and falconry trade.

The names of many known raptor species, appear in many ways in everyday life of Pakistani citizens perhaps without being knowing truly awareness of it, such as Eagle squad, Falcon cement, Pakistan Airforce is named Shaheen (eagle), etc. Similarly some well-known species of raptors also referred in the Urdu literature as well.

PART 2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

AIM

The overall aim is to develop a comprehensive ‘Multi-Species Raptors Action Plan for Pakistan’ to promote targeted species conservation and habitat protection through concerted, collaborative and coordinated efforts at national level.

OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives of ‘Action Plan, are:

• To halt current population decline of focused species covered by the Raptors MsAP;
• To improve the conservation status of each species of concern to maintain ecological balance at favourable level;
• To raise awareness level of general public about illegal trade and important role of raptors in our natural ecosystems; and
• To promote conservation management of all raptor species by strengthening implementation of Raptor MsAP.

 POLICY AND LEGISLATION’S

Following policies, strategies and legislations related to raptors protection and conservation in Pakistan are under implementation to ensure sustainable development of species and their habitats:

1.	National Wildlife Policy, 2018 (draft)
2.	Provincial Wildlife Policies of Sindh, KP, and Punjab (unapproved)
3.	National Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, 2016
4.	Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Act 2012
5.	Trade Policy, Customs Act (Export Policy Order)
6.	The Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972
7.	The Balochistan Wildlife Protection Act, 1974
8.	The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management)   Act, 1975
9.	The Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Preservation Act, 1975
10.	Azad Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Act, 1975
11.	The Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) (Amendment) Act, 2007
12.	The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997
13.	National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2017)
14.	Provincial/territorial Conservation Strategies
15.	The Pakistan National Conservation Strategy (1992)

 

2. PREFERED SPECIES AND HABITAT PROTECTION
3. I) Saker falcon (Falco cherrug)

It is a winter visitor to Pakistan and found in vast open arid and rocky areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh. Saker is used as prized bird in falconry along with Peregrine and mainly Arab Sheikhs of Middle East use them in the Houbara hunting. Further, it is believed that in Gulf States and other parts of the Middle East more than 3000 Saker Falcons are held in captivity in any given year. Habitat and food resources for the Saker have decreased over the last two or three decades, especially in Eastern Europe, and if the trend continues into the next two decades the situation for the Saker may change significantly. To protect this important raptor species in its range countries, CMS through its Raptor MOU has developed a Saker Falcon Global Acton Plan.

1. II) Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

The Peregrine falcon is credited with extraordinary power of flight, probably the fastest of all birds. It has a powerful direct flight with strong wingbeats and may reach 180km/h in stoop; although greater speeds are claimed, there are no accurate estimates. Peregrine Falcon have a relatively large bill which may aid in the killing and dismantling of relatively stout-necked or difficult prey. Also, compared with males, female Peregrine Falcons have relatively larger bills. In Pakistan it is winter visitor and found around foothills, rugged hilly areas and along the coastal areas. This rare raptor in Pakistan also known as ‘Shaheen’.

III) Red-headed Merlin (Falco chicquera)

This resident raptor found mainly around low foothills and deciduous plains, all across the country sparsely. It breeds between January to March and lays 3-4 eggs in a clutch. The population status of Red-headed merlin in Pakistan is rare.

1. IV) Laggar falcon (Falco jugger)

A medium sized falcon is easily identifiable by its dark brown plumage and flight pattern, which consists of rapid wing beats like that of a pigeon’s. It is a wide spread resident raptor of Pakistan and mainly breeds in desolate areas of Thar, Cholistan, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It mainly feeds on bats, rats, lizards and small birds and largely trapped to use as decoy to capture other larger falcons, particularly Saker and Peregrine. Now its population is on decline in most of its habitat.

1. V) Sooty falcon (Falco concolor)

Small and rare falcon species found along arid hilly areas of Balochistan coast. It has been recorded as summer breeder in Makran coastal areas and lays mostly 2 eggs in a clutch. Sooty falcon mainly feed on small birds, mammals and insects.

1. VI) Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

A small reddish brown falcon, resident to Pakistan found in open grasslands, hilly tracts, agrarian plains and semi-desert areas. The breeding occurs with cultch of 4-5 eggs during second quarter of the year (April to June) in remote mountainous areas of the country. The food mainly consists of small birds, mammals, lizards and insects. Trapping of bird to use it as decoy for netting of prized falcons is common in various parts of the country.

VII) Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus)

It is about the same size as the White-backed but much paler in coloration. The bill is relatively narrower in depth than the length of the cere, hence its name is long-billed. Now, virtually absent from Pakistan except for a few pairs left nesting on cliffs on the rocky outcrops in Nagarparkar area, in the extreme south-east corner of Sindh. It is now rare and one of the serious victim of diclofenac drug during last two-three decades.

     VIII) White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

It is generally a darker bird with blackish grey dorsal plumage and distinctive white under-wing coverts contrasting with dark grey to black remiges. Widely distributed resident and sedentary bird. It is now rare and also one of the serious victim of diclofenac drug along with long-billed vulture in Pakistan. White-backed vulture normally prefers cultivated tracts with scattered trees around human settlements for it feeding grounds. Gregarious both in traditional roosting and loafing sites and in breeding colonies, though foraging singly. Nesting starts in October and both sexes contribute to perch together on the nest before the single egg is laid.

1. Himalayan Griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis)

A bigger version of the Griffon vulture with a heavier covering of white down on the head and neck. The two species are probably inseparable in the field unless size comparison can be made. Not uncommon in the Himalayas where it is resident and relatively sedentary. They can be seen all over northern areas of Pakistan. Nesting starts from February and the normal cultch is a single egg.

1. X) Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

A small vulture with relatively long narrow wings and a diamond shaped tail. Its bare head is surrounded by a shaggy ruff of spiky feathers. Resident in the plains and locally migratory in the northern mountain regions. They are widespread and adaptable, being encountered in remote desert regions. A population breeds in the northern dryer Himalayan regions, as well as the mountain ranges of Balochistan. In the Indus plains they are seldom encountered away from large towns but varying numbers congregate around slaughter houses and rubbish dumps. They spend a large part of the day sailing in thermals and travelling great distances from their roosting grounds in search of food prey. In Pakistan 2 eggs are the normal cultch and these are normally laid from late March to April.

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is migratory and is currently the most threatened bird of prey in the Western Palearctic (category Endangered in the IUCN global Red List).   As such it is of high priority species for conservation under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and is listed in Category 1 (Globally Threatened and Near Threatened species) of the CMS Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU).

1. Eates, refers to persistent Sindhi folklore as to the efficacy of the egg yolk contents against snake bite and scorpion stings. The contents are soaked on a piece of cotton wool and placed over the bite area and this is supposed to extract and absorb the venom.
2. XI) Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis)

Steppe eagle is a winter visitor raptor which has during last 5 to 10 years undergone an extremely rapid population declines in its range states. However, in Pakistan, it still considered as common migratory raptor as compared to other eagle species and can be seen all across the country during winter season.

 

At international level, the severity of rapid declines justified the species being moved from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Endangered’ in the 2015 IUCN Red List assessment. Further, Steppe eagle is listed on Annex I (List of Species) of the Raptors MOU.

 

XII) Pallas’s fishing eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus)

A huge eagle, with a rather distinctive dark purplish brown body. This sparsely distributed resident eagle species has become increasingly rare in Pakistan. Mainly a fish eater, but also occasionally hunt waterfowls. The pair bond is often life –long with the same single nest site being used year after year, usually an enormous accumulation of sticks in an isolated tall tree or electricity pylon. Copulation has been seen throughout November and the last week of December. The normal clutch is 2 to 3 eggs which are pure white, unspotted.

XIII) Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

This large size eagle with the status of scarce is resident bird of Pakistan. It has a dark brown plumage with golden rufous hind neck. This graceful raptor found in desolate, rugged mountains that have crevices and sparse shrubby vegetation. It breeds during first quarter of the year with normal cultch of 2 eggs. It mainly feeds on small mammals and rarely on birds.

XIV) Northern Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis)

It has a long tail and short rounded wings. The bill is short, curved and black and the feet and cere are yellow in colour. Goshawk is a forest dweller and rarely comes out in the open. It is a very efficient predator with great skill and precision, that why this rare hawk species considered among some of the best birds of prey. In Pakistan, Goshawk is winter visitor. It feeds on small mammals and birds upto the size of pheasants.

 

1. XV) Eurasian Sparrow-hawk (Accipiter nisus)

Like Goshawk, Sparrow-hawk is also a winter visitor to Pakistan but in early months of summer, it is also reported that the predator breed in Northern areas of the country. It is a short-winged hawk generally prefer combination of woodland and cultivated areas. It mainly feed on small birds and mammals.

 

3. ART OF FALCONRY AND CONSERVATION

The sport of falconry probably had its origin in the dusts of ancient Persia, Arabia, India and China, most certainly as early as 2000 BC, but the earliest recorded images are from the Middle East, dating to about 720 BC. Falconry was known to be extensively practiced in China by 650 BC and throughout much of the Far East around AD 300-700. Perhaps the peak of historical falconry, often called the sport of kings, occurred in the period AD 500-1600 among Europeans and Asians. Certainly the great Genghis Khan famously known here as Changaze Khan, the ruler of the Mongol Empire in the twelfth century was an avid hunter with falcons. Also Shakespeare referred to falcons or falconry in 17 of his plays.

The sport has probably never been more popular than it is today with thousands practitioners. Falconry is most identified with the large falcons, such as the Gyrfalcon and the Peregrine, Saker and Lanner Falcons; it has perhaps never been a part of any culture more than in the Arab and Persian worlds. In any given year as many as 3,000 falcons are being trained in the Middle East, 90% of them female Saker falcons (R.T. Peterson).

In this part of the world, the local falconers mainly use Goshawks and Shikra for hunting of partridges, quails and ducks. However, the Arab Falconers use Saker and Peregrine Falcons to hunt the Houbara bustard in Pakistan. As a result of the controversy, problems and negative impacts associated with collecting the falcons from the wild, particularly trapping of Saker and Peregrine falcons in Pakistan, some Arab hunters are now stated using captive bred falcons for the sole purpose of falconry.

4. MONITORING AND RESEARCH

In many raptor range countries effective monitoring and research programmes have been initiated  including nest monitoring, banding and research into population dynamics, establishing gender and age composition of breeding groups, and investigating impacts of natural and anthropological factors on population dynamics to aid planning of concrete conservation measures. In addition joint expeditions have been made to know about potential nesting sites to confirm their existence and obtain population information. A satellite tracking study of some threatened species of raptors have been conducted to observe the bird’s movement during migration.

 

The initiation of similar monitoring and research programmes with the participation of local communities, bird watchers and academia may need to be implemented in Pakistan in collaboration with CMS Raptors MoU secretariat as long term strategy.

 

In order to determine anthropological factors affecting the raptors in breeding areas, a periodic monitoring will help to quantify the level of disturbance and provide basis for subsequent policy measures as well as action based solution.

5. PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING

Raptors are very important group of birds with least awareness among general public about their environmental and economic role and factors responsible for continuous decline of these birds. Our institutions including NGO’s should need to work with target groups of the local people who are in direct contact  and dependent on different species of raptors in their natural habitat to impart awareness and encourage them for positive attitudes towards conservation of these birds of prey in Pakistan.

REFERENCES

Ahmed, SI. 2003. Raptors of Pakistan.  J. Nat. Hist. Wild. 2(1):45-49.  Ahmed, SI. 2013.

Raptors of Pakistan. Zoological Survey of Pakistan, Islamabad.

Bretagnolle, V., Mougeot, F.  and Thibault, JC.  2008. Density  dependence  in  a  recovering  Osprey  population: demographic  and  behavioural  processes.  J.  Anim.  Ecol. 77:998-1007

Cade, TJ. Enderson, JH. Thelander, CG. And White, CM. 1988.  Peregrine Falcon Populations:  Their Management and Recovery. The Peregrine Fun. Boise, ID, USA.

C.M. White, P.D. Olsen & L.F. Kiff (). Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 2 (Vultures to Guineafowl). Birdlife International and Lynx Edicions.

Ghalib, SA. Miramar, N.  and Fahmida, F.  2016.  Status and distribution of Vultures in Sindh.  Regional Symposium on Vulture Conservation in Asia, Karachi, Pakistan. 22- 32.

Ghalib, SA., Kanwal, R., Zehra, A., Siddiqui, S., Hussain, B.,  Yasmeen,  G.,  Ullah,  U.,  Manzoor,  U.,  Raza,  N.  and Begum, A.  2018a. Review of the Distribution, Status and Conservation of the Wildlife of Sindh.  Canadian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. 12 (2):4519-4533.

Ghalib, SA., Kanwal, R., Hussain, B., Zehra, A., Siddiqui, S.,  Yasmeen,  G.,  Ullah,  U.,  Manzoor,  U.,  Raza,  N., Lateef, T.  and Begum, A.  2018b. Checklist of Mammals, Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians of Sindh.  Canadian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. 12(2):4567-4584.

Grimmett, R., Roberts, T. and Inskipp, T. 2008. Birds of Pakistan. Christopher Halm, London.

Gregory, RD., Gibbons, DW.  And Donald, PF.  2004. Birds Census and Survey Techniques. Pp55.

IUCN and Baanhn Beli. 2016. National Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2025. Funded by USAID – Small Grants Ambassador’s Fund Program.

Kanwal, R., Khan, MZ. Ghalib, SA. Saqib, T., Khan, IS., Siddiqui, S., Hussain, B., Gobal, K., Zehra, A., Ysmeen, G. and Iqbal, MA. 2015. Estimation of birds population in surroundings  of  selected  Aerodromes  of  Karachi  with reference  to  bird  strikes.  Canadian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. 9 (3):3549-3566.

Karim, SI.  1985.  A  note  of  the  Birds  of  Prey  of  Haleji Lake and  its  surrounding Areas.  Rec. Zool. Sur. Pak. 10 (1 and 2):75-80

Karim, SI.  And Iftikhar, SA.  1988.  Raptors of Lower Sindh. Rec. Zool. Sur. Pak. 11:57-69.

Koning, FJ. 1976. Notes on the Birds of Prey in the Indus Valley. JBNHS. 73.

Khan,  IS.,  Yasmeen,  G.,  Hussain,  B.,  Imdad,  U.,  Zehra, A.,  Ubaid  Ullah.,  Latif,  AL.,  Manzoor,  U.  and Faheem Ahmed, F.  2018.  Review  of  the  Status  of  Vertebrate Fauna  of  Nara  Game  Reserve  Area,  District  Khairpur, Sindh.  Canadian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. 12(3):4643-4650.

Kovacs, A., William N. P. and Galbraith C. A. 2014. Saker Falcon Global Action Plan. CMS, the Raptors MOU.

Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan and IUCN-Pakistan.  2016.  National Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan for 2016-2025. Baanhn Bali and IUCN Pakistan, Karachi.

Mirza, ZB.  2007.  A Field Guide to Birds of Pakistan. WWF- Pakistan, Lahore and Book land, Lahore. Pp366.

Nauroji, R.  2007.  Birds of Prey of the Indian Sub-continent. Oxford University Press, New Dehli, India.

Nawaz, M.  1987.  Status and distribution of Falcons (Falconidae) in Pakistan. Tigerpaper. 14 (3):18-20.  Nawaz, M.  1988. Falcon Trapping in Pakistan. WWF-P Newsletter. 7 (2):11

Newton, I. 1979. Population Ecology of Raptors. T & AD Poyser, Berkhamsted.

Newton, I. 1986. The Sparrow hawk Berkhamsted: T. and A.D. Poyser.

Newton, I.  and Wyllie, I.  1992.  Recovery of a Sparrow hawk Population in relation to declining pesticide contamination. J. Appl. Ecol. 29:476-484.

Newton, I. 2013. Bird Populations. Collins, London.

Ratcliffe, DA. 1970. Changes attributable to pesticides in eggbreakage frequency and eggshell thickness in some British birds. J. Appl. Ecol. 7:67-115.

Ratcliffe, DA.  1993.  The Peregrine Falcon (vol.  2). Calton. Poyser.

Roberts, TJ. Passburg, R.  and Van Zaling, NP.  1986. A Checklist of Birds of Karachi and Lower Sindh.  WWF Pakistan.

Roberts, TJ.  1991.  Birds of Pakistan (vol.  1). Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan.

Sergio, F., Newton, I.  and Marchese, L.  2005. Conservation:  Top Predators and Biodiversity.  Nature. 436:192.

Sergio, F., Newton, I.  and Marchesi, L.  2008.  Top Predators and Biodiversity:  Much Debate, Few Data.  J. Appl. Ecol. 45:992-999.

Sergio, F., Newton, I., Marchesi, L. and Pedrini, P. 2006. Ecologically justified charisma:  Preservation of Top Predators Delivers Biodiversity Conservation.  J.  Appl. Ecol. 43:1049-1055.  Sindh Wildlife Department.  2008.

Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 with Amendments.

Sulawa, J., Robert, A., Köppen, U., Hauff, P.  and Krone, O. 2010.  Recovery dynamics and viability of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Germany. Biodiversity Conservation. 19:97-112.

The Spruce. 2018.  Different Types of Raptors or Birds of Prey. /www.thespruce.com/types-of-birds-of-prey-3873.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

ANNEX 1. RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION ACTIONS BY

1. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
2. PUNJAB

• SINDH

1. KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP)
2. BALOCHISTAN
3. GILGIT-BALTISTAN (GB)

• AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR (AJK)
• NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION’s (NGO,s)

Raptors Conservation and Legal Status in Pakistan

#	Raptor Species	Status in national Red Data Book	Legal protection from taking and killing	Current protection status (since year)	Penalties for illegal taking, killing or nest destruction	Highest responsible national authority
1	Saker Falcon	Protected	Yes. Since 2005, netting/ trapping and trade of Saker Falcon is banned under a directive from the CITES Secretariat. However illegal trapping of Saker Falcon and subsequent trade in black market is reported in Pakistan)	2005	The Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Act 2012 regulates international trade of CITES listed species. Any violation of the Act is punished with imprisonment for a term not less than one year or more than two years or fine not less than 0.5 million rupees or more than 1 million rupees.   Birds of prey (whether migratory or resident) are protected under the provincial wildlife laws. The protected birds cannot be hunted, killed or captured. Any violation is dealt under respective provincial wildlife laws	Forestry Wing, Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad
2	Peregrine Falcon
3	Red-headed Merlin
4	Laggar Falcon
5	Sooty Falcon
6	Common Kestrel
7	Long-billed or Indian Vulture
8	White-rumped Vulture
9	Himalayan Griffon Vulture
10	Egyptian Vulture
11	Steppe Eagle
12	Pallas’s Fishing Eagle
13	Golden Eagle
14	Northern Goshawk
15	Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk

Important Sectoral Programmes for Raptor Conservation

#	Species	Sectoral Programmes
1	Saker Falcon	Birds of prey (including Saker Falcon) are protected under the provincial wildlife laws. The protected birds cannot be hunted, killed or captured. For conservation and preservation of threatened species (including birds of prey) a system of protected areas has been established in the country. The protected areas provide safe habitat for the threatened species. In Pakistan total protected area comprise of more than 12% of the total area. The protected areas include the following categories: • National Parks: 26 • Wildlife Sanctuaries: 92 • Game Reserves: 89 • Community Conservation Area: 114
2	Peregrine Falcon
3	Red-headed Merlin
4	Laggar Falcon
5	Sooty Falcon
6	Common Kestrel
7	Long-billed or Indian Vulture
8	White-rumped Vulture
9	Himalayan Griffon Vulture
10	Egyptian Vulture
11	Steppe Eagle
12	Pallas’s Fishing Eagle
13	Golden Eagle
14	Northern Goshawk
15	Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk

Different Uses of the Raptors in Pakistan

#	Raptor Species	Purpose of use	Taking from the wild	Level of annual taking	Opening and closing months of taking	Is there any quota scheme in place?	Legal national trade	Legal use for falconry
1	Saker Falcon	Since 2005, netting/ trapping and trade of Saker Falcon is banned under a directive from the CITES Secretariat. However, illegal trapping of Saker Falcon and subsequent trade in black market is reported in Pakistan
2	Peregrine Falcon
3	Red-headed Merlin
4	Laggar Falcon
5	Sooty Falcon
6	Common Kestrel
7	Long-billed or Indian Vulture
8	White-rumped Vulture
9	Himalayan Griffon Vulture
10	Egyptian Vulture
11	Steppe Eagle
12	Pallas’s Fishing Eagle
13	Golden Eagle
14	Northern Goshawk
15	Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk

 

Conservation Research and Monitoring

#	Raptor Species	General attitude towards Raptors	Any Strategy and Action Plan exists at national and provincial level	Any conservation and Monitoring programme?
1	Saker Falcon
2	Peregrine Falcon
3	Red-headed Merlin
4	Laggar Falcon
5	Sooty Falcon
6	Common Kestrel
7	Long-billed or Indian Vulture
8	White-rumped Vulture
9	Himalayan Griffon Vulture
10	Egyptian Vulture
11	Steppe Eagle
12	Pallas’s Fishing Eagle
13	Golden Eagle
14	Northern Goshawk
15	Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk

Threats to Raptors in Pakistan

#	Raptor Species	Threats Description	Level (Low, Medium, High)
1	Saker Falcon	Habitat Loss/Degradation (human induced) ·         Increasing population has resulted in vast networks of roads, urbanization, industrial expansion, increased agricultural practices, and over exploitation of natural resources. All these factors have destroyed natural habitat of Saker Falcons. Illegal netting/trade ·         Since 2005, netting/trapping and trade of Saker Falcon is banned under a directive from the CITES Secretariat. However illegal trapping of Saker Falcon and subsequent trade in black market is reported	Medium
2	Peregrine Falcon
3	Red-headed Merlin
4	Laggar Falcon
5	Sooty Falcon
6	Common Kestrel
7	Long-billed or Indian Vulture
8	White-rumped Vulture
9	Himalayan Griffon Vulture
10	Egyptian Vulture
11	Steppe Eagle
12	Pallas’s Fishing Eagle
13	Golden Eagle
14	Northern Goshawk
15	Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk

Habitat Use and Diet of the Raptor Species

#	Species	Habitat Use	Feeding Habits/ Diet
1	Saker Falcon	In Pakistan wintering habitat of Saker Falcon rangelands (in hilly and desert areas) and cultivated lands.	Small mammals and medium size birds. However no scientific data is available in Pakistan.
2	Peregrine Falcon
3	Red-headed Merlin
4	Laggar Falcon
5	Sooty Falcon
6	Common Kestrel
7	Long-billed or Indian Vulture
8	White-rumped Vulture
9	Himalayan Griffon Vulture
10	Egyptian Vulture
11	Steppe Eagle
12	Pallas’s Fishing Eagle
13	Golden Eagle
14	Northern Goshawk
15	Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk

Annex-2

Checklist of Raptors of Pakistan

#	Order	Family	Scientific Name	Common Name
1	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Elanus caeruleus	Black- shouldered Kite
2	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Milvus migrans	Black Kite
3	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Haliastur indus	Brahminy Kite
4	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Accipiter gentilis	Northern Goshawk
5	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Accipiter badius	Shikra
6	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Accipiter nisus	Eurasian Sparrow-Hawk
7	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Accipiter virgatus	Besra Sparrow-Hawk
8	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Buteo buteo	Common Buzzard
9	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Buteo rufinus	Long-legged Buzzard
10	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Pernis ptilorhynchus	Crested Honey Buzzard
11	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Butastur teesa	White-eyed Buzzard
12	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Hieraaetus fasciatus	Bonelli’s or Slender Hawk Eagle
13	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Hieraaetus pennatus	Booted  Eagle
14	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Aquila chrysaetos	Golden Eagle
15	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Aquila heliaca	Imperial Eagle
16	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Aquila rapax	Tawny Eagle
17	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Aquila nipalensis	Steppe Eagle
18	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Aquila clanga	Greater Spotted Eagle
19	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Aquila pomarina	Lesser Spotted Eagle
20	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Aquila histata	Indian Spotted Eagle
21	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Haliaeetus albicilla	White-tailed Sea Eagle
22	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Haliaeetus leucoryphus	Pallas’s Fishing Eagle
23	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Ictinaetus malayensis	Black Eagle
24	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Circaetus gallicus	Short-toed or Snake Eagle
25	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Spizaetus nipalensis	Mountain Hawk or Feather-toed Eagle
26	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Spilornis cheela	Crested Serpent Eagle
27	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Sarcogyps calvus	Redheaded or King Vulture
28	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Aegypius monachus	Cinereous Vulture
29	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Gyps fulvus	Eurasian Griffon Vulture
30	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Gyps himalayensis	Himalayan Griffon Vulture
31	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Gyps bengalensis	White-rumped Vulture
32	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Neophron percnopterus	Egyptian Vulture
33	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Gypaetus barbatus	Bearded Vulture or Lammergier
34	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Gyps indicus	Long-billed or Indian Vulture
35	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Circus cyaneus	Hen Harrier
36	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Circus macrourus	Pale or Pallid Harrier
37	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Circus pygargus	Montagu’s Harrier
38	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Circus aeruginosus	Eurasian Marsh Harrier
39	Accipitriformes	Accipitridae	Circus melanoleucos	Pied Harrier
40	Falconiformes	Pandionidae	Pandion haliaetus	Osprey
41	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco cherrug	Saker Falcon
42	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco jugger	Laggar Falcon
43	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco peregrinus	Peregrine Falcon
44	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco pelegrinoides	Barbary or Red-capped Falcon
45	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco concolor	Sooty Falcon
46	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco subbuteo	Eurasian Hobby
47	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco columbarius	Merlin
48	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco chicquera	Red-headed Merlin
49	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco tinnunculus	Common Kestrel
50	Falconiformes	Falconidae	Falco naumanni	Lesser Kestrel