Conservation Optimism Pakistan

“A Miraculous Encounter: Rescuing a Pangolin” by Ibrahim Cheema

In late December of 2023, I had an encounter with a highly endangered creature: the pangolin. Though I already had an affinity for animals, this remarkable experience amplified my passion for wildlife conservation. In this blog, I will recount the thrilling story of my encounter with a pangolin and the subsequent efforts to ensure its safety.

My adventure began during an evening walk along Margalla Road, in Islamabad. The road is close-by to the Margalla Hills National Park known for its rich biodiversity. As I walked along the footpath, I stumbled upon a small, round creature lying on the side of the road rolled up into what I can only describe as a ball. I was confused as at first, I couldn’t make out what it was. Was it an armadillo? All the way in Pakistan? No way! It wasn’t until it got up and started walking along the footpath, I realized it was a pangolin, a scaly anteater. An animal I had ever only seen in wildlife books as a child.

The first thought that came to mind was what if the poor pangolin gets hit by a car? We were on a main road which worried me greatly. Seeing that the situation was dire I tried to grab the pangolin. However, all my attempts failed! Its scales were very slippery, and the pangolin was quite heavy. In my efforts to grab him I noticed a tracker with an antenna attached to its tail. The tracker was shaped exactly like a handle with grooves, I quickly ascertained that it was specifically designed to hold onto the pangolin. I grabbed the tracker and with some effort got him off the road. Since I was only a hundred meters from my home, I was able to pull the pangolin inside my house. Once I brought it into my garden, I closed the gate. No way it was going to escape back onto the road.

I judged from the tracker that he must’ve been released by the Margalla hills Wildlife Department. I immediately searched for their number and tried calling. Since it was late at night no one answered my calls. I immediately went to their page where I messaged them. Within 15 minutes I got a response from Ms. Rina Khan Satti - the Chair of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, an official Government agency. She said that she and her crew would be arriving shortly. This quick response had truly warmed my heart as it was late at night, yet they were very committed to conservation and rescue. While I was waiting for them to arrive, a neighbor’s guard who had saw me take the creature into my home pleaded with me that we should sell the pangolin. He explained they are extremely valuable on the black market, and we can split the profits. Due to the poverty and economic situation in Pakistan, many people are desperate for money. I told him that I took it into my home not to sell it but to rescue it. I warned him that I would issue a case against him if he doesn’t go away! That’s when he backed off. Soon, the wildlife team arrived, and Ms. Satti was very ecstatic that I found the pangolin they were unable to track for 2 days. They had recently rescued it from smugglers during an elaborate sting operation. Her crew took the pangolin and carefully put it into a box for transport which they loaded onto a truck. Ms. Satti thanked me, and I commended her for the great work they were doing. We took some photos and said our goodbyes. The pangolin was released the very next day back into the park.

Rescuing a pangolin was a life-changing experience that deepened my commitment to wildlife conservation. This encounter not only taught me about the fragility of our natural world but also about the resilience and beauty of the creatures that inhabit it. It also allowed me to understand; how poverty is a main contributor to the smuggling of endangered species especially in Pakistan. I am now more determined than ever to continue working towards a future where pangolins and other endangered species thrive in their natural habitats, untouched by the threat of extinction. My encounter with the pangolin was not just a coincidence; it was a reminder that every individual can make a difference in the fight to preserve our planet's incredible biodiversity.

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Message us or share your story to [email protected]

It is an honour to share a story from our neighbours, especially as this species also particularly originates from north-western India, in hopes of inspiring joint conservation ventures in the future!

“Vulnerable Species’ Presence from Conservation: White-naped Tit”
Story by Astha Chaudhary

On a beautiful day in February 2017, my colleague Mahendrabhai and I travelled to Siyot village in the Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch, the westernmost region of Gujrat, India. We frequently travelled together for project activities to different locations because Mahendra Bhai, a sociologist, monitored the conservation activities of local communities while I would conduct surveys in those areas to document the diversity in every season. Since Kutch is one of the hottest regions, getting to the site as early as possible was always our top priority. Prior to contacting the locals, we had always intended to complete the faunal survey first. After conducting a survey at the site, we decided to wait until the temperature dropped and people returned from their daily jobs or farms in order to monitor the intervention program.

About two hours in of sitting in the shade of shrubs and trees, we began observing the birds in the area around us. There were numerous birds chirping, and noises were coming from all sides. I saw grey Francolins, Bulbuls, and Robins, but oddly, Mahendra Bhai was fixated on a bird that was black and white in colour and was consuming groundwater. He asked me in a perplexed tone is that a "Kabiri Ram Chakli?” The local name of a White-naped Tit bird. I didn't say anything despite seeing the bird because I couldn't identify it. I excitedly opened my mobile and accessed the PDF “Textbook of Indian Bird” for identification as I had encountered the species in person for first time. I was very cautious and, in a hurry, thinking that it could fly away at any time. While I was trying to identify, an additional White-naped Tit came to the area.

After a short while of rushing, emotionally, I declared, “Mahendra Bhai, yes, they are White-naped Tit birds!" with confidence. It was a historical day in my life, being an avid birder, the Kabiri Ram Chakli is a threatened bird species under IUCN and endemic to the Kutch region. For a few minutes, Mahendra Bhai and I stood silently and watched the birds because neither of us knew when we would likely see them again. They flew from perch to perch, displaying various behaviours in the open space. Joy and pleasure filled our hearts as we realised that this was the same area where habitat improvement work had been done for the White-naped Tit. We both got emotional as it was the result of our conservation efforts. Due to excessive deforestation and human disturbance, this species was unable to locate abandoned nests, which had an impact on the survival of the species. For their breeding, we implemented artificial nests in the area a few months prior for White-naped Tit, so they could use them for breeding.

Seeing a pair of White-naped Tit after the implementation of conservation activities made us understand how even a small effort can have a significant impact. We again felt motivated, inspired, energized, and proud after seeing the endemic species in the conservation intervention area!

“Creating Young Change-makers for Climate Action: Beat Plastic Pollution”
by Saadia Khalid

This is an account of a project to address the critical issue of plastic pollution in my city, Lahore. Recognizing the urgency, I am committed to promoting sustainable living by advocating for the reduction of plastic products in our daily lives and encouraging effective recycling practices. In pursuit of this goal, I was selected as a participant in the National Climate Action Fellowship organized by the Peace and Justice Network. Through this fellowship, I devised a comprehensive plan to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution in two distinct phases.

During the first phase, I organized a series of workshops both in-person and online. These workshops aim to educate individuals about the fundamental principles of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle), waste segregation techniques, and the importance of efficient recycling mechanisms. By providing this knowledge, I hope to inspire the youth to actively engage in combating plastic pollution at both individual and collective levels. To enhance the reach of my message, I conducted two workshops specifically focused on waste segregation in educational institutions. Additionally, I utilized social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to share informative posters and videos. These online resources have successfully engaged a substantial audience, with an estimated reach of 10,000 to 20,000 individuals. By leveraging the power of social media, I aim to amplify awareness and encourage active participation in the cause.

In the next phase of my campaign, I focused on developing a policy paper titled "Ban of Single-Use Plastic in Lahore City." Given the importance of systemic change, I took the initiative to share this policy paper with relevant local departments, advocating for the implementation of a ban on single-use plastic in Lahore. The policy paper was positively received and generated discussions at the local level regarding the issue. Because of my efforts, I successfully motivated 150 individuals to take a pledge to reduce their consumption of plastic in their daily lives. To achieve this, I engaged with people in public spaces such as roads, cafes, and malls, initiating conversations about the negative effects of plastic pollution. Throughout the campaign, I encountered challenges that required perseverance. One significant hurdle was the limited availability of alternatives to plastic in markets and commercial establishments, making it challenging for individuals to adopt sustainable alternatives in their daily routines.

Despite these challenges, I remained steadfast in spreading awareness about the issue. As a result, several youth organizations working on climate-related issues and fellow climate activists joined forces with me, recognizing the significance of addressing plastic pollution in Lahore. The recognition and appreciation of my efforts further inspired young individuals to take action within their own communities, fostering a collective commitment to environmental causes.

Dr. Sadia Khalid (Lahore)
Founder
Climate Education Warriors
https://www.facebook.com/ClimateEducationWarriors?mibextid=9R9pXO

Presenting our first featured story of the series:
SHARING YOUR CONSERVATION STORIES

“Empowering Kids to Protect Nature”
by Fareena Aslam

Hello everyone,

I'm a Filmmaker and Communications Engineer Officer who is deeply passionate about environmental documentaries. My work has led me to explore various facets of climate and conservation. As part of the Conservation Optimism Pakistan team, I recently had a heartwarming experience that reaffirmed my belief in the power of young minds.

On 10th August, 2023, I visited my mother's government primary school in Hyderabad, Pakistan, where I planned to introduce the concept of conservation optimism to the young students. I began the session in Grade 4 with a simple question: "What are your favorite animals?" The children eagerly shared their insights, and our excitement for conversation naturally veered toward endangered species in Pakistan.

Witnessing their enthusiasm and smiles was truly touching. Despite facing challenges such as coming from underprivileged backgrounds, child labour, and limited access to stationery, these children displayed unwavering curiosity and potential. To my surprise, when I suggested that they draw pictures of our native species and endangered animals, their response was immediate: "Yes, we can! Please bring us colours!" This moment filled me with immense pride.

As we discussed endangered animals, I shared insights with them about our planet's environment and its incredible biodiversity. The entire one-hour visit was an amazing experience, marked by the spark in their eyes and their boundless energy. What struck me most during this visit was the realization that if we teach these children about conservation optimism from the very beginning, they will understand what truly matters and prioritize the important aspects of the interconnectedness of all life.

Inspired by their enthusiasm and creativity, I couldn't help but think about the potential they hold. Despite their challenges, these children are the future leaders who will champion our planet and its species. In light of this, the CO PK team is planning to initiate a kids' art series to spread awareness about conservation optimism and nurture these young, creative minds.

In conclusion, my visit to the government primary school in Hyderabad was deeply moving. It reinforced my belief in the power of education and creativity to instill hope and drive change. These children, despite their adversities, have the potential to be the driving force behind a brighter future for our planet and its precious species.

We are going to organise a webinar on Wildlife as an emerging field for women. The main aim of this webinar is to address questions like is it save for women to join wildlife as their career, what difficulties they often face in this field and how they overcome them. Kiran Saleem (Deputy Director Lahore Zoo), Haseena Ambreen (Deputy Director Peshawar Zoo) and Huma Wasiq (Presidential Award for Art 2016) will share their experiences with us.
The webinar is going to be on Saturday 10th December at 1:00pm.

Kindly visit our website to get a zoom link before the webinar.

https://conservationoptimism.org/events-pakistan-hub/

You can also join us live through our YouTube channel

https://youtube.com/

Hi everyone! You may remember the project we’ve been working on this summer known as the Story-time Series for all our little readers out there. I’m super excited to announce that the wait is over! Head over to our website at…

https://conservationoptimism.org/kids-corner-pakistan-hub/

…now to view and download our four stories featuring our little heroes and lots of wonderful species native to Pakistan and the neighbouring regions. 🌱

Keep an eye out for snippets and artwork from the stories over the course of the week.

Happy reading! ✨☁️✨

We're back with another edition of our collaborative series - Bridging Borders in collaboration with our incredible hub. This time around, the webinar will focus on Cetaceans. Found in the waters of India and Pakistan, Cetaceans are threatened by industrial fishing, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Freshwater dolphins are more sensitive to these changes, making them far more threatened than their ocean counterparts. Freshwater dolphins are found in Ganga and Indus and their territories span across geopolitical borders. Much like the dolphins, we also hope to not let borders stop our efforts to preserve these unique, endangered species, which belong to the oldest lineage of dolphins globally.

To get the link for this webinar click the link given in bio.

Date: 18 June 2022.
Time: 6:00pm PKT

Conservation Optimism Pakistan is the first organisation in the country that is aimed to fully engage young people to make them custodians of their biodiversity. We believe that every person on our planet is connected with each other and by doing small things at the individual level we can create a bigger impact because whenever a change happen it starts from the individual level and together we can make this possible. Conservation Optimism is a programme of the University of Oxford, which aims to empower everyone to act for nature. It currently has three regional hubs in India, Pakistan, and in the UK.
�We are currently restructuring our team and so have new volunteering opportunities available.

The last date for submission of applications is 21st April 2022. No applications will be entertained after said date.
Please note that Conservation Optimism Pakistan follows a double-blind review procedure for volunteering applications. We are looking forward to hearing from you! Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or WhatsApp +923121491118

You can find more info at https://conservationoptimism.org/get-involved-pakistan-hub/

Posted • 📢 Don’t miss tomorrow’s amazing opportunity to hear from our founder E.J. Milner-Gulland on why we need in today’s world! 🌍

E.J. is Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Oxford. She is an incredible conservationist who has published countless scientific journals, including being the lead author on a 2021 paper outlining the ‘Four Steps for the Earth’ framework for tackling biodiversity loss. E.J. is interested in understanding how social, ecological and behavioural factors interact and affect key issues in conservation. Throughout her career she has also worked on the illegal wildlife trade and has a passion for the conservation ecology of the saiga antelope in Central Asia, co-founding the Saiga Conservation Alliance in 2006.

On top of all of this she is an advisor to a number of bodies including the IUCN, she chairs the UK Government’s Darwin Expert Committee and is a Trustee of WWF-UK 🙌

In this E.J. will give some examples from her own experience of how conservation optimism can be found even in the most unlikely places - including Cambodia’s besieged forests and the now-desert of the Aral Sea. She’ll talk about her motivations for starting Conservation Optimism and how together we can make steps towards meeting the challenge of our changing world.

Definitely not one to miss, so register now (link in our bio) and tune in tomorrow at 4pm GMT! 🤩

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sdeyspjwiHd3Ts_HKEoxk002He7qfbjc0

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Description: the image is a photograph of Professor E.J. Milner-Gulland. The second photo is a graphic with the title, date and time of the webinar: ‘Where can we find conservation optimism in today’s world - and why do we need it? 17th Feb 2022 4pm GMT

RESCUED LEOPARD CATS WERE FINALLY RELEASED INTO MARGALLA HILLS NATIONAL PARK❗🐆
After a short quarantine period, the cats were deemed healthy enough to be released into their natural environment in Margalla Hills National Park. A big thanks to Islamabad Wildlife Management Board - IWMB for pulling off this rescue and rehab successfully❗

POPULATION OF AFGHAN URIAL HAS INCREASED!👏🏼
According to the statistics of the latest survey being compiled by the climate change ministry, the Afghan Urials have been found especially in the western areas where their presence was quite visible during the survey.

The survey has been conducted to prepare a Red Data List of wildlife species that will help make policies for their protection and preservation across the country.

The spokesman of the climate change ministry said:

“The Red Data List will be first of its kind and will contain complete details about the wildlife species. We will also share it with all the stakeholders that can extend their help in decision making and constituting policies for wildlife animals"
Via

DRAFT OF BALOCHISTAN FOREST ACT APPROVED❕️🌿
The Balochistan cabinet in its recent meeting has approved the draft of Balochistan Forest Act to protect forests in the province, eliminate encroachments in forest boundaries, establish force for protection of forests and wildlife besides imposing penalties and fines on those who damage forests and wildlife, an official said.
Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said, “In coordination with the departments concerned, steps would be taken to control the illegal trafficking of indigenous birds abroad and zero tolerance would be adopted against poaching and hunting of animals and birds in the province,” he remarked.
Via APP

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SCIENCE ❗
"In 2019, as part of an ongoing campaign to improve forest cover, the SFD collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to set up a mangrove nursery, hiring 250 women not just to plant new trees but also to guard them against threats from animals and humans.

Hired along with their families, the women, officially called eco-guards, play a “vital role in the protection of mangroves, which is a family unit job,” Riaz Ahmed Wagan, the SFD’s chief conservator of mangroves, told Arab News.

Assessments by the SFD showed that mangrove cover had increased once more to 210,000 hectares by 2020." Via
💪 ❤️

PAKISTAN CLIMATE CONFERENCE 2022 ANNOUNCED!🌿
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), the collective voice of top foreign investors in Pakistan, revealed its plan to organize the ‘Pakistan Climate Conference 2022’ on 16 March 2022 in Karachi, a press release said today.
While announcing the date and unveiling the logo of the Conference, Mr. Ghias Khan, President OICCI, mentioned “The Pakistan Climate Conference will build on learnings from COP 26 to identify and implement efforts needed to promote positive climate actions and reduce climate change impact in Pakistan. The event will bring together global climate experts, policymakers, and corporate decision-makers to share learnings and best practices to help Pakistan develop necessary policy and climate interventions.” (via Mettis Global News)

Posted • Conservation Optimism ptimism 🎬 News! 🎬
📽️ Announcing the first of the Judges: Jonnie Hughes from Silverback Fims 🎉

✨ Jonnie is a multi-award-winning producer/director, who has worked with Silverback Films since 2012 and was the creative lead on the Our Planet ‘Halo’.

✨ He was producer/director of the phenomenally successful David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, and co-author with Sir David of the accompanying book. Most recently he was series producer of the BBC landmark series, The Earthshot Prize: Repairing Our Planet 🌎

➡️ Submissions for Films are open right now! More info in bio


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Graphic titles '2022 Good Natured Film Festival Judge' featuring a photo of Jonnie Hughes from Silverback Films. Beside is the Fim Festival logo and clip art of a clapperboard and film strips. At the bottom reads 'Submissions Open'

TWO RESCUED LEOPARD CATS ARRIVE IN ISLAMABAD FOR REHAB AND RELEASE❗🐆
Two leopard cats were confiscated by Sindh Wildlife Department from a private owner in Karachi and transported to Islamabad for rehabilitation and release.
These felines are native to Margalla Hills and are currently under the care of Islamabad Wildlife Management Board - IWMB until they are fit for release into their natural habitat: Margalla Hills National Park.
We love to see collaboration between Wildlife Departments for the welfare of Pakistan's native species! Hats off to IWMB & SWD for looking out for this beautiful species❗🐆