Wildlife important resource with economic, cultural & recreational value to humans

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change, Mushahidullah Khan said that wildlife is an important resource, with economic, cultural and recreational value to humans, and it is also an integral part of biodiversity.
However, there is pressing need for their protection and conservation. He urged all the relevant government authorities, particularly wildlife departments, to boost their efforts for protection and conservation of the wildlife, mainly those on the verge of extinction. The minister Mushahidullah Khan expressed these views in the context of the World Wildlife Day being marked on March 3 across the globe including Pakistan. This year, the World Wildlife Day 2015 is being marked with the theme, “Wildlife Crime is Serious, Let’s Get Serious About Wildlife Crime”.
Counting causes of hunting of wildlife species in the country, the Minister noted that wildlife crime has been on the rise due to various socio-economic factors. “Poverty and under-development has led to an increase in wildlife crime across many developing countries. Wildlife Crime has become such a serious issue that if not checked now it may lead to extinction of many species of wild plants and animals. In view of this, international community including United Nations Organization, CITES, INTERPOL, NGOs, have called upon countries to work together to curb illegal trade of wildlife.
He said they day is reminder for us all to recognize the unprecedented significance of the wildlife to the sustainability of our biodiversity system that involves – among others – land, water, forests and air, United Nations General Assembly, on 20th December 2013, decided to celebrate every year the 3rd March as World Wildlife Day. It is the same day when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted in 1973.
“Pakistan with its unique geographical location and climatic conditions has a varied and interesting mix of flora and fauna. These beautiful species have aesthetic value besides providing numerous ecosystem services which are necessary for delicate balance of life,” the minister highlighted. Mushahidullah Khan also reaffirmed that as a signatory to CITES, Pakistan remains committed to ensure that international trade of wild fauna and flora is not detrimental to their survival. Pakistan’s wildlife includes 668 species of birds, 195 species of mammals and 192 species of reptiles.