Alexandrine parrots face extinction in Pakistan
- Sara Habib
- December 11, 2024
- 12:00 pm
- 33
- Current Affairs
In a quiet village near the scenic foothills of Murree, a family of Alexandrine parrots once nested in the branches of a towering Indian rosewood tree. Children marveled at their vibrant green feathers and red patches, their cheerful calls filling the air. Today, that tree is gone, replaced by a eucalyptus plantation, and the parrots are nowhere to be seen. Alexandrine parrots, the largest parrot species in Pakistan, are vanishing due to habitat destruction, pollution, poaching, and illegal trade. Once thriving in plains, foothills, and cities like Karachi, their population is now confined to northeastern Punjab, southern Sindh, and border areas near India, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Wildlife expert Sakhawat Ali points to the systematic destruction of nesting trees like Indian rosewood and banyan as a major cause. These trees, valued for their wood, have been replaced by eucalyptus, which provides no shelter for parrots or other birds. This change, driven by agriculture and industry, has stripped the parrots of their homes. Adding to their woes, poachers exploit the parrots’ ability to mimic speech, selling them for as much as 50,000 rupees ($179) in pet markets. For many, these birds are a lucrative source of income, further depleting their already dwindling numbers.
Urbanization Threatens Parrot Populations
Urbanization and pollution are decimating bird populations in Pakistan’s cities. In Karachi, Alexandrine parrot numbers have dropped by 60% in just eight years, says environmentalist Abdur Razzak Khan. Increasing use of agrochemicals and habitat alteration due to unplanned urban expansion have driven these birds out of cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. Predatory birds, such as kites, have also contributed to their decline, preying on the few parrots left.
A recent survey by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board revealed a grim reality: no Alexandrine parrots were spotted in the capital, underscoring the gravity of the threat. As urban centers grow and pollution worsens, these birds face an uncertain future.
Preservation and the Path Forward
Named after Alexander the Great, who introduced them to the West, Alexandrine parrots symbolize Pakistan's rich biodiversity. Yet their survival is at risk. Conservation efforts must focus on preserving their natural habitats, curbing illegal trade, and raising awareness about their plight. Planting native trees like Indian rosewood and banning eucalyptus in key areas can help restore their nesting grounds. Stronger laws to prevent poaching and trade are equally crucial.
The Alexandrine parrot’s plight is a call to action. Without immediate efforts, these vibrant birds may vanish from Pakistan’s skies forever, taking with them a piece of the nation’s natural heritage.
