April 19, 2024
BILAL BASEER
Ayubia National Park, once a sanctuary for Pakistan’s rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, now faces an imminent threat of destruction as its indigenous flora and fauna battle a grim fate.
Established in 1984, Ayubia National Park sprawls across 3,300 hectares in the scenic Galiyat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It safeguards Pakistan’s endangered species, including black bears, wolves, Kashmiri red foxes, golden eagles, and vultures.
However, celebrated for its serene picnic spots, hikes, and vistas, Ayubia is presently grappling with gradual decay. Overpopulation, timber mafia, and climate change are spoiling this paradisiacal retreat.
Additionally, housing developments, road networks and commerce have not only encroached on wildlife domains but have disrupted vital migratory routes. This encroachment has forced wildlife into uncomfortably close contact with human settlements, leading to an increase in human-wildlife conflicts.
Locals and tourists alike recount frightful encounters with formidable creatures such as leopards, bears, and monkeys. Such incidents have resulted in property damage as well as injuries to both humans and animals.
In the past two years, five leopards have met their untimely demise at the hands of locals, as they can be legally hunted if they pose a threat to human life.
Ghuzanfar Ali, an environmental activist from Galiyat, highlights photographic evidence suggesting deliberate arson targeting valuable trees in and around Ayubia National Park. He asserts that authorities may be complicit in this destruction, as the timber mafia operates ruthlessly, stripping precious forests bare.
Residents of Galiyat, particularly in towns like Nathiagali, Dunga Gali, Changla Gali, Khaira Gali, and Khanspur, recount harrowing tales of encounters with wild animals, resulting in crop destruction. They also report incidents of wild boars venturing closer to populated areas, causing damage to human settlements, livestock, and agricultural produce.
Naveed Akram Abbasi, a WWF member and former secretary general Abbottabad Press Club, holds the Department of Forests and Wildlife of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government accountable for these threats. He says that forest fires have compelled wildlife to migrate, leaving rare animals and birds vulnerable to the flames. Villagers have reported injuries and even fatalities resulting from confrontations with these displaced animals.
However, when approached, a senior officer from the wildlife department, speaking on the condition of anonymity, reveals a conflict of interest within the various departments involved. He asserts that while the wildlife department is diligently fulfilling its mission within Ayubia National Park, “the real threat stems from tourists and certain officials in sister departments who unwittingly disrupt the delicate ecological balance”.
For instance, he adds, well-meaning individuals, whether residents or tourists, feed monkeys along the roadsides, inadvertently altering their natural behaviour. “This disruption leads monkeys into human settlements, setting the stage for conflicts between humans and wildlife. This change in behaviour stems from human interference with the food web and food chain in Galiyat”, he says.
He suggests instituting educational programmes in local schools to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental preservation. He believes that active involvement of local environmentalists and nature enthusiasts can unite efforts to protect the forests.
Civil society activists and environmental organisations have called upon the government to preserve and safeguard the wildlife in Galiyat and its natural beauty. They demand stricter deforestation rules, sustainable forestry practices and action against climate-induced forest fires.
Addressing human-wildlife conflicts, particularly caused by monkey feeding, is vital through education and habitat protection.