Impacts of unsustainable hunting and poaching practices on the health of river Kabul and its faunal diversity, district Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Impacts of unsustainable hunting and poaching practices on the health of river Kabul and its faunal diversity, district Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Farah Samuel and Syed Kamran Hussain
ABSTRACT
River Kabul is not only home to a variety of aquatic species but also a source of irrigation for agricultural lands of Peshawar and Charsadda districts. Various plant species, native to the area, are found on the river banks. As far as its significance is concerned, conservation is the need of the hour for various threatened species such as fish fauna, freshwater turtles, migratory birds and otters. Illegal hunting and trade along with many harmful human activities are posing a serious danger to the River Kabul ecosystem. This study quantifies the ongoing unsustainable hunting and poaching practices in River Kabul and suggests proper conservation measures to secure the remaining species by providing incentives to the local community and hunters. Alternative livelihood opportunities including vocational training centers, establishment of fish ponds and community based watch and ward mechanisms can be a better option for conservation. We conclude that awareness campaigns and environmental education are principally required to promote useful knowledge in the conservation of River Kabul ecosystem.
Key words: River Kabul; Hunting; Poaching; Fish species; Migratory Birds; Freshwater turtles
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March 2014
Vol. 64, Iss. 1
