Turtle conservation faces uphill battle
According to in-charge Marine Turtle Unit at Sindh Wildlife Department Ashfaq Memon, 20,756 eggs were collected and placed in protective pits, resulting in 11,082 hatchlings being released into the sea. The department had aimed to collect 25,000 to 30,000 eggs this season. Six turtles were tagged for research during the season to monitor their movements and habitat use.
Conservation efforts are yielding long-term results, with nearly 0.9 million hatchlings released into the sea since 1975. However, experts warn that the Green Turtle, now the only surviving nesting species in the area, is at increasing risk of extinction due to threats such as coastal pollution, garbage, and recreational disruptions. The Olive Ridley turtle, once found in the region, is now considered locally extinct, with no live females sighted on Karachi's beaches since 2010.
Contributing factors include coastal pollution, injuries from boat propellers, and disruption from recreational infrastructure. The Green Turtle's survival is also threatened by these factors.
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Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Turtle conservation faces uphill battle
The nesting season for female green turtles at the city's beaches, including Hawke's Bay, has concluded. Between September 2024 and January 2025, 403 female turtles arrived at the beaches, but only 180 successfully laid eggs, while 223 turtles were forced to return to the sea without nesting due to encroachments, permanent constructions, and blocked traditional paths. According to in-charge Marine Turtle Unit at Sindh Wildlife Department Ashfaq Memon, 20,756 eggs were collected and placed in protective pits, resulting in 11,082 hatchlings being released into the sea. The department had aimed to collect 25,000 to 30,000 eggs this season. Six turtles were tagged for research during the season to monitor their movements and habitat use. Conservation efforts are yielding long-term results, with nearly 0.9 million hatchlings released into the sea since 1975. However, experts warn that the Green Turtle, now the only surviving nesting species in the area, is at increasing risk of extinction due to threats such as coastal pollution, garbage, and recreational disruptions. The Olive Ridley turtle, once found in the region, is now considered locally extinct, with no live females sighted on Karachi's beaches since 2010. Contributing factors include coastal pollution, injuries from boat propellers, and disruption from recreational infrastructure. The Green Turtle's survival is also threatened by these factors.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Wildlife dept opposes relocation of seized exotic monkeys to Lahore
Monkeys under the custody of the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation, which they were handed over to after being rescued from an illegal consignment at Karachi airport. PHOTO: ACF Listen to article The Sindh Wildlife Department has formally opposed the proposed relocation of 26 exotic monkeys — Capuchins and Marmosets — from Karachi to Lahore, urging the Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) to reconsider its directive issued on May 8, 2025. The department has called for adherence to legal protocols and scientific standards in dealing with the animals, which were seized in December 2024 at Jinnah international airport, after being illegally imported from South Africa using forged documents. The monkeys were confiscated by Pakistan Customs in violation of both national and international wildlife laws. Following the seizure, the animals were placed in the care of the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF), a private animal welfare facility, on an emergency basis. Despite the matter being sub judice before a competent Customs court, the deputy conservator of wildlife, Ministry of Climate Change in Islamabad, directed the animals be transferred to a facility in Lahore. The Sindh Wildlife Department has raised serious concerns over the legality of this directive, warning that such action — without court approval — could compromise judicial proceedings and violate procedural integrity. In April 2025, the Sindh chief secretary convened a high-level virtual meeting to address the issue. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan Customs, Sindh Wildlife Department, WWF-Pakistan, and other key stakeholders. Subsequently, a technical committee was constituted by the federal secretary MoCC to assess the case and provide evidence-based recommendations grounded in law, science, and animal welfare. The joint report submitted by the Sindh Wildlife Department and WWF-Pakistan concluded that relocating the primates to Lahore would be detrimental to their health and welfare. It stressed that such a move would contradict legal standards and sound scientific practices. The report pointed out that the proposed Lahore facility lacks the species-specific infrastructure and expertise required to care for tropical primates, citing previous failures in hygiene, veterinary care, behavioral enrichment, and animal welfare. Despite these findings, the Ministry of Climate Change issued a recommendation on May 8 for the transfer of the animals to Lahore — without consulting the constituted committee or reviewing its report. The Sindh Wildlife Department, in its formal response, expressed concern over the ministry's unilateral action and the absence of any communication with the trial court where the matter is currently under legal scrutiny. The department stated that all wildlife found within Sindh's territorial jurisdiction is protected under Section 21 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act, 2020. Moreover, Rule 43 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Rules, 2022, places the legal onus on airlines or transport operators involved in illegal wildlife importation to facilitate either deportation or lawful disposal, based on the wildlife officer's recommendation. From a scientific standpoint, the department strongly objected to relocating the monkeys, which are highly sensitive New World primates adapted to stable tropical climates. Capuchins and Marmosets require specific environmental conditions, including temperature regulation, enriched enclosures, social groupings, specialized diets, and experienced veterinary care—resources currently lacking at the Lahore facility. A senior official from the Sindh Wildlife Department urged the Ministry of Climate Change to revisit the findings of the technical committee and to reconvene the multi-stakeholder forum before making any final decision.
Express Tribune
10-11-2024
- Express Tribune
UAE envoy releases green turtle hatchlings into sea
KARACHI: UAE Consul General in Karachi Bakhit Atiq al-Rumaithi has sent off newborn babies of green turtle on their new life journey into the Arabian Sea at Turtle Beach, Hawkesbay. He was the chief guest at a ceremony organised by the Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) to release green turtle hatchlings into the sea. SWD Deputy Conservator Mumtaz Soomro and Marine Turtle Unit In-charge Ashfaq Memon were also in attendance. The Emirati consul general was shown a detailed documentary on turtles that come to Pakistan for breeding. Later, al-Rumaithi released a small hatchling off into the sea waves on its new life journey started. Children from various schools were also invited to the event. While speaking to the media, the UAE envoy said that today's ceremony is undoubtedly a constructive step towards the protection of environment and marine life conservation. Today, the departure of green turtle babies into the sea at Turtle Beach was a sight not only for the children but for all of us, he said. The coastal areas of Pakistan, from Sindh to Balochistan, are rich in natural beauty. However, due to some behaviours, the natural charm of these shores has diminished, which requires immediate attention. Visitors to Hawkesbay must responsibly dispose of plastic bags instead of littering, as these bags are causing severe damage to the green turtle habitat.
