March 2015
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BFWD Monthly Magazine
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March 2015
BFWD Monthly Magazine
Welcome Assalam o Alekum, March – as it is said is the month of ‘march’ so is the case with Balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department activities in the month. With the last week of February the activities of spring planting are started all over the province. Despite having a huge target of 1.5 million plants during this Spring Tree Planting Campaign all over the province, the officers are determined and very keen in achieving the assigned target. A precise plan has been devised and submitted for the grant. My message to everyone is ‘at least each and every individual must plant a sapling’. The February Edition of the magazine received responses from seniors and colleagues. A number of friends from other organizations appreciated the effort and wanted to share their experiences and knowledge for which we are thankful to them. Finally this forum is open to everyone. You can share your knowledge and experiences on flora and fauna of the province. We have kept a portion to discuss the issues of global world concerned with environment and related issues. The fellows of the department are requested, in particular, to take part as much as they can so that this forum becomes the voice of the whole province. Best Regards
Naeem Javid Muhammad Hassani Editor 3
March 2015
BFWD Monthly Magazine
Welcome Note
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Your Views
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Marsh Crocodile of Hingol River
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Mangrove Forests of Balochistan
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Harboi Juniper Forest
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Introduction to Tamarix aphylla
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Black Bear of Balochistan
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Is CO2 main culprit of global warming or not? 26 Princess of Hope
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Your Photos
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BFWD Monthly Magazine Dear Naeem. Your idea to start monthly forestry magazine is good. However, all efforts in past in this respect have failed badly. It requires consistent dedication and energy to develop, support and continue the publication of magazine. It should be properly designed and be a strong voice of forest officers to protect their rights and discourage their bad activities. Please forward to all concerned. Regards: Taj Muhammad
Dear Naeem Javid Sb. Assalam O Alikum, I am writing today to let you know how much I appreciate Balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department Monthly Magazine, This will be the landmark towards the conservation and sustainable development of the valuable natural resources of the Land of Hospitality, Baluchistan InshAllah. I amazed when I receive the magazine and see all that is being done under your kind supervision and contribution. The valuable contents of the magazine are also boosting the knowledge of Field officers/Managers. Once again I congratulate you and your team for producing this magnificent piece of Work, Jazakallah. Best of Luck & Best Regards Ajaz Ahmad (Project Coordinator/ Biodiversity Specialist Empowering Community Conserved Areas for Wildlife Conservation). LEAD Pakistan, Chitral 5
Dear Javed sb It is significant milestone and a very important effort on the part of young Forest Officers. I can confidently expect a good future of Forest service and conservation of depleting natural resources in case Officers like you contribute diligently. Please accept my heart filled congratulations. I wish you should be proud future of BF&WD. Best of luck and keep endearing the hearts and minds by doing your best. I wish no compromise with the protection and conservation interventions where deemed necessary by all your colleagues and fellow foresters in the Department. With profound regards, best wishes and prayers Abdul Jabbar
Dear Naeem Sb, Thanks indeed for sharing this; it's an appreciable idea. Hats off to you and Mengal Sb. All my photos are available for such initiative(s); you're free to choose and pick any. I can contribute in funds or kind. Grateful! Aziz Ahmad Jamali
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The BFWD Monthly Magazine Team is really thankful to all who provided their valuable suggestions and let us know our shortcomings and ideas for the betterment and improvement of the magazine. We’ll always look forward for suggestions and feedback. Best regards.
That's a brave start. Your services to this department can't be count, A hard worker and nature lover. No words to cover your efforts keep it up brother. That is great initiatives and would like to see all foresters of Balochistan contributing towards it. _
Saeed Ahmed Dummar
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Nice and appreciable work keep it up. Regards Sharif-ud-Din Baloch Conservator Wildlife & National Parks Balochistan, Quetta
March 2015
MARSH CROCODILE OF HINGOL RIVER BFWD Monthly Magazine
Introduction
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he marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a carnivore Reptile of fresh waters found in lakes, rivers and marshes. Marsh Crocodiles prefer slow moving, shallower bodies of water rather than fast flowing, deep areas. They are also known to thrive in manmade reservoirs and irrigated canals. Although it prefers fresh water but have some toler-
In Balochistan Province the marsh crocodile is mainly found in the Hingol River (Hingol National Park and Lasbela District), Dasht River (Kech District), Nahang River (along the border with Iran) and Nari Gauge River (Sibi District). In Pakistan the population of Marsh crocodile is estimated up to 600 individuals (de Silva and Lenin 2010).
ance to salt water as well.
Marsh crocodiles are mainly found in South Asian countries such as Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.. The status of Marsh Crocodile according to the IUCN Red List is VULNERABLE.
Ovais Akbar Divisional Forest Officer
Do you know? 
Marsh Crocodile is the National Reptile of Pakistan
In Pakistan the Marsh Crocodile is mainly found in Sindh and Balochistan Province.
The estimated population of Marsh Crocodile in Sindh is 160 while in Hingol River the estimated population of Marsh Crocodile is 64, while only 24 were seen there (Source Sindh Wildlife Department), around 200 -250 Marsh Crocodiles are found along the Iran Balochistan Border areas in different Rivers. The overall population is increasing due to many conservation activities in Sindh Province. Marsh Crocodile of Hingol—Pic by Author
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Salient features of the Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) of Hingol River The Marsh Crocodile also known as Mugger Crocodile (Waagu in Brhavi language) (The National Reptile of Pakistan) is a Carnivore Reptile found in the Hingol River which flows in the Lasbela District and Hingol National Park. The Hingol River is 350 miles (560 km) long, the longest in Balochistan. It winds through the Makran Coastal Range and Hingol Valley be-
Hingol River by visual estimation is 9-10 feet long. The colour of Marsh Crocodile adult is generally grey to brown. The male Marsh Crocodile reaches the maturity at the age of 10 years and the female Marsh Crocodile
tween high cliffs and ultimately meets Arabian Sea. Male Marsh Crocodile is larger in size as compare to the Female Marsh Crocodile. The average length of the male marsh crocodile is 3.2 meters (10 feet) and the average length of the female Marsh Crocodile is 2.4 meters (8 feet). The weight of an average male of this size will be 200-250 Kgs, weight may differ with varying size. The largest crocodile seen in
the genes but by the temperature the eggs are hatched at. At 32.5 C and above the babies will be male and at 28 – 31 C the babies will be female. When the eggs are hatched the mother transport the babies in her mouth to the water and protect them. The Marsh Crocodiles are much less likely to attack on human than other crocodiles because of their less ag-
gressiveness.
reaches the maturity at the age of 6 years. Reproduction takes place during the dry season that is from the months of December to February. The female lay eggs in the nest which is a hole dug on the slopping banks in the sand (ground). The female Marsh Crocodile lay 3-40 eggs in the nest and is extremely protective to her eggs and will attack anything that comes close to the nest. One interesting thing about crocodiles is that the sex of the babies is determined not by
The Marsh Crocodiles of Hingol National Park mainly feed on the wild and domestic mammals (such as Ibex, Urial, Chinkara, domestic goat and sheep), Fish, Snakes, Turtle and Migratory Birds (such as Cranes, Ducks, Pelicans and Flamingos etc.). The Marsh Crocodile stay in the water camouflaged, when the pray approaches to drink are attacked and catch it with its strong jaws having huge biting force and hold it with its 68 teeth and drag the pray into the water to be drowned and tore into pieces.
Threats to Marsh Crocodile in Hingol River The main threats to the Marsh Crocodile in Hingol River are mainly illegal Hunting for Crocodile Hides, Drought, Habitat disturbance, collection of
its eggs, eating of eggs by feral dogs, Pollution and manmade engineering structures such as dams etc. There is no such steps taken in entire Balochistan by
the Government for the Census, Conservation and Protection of Marsh Crocodiles of Hingol River and entire Balochistan.
marsh crocodiles. These reptiles used to be part of the river ecosystem of Balochistan and now the situation is that the marsh crocodiles are at high
risk and the conservation is the need of the hour.
Conclusion The protected areas in Pakistan lack proper management systems and do not adequately cover the critical habitats and important species such as the
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MARSH CROCODILE OF HINGOL RIVER
Spring Tree Planting Campaign 2015 A single tree produces about 117 kg of Oxygen a year. That means two mature trees can supply enough oxygen to support a family of four. Trees present on one acre area reduce about 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide. Tree are also a source to control sound pollution just like these control air, soil and water pollution. The forest ecosystem provides protection, Habitat, water, fuel and food security for over 2 billion people. Did u know? It costs 38 Trillion dollars to create OXYGEN for 6 months for all Human Balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department Monthly Magazine
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March 2015
MANGROVE FORESTS OF BALOCHISTAN BFWD Monthly Magazine
Introduction
Muhammad Amin Mengal Conservator of Forests Kalat Division
Pakistan boarders the Arabian Sea with a coastline stretching up to 990 Km spread along the Sindh and Balochistan Provinces. Out of 990km, 760 km of coast lies within the province of Balochistan. The coastal line of Balochistan extends from Hub River to the Iranian border encompassing uplifted mountains and platforms separated by scalloped bays, wide sandy plains, salt marshes and lagoons. It is divided into Lasbela plains(extending between Hub River and Ras Ma-
lan) and Makran (extending between Ras Malan and the Iranian border). The Mangrove Forests also known as Littoral and Swamp Forests exists in these Coastal areas of Balochistan. The dense forests of Mangrove are found at Tehsil Sonmiani/ Daam of District Lasbela which covers an area of about 4000 ha. In Gwadar district Mangroves are found in Kalmat lagoon which is 80 Km. from Pasni and the areas are Chandi, Shadi Khour, Makola,
Kawari, Mal and Balaro. In Jiwani there are small pockets of Mangrove Forests. The exact area of Mangrove in these areas is not known. Although Balochistan Forest Department, IUCN, WWF, Wetlands, MFF, and other local NGOs are working in this field but all the organizations are working at their own level and therefore the coordination and ownership are lacking. Which is the major reason for slow development in this field.
Mangrove Forests of Sonmiani/ Daam Sonmiani is a Tehsil of District Lasbela and is at a distance of 45 Km from Uthal. Two protected forests namely Ghuruchella and Pir Hayyat/ Ara pir exists in the area of Daam. Winder and Porali rivers fall
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in this estuary. The total area of these forests is about 400 Acres. In past the Balochistan Forest Department had launched a no. of development schemes in these areas to enhance the Forest cover
of Mangroves and to aware the local communities to protect these Forests at their own level. Recently a new scheme is also in progress to achieve the same objectives.
MANGROVE FORESTS OF BALOCHISTAN
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Inside Story Headline For the better protection and management of Mangroves and also to enhance its cover, the Balochistan Forest Department had notify a new Forest Circle namely Coastal
Forest Circle for this purpose. The Forest department has now planned to plant about 300,0000/ plants of Mangroves in these areas which is start of a new journey.
There are many opportunities in these forests for eco-tourism like feelings of wilderness, sighting of Dolphins and other migratory birds, fishing and picnic.
SPECIES & METHOD OF GERMINATION Daam is the only place in Pakistan where three species of Mangroves are found namely: 1. Avicenna marina (Timar) germinate by seeds which will ripe in the month October to November and by wildling. 2. Rhizophora mucronata (Kumri) germinate only by Propagules
3. Ceriops tagal germinate by Propagules.
SEASON OF PLANATION There are two seasons for planting of Mangrove plants which are: 1. November to January (Wildlings of Avicenna marina) 2. May to August (Propagules)
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BFWD Monthly Magazine
Harboi Juniper Forest March 2015
Introduction
By Sher Ahmed
T
Divisional Forest Officer Kalat
he word Harboi is derived from two Persian words ‘Har’ meaning ‘all’ and ‘Boi’ meaning ‘scent’. Thus Harboi means an area with all scents. It is the home of 2nd largest tract occupied by the Juniper Forest in Balochistan. The common vegetation is ’juniper’ with open canopy and bush like form is quite different from its tree variety in Ziarat. As juniper tree grow slowly therefore these forests are very old and belong to old age plant communities. Some of the associated plants of junipers are of a high medicinal value like Ephedra. The local people use plants as indigenous treatment for a variety of disease.
Geography LOCATION: The Harboi Hill Range is situated at a distance of about 35 km in the south-east of Kalat. It lies in between Surab valley on the west and the Soindar river basin on the east. In south the range reaches towards the Zehri valley and Anjira. Harboi hill range forms part of the great masses of mountains which stretches across the highest plateau of Balochistan, through Quetta, Mastung to Khurasan
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and then Ghazni. PEAKS: Harboi contains some of the highest peaks in Jhalawan area ie Hamandu Kushta 9040 ft, Muhammad Tawa 9622 ft, Zendani 9424 ft and Golik 9278 ft, Langari, Kuni, Pundran, Nichara, and Ameri. CLIMATE: The valley has attributes of dry temperate climatic zones therefore the winter season is very
cold. In winter the temperature remains below freezing point. The hills receive good snow fall during winter. In the summer the temperature hardly exceeds 35 C. The average rainfall is 7-10 inches annually. SPRINGS: The springs found in the area are namely Phoodgali, Kakavi, Soro, Zaindan, Yakho, and Duni.
Harboi Forest Area Notification Harboi Forest extends over and area of 160000 acres (excluding 45000 acres of shakari forest) while according to Government of West Pakistan’s Notification No. AgriSOFT-V-29/63 dated 31st January only 55230 acres has been notified as Protected Forest under the Forest Act 1927.
The Forest Area after the Devolution of Power Plan 2001 being managed under the Provincial Control through Deputy Conservator of Forests Quetta. While recently the area is controlled by Kalat Forrest Division. The area has only four (4) Forest Guards.
Salient Features Harboi Forest gained its important through Juniper Forest Trees considered some 2500 years old. Some broad leave
species like Fraxinus xanthoxyloides, Pistacia atlantica spp are also associated with these forests.
Flora List of Trees
Juniperus excelsa
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S. No
Botanical Name
Vernacular Name
1.
Juniperus excelsa
Apurs/Sanober
2.
Fraxinus xanthoxyloides
Sheeshar/Wild Ash
3.
Pistacia khinjuk
Gowon/Shinay
4.
Prunus smygdalus
Jangli Cherri
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Pistacia altantica
—-
6.
P. cabulica
—-
7.
Olea ferruginea
Khat/Jangli zatoon
8.
Ficus carica
Koah-e-anjeer
Harboi Juniper Forest
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Harboi Juniper Forest
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Management Problems 1.
Tribal rivalry which has created law and order situation and made conditions no conducive for field protection staff.
2.
Drought
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Change in Forest Density due to increasing human demand for fuel wood etc and sub-sequent increase in grazing by livestock.
4.
Shortage of staff.
5.
Shortage of vehicle for forest staff to control of illegal hunting, uncontrolled grazing and illicit cuttings of trees.
6.
Non-availability of infrastructure.
Present Activities The area is under mandate of Balochistan For- Reserve Tree. However with the rapid increase est and Wildlife Department. Since it was noti- in population and un-employment the presfied State Forest under Forest Act 1927 by sure on these forests is increasing day by day. virtue of this the tree has enjoyed status of
Proposed Future Interventions The Harboi State Forest and other adjoining rand land not only provides fodder for the livestock of the people but also it caters the local people demands in getting fuel wood and timber. The growing population and unemployment pressure ratio is increasing thus these forests are going into further pressures. Therefore it has become essential that a conservation policy having amalgamation of traditional and modern approaches may be adopted if this 2nd largest Juniper tract of the Province is to be conserved for the coming generations. Following interventions are proposed:
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1.
The Juniper Forest of Harboi may be declared as National Cultural Heritage by declaring it as National Park which would be governed through Community Participations. A committee / Village Conservation Committee comprising of Government Officers/ officials and tribal representatives. In this way there may arise possibilities where the Govt may approach UNESCO so that it can be included in the Biosphere Reserve Program of World Heritage.
2.
The area of Harboi is full of mesmerizing Scenic Beauty which is not yet explored by the tourists. Even most of the people are unaware that a heaven having pleasant climate and natural springs is located near Quetta-Karachi highway. If they knew about it, they would have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. Therefore, keeping in mind the potential of Harboi it is necessary that the condition of the gravel road may be developed that is leading to Harboi and visitor huts may be constructed at suitable locations.
3.
Harboi State Forest is home and provides fodder and shelter to a variety of Wildlife. In the 60s and 70s big herds of wild animals like Ibex and Urial roamed in the valleys of Kalat District, however, due to intensive hunting the huge herds have shrunk into few numbers which roam in the rugged mountains of the range. Now the remaining number of these, which are at the verge of its extinction, will be saved from entire annihilation unless it is declared a National Park and Community based management plan ie Trophy Hunting is launched in the area.
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Tamarix Aphylla (l.) karst. BFWD Monthly Magazine
An Introduction to Tamarix aphylla COMMON NAMES: Frash, Ghaz, Khaggal, Tamarisk.
DESCRIPTION: An erect medium to large sized evergreen tree. It reaches heights of 10 to 18 m with diameters of 1 m, and has a non-spreading crown. The leaves are minute and scale like. The white, minute flowers are borne in spikes and arranged in panicles. Flowers occurs between December and January. DISTRIBUTION: The tree is native to the Middle East including Pakistan, central Asia, North Africa and Arabia. In Pakistan it is common to the plains of the Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and NWFP. Extensively planted in the sand dune area of Thal desert. HABITAT AND ECOLOGY: A strongly intolerant tree that grows well on well drained sandy soils and can tolerate highly saline/sodic sites. It is adapted to a precipitation zone of 100 to 500 mm/yr with prolonged periods of draught. It has a temperature range of -1 to 500 C and is frost hardy. It prefers a arid to hot sub-tropical winter monsoon climate and usually occurs at elevations below 600 m. It is disease and insect free with the exception of some minor gall forming insects. REPRODUCTION: It is reproduced from cuttings and root suckers, rarely from seed. Seed is small and produced in large numbers. Natural regeneration is common and very dense.
This is a very valuable tree in arid areas. It can withstand extreme temperatures and saline/soil and water conditions. It is also useful for the stabilization of sand dunes and in shelter belts. A simple coppice system can be used to produce considerable amounts of firewood under a rotation of 20 years. 19
March 2015
GRAIN: Straight to twisted fibrous, coarse and uneven textured. COLOR: White, with a yellowish tinge. DENSITY: Specific gravity of 0.68 and a calorific value of 4835 kcal/kg. STRENGTH: Moderately hard, heavy and nondurable.
Carpentry, agriculture implements, fuelwood, shelter belts, charcoal, tannin, erosion control, and sand dune stabilization.
References & Courtesy:
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1.
Sheikh,.M.I. (1993) Trees of Pakistan
2.
http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?object_id=85746&flora_id=5
March 2015
By Mehmood Khan
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URSUS THIBETANUS GEDROSIANUS
BFWD Monthly Magazine
Sub Divisional Officer, Wildlife
Introduction Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus is a zoological name of Balochistan Black Bear, which is a
subspecies of Ursus thibetanus and classified by Blanford in 1877.
Taxonomy Six species have been combined into one ic black bear and Brown bear. (Ellerman and genus Ursus, including the Sloth bear, Asiat- Morrison Scott; 1965) . Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
ANIMALIA
CHORDATA
MAMMALIA
CARNIVORA
URSIDAE
Scientific Name:
Ursus thibetanus
Species Authority:
G. [Baron] Cuvier, 1823
Common Names: Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Black Bear
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URSUS THIBETANUS GEDROSIANUS
Description In the northern regions of Pakistan this bear has dense shiny black fur which reaches a length of up to 50 mm (2 In) in the back region. However, there is no under wool in Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus. There is a conspicuous creamy yellow "V" extending from sternum up to the armpits. Rest of the body is black except the muzzle, which is reddish
brown. The claws on the fore feet are horny black in colour, being shorter and sharply recurved than those of Ursus arctos. Therefore, they are better adapted to climb tree than digging. The tail measures 75-100 mm (3 -4 In) in length. Both fore and hind limb bear five digits.
Inside Story Headline
Creamy yellow "V" extending from sternum The four paws are powerfully developed. According to Col. Stockley (1962) males are larger in size than females. Col. Stockley records large male weighted 173 Kg (384 lb) and adult The female 47 Kg (105 lb). subspecies Balochistan Bear (Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus) is mainly distinguished by its much smaller size. An adult male killed in July 1969 measured 1.67 m (66 In) head and body length with the tail 80 cm (31.4 In) hind foot 18.4 cm (7.25 In) the ear 22
10. 3 c m (4 . 1 2 In ). Thi s spe cim en ha d a relatively restricked cream coloured mark on its chest. The Balochistan subspecies has comparatively short coarse fur and quite often it gets bleached to a reddish brown colour. A live captive specimen seen by J.A.W. Anderson in 1968 was dark reddish brown rather than black. Another fresh killed specimen seen in the late 1950s at Khuzdar was reddish brown in colouration by S.M. Irshad, Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife,
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Distribution and Status The preferred habitat of the bear is moist temperate forest, but it also can survive in tropical pine forest and try temperate forest.
wrestle with their keeper and frequently for staged dog fights. The report reveals that an average of 115 bear cubs are captured each year within Pakistan which pass through the At one time, it appears to have had a continues hands of dealers who sell them for three distribution through the dry mountain steppe thousands rupees each to the Qalandars. Yet forest to the west of the Indus extending no survey has been through the Khyber conducted at Pakhtoonkhwa and Balochistan for Balochistan knowing existence of province. The Balochistan bear.In Balochistan 1930s Col. Stockley subspecies in now records the mainly confined to occurring of arid sub tropical Balochistan bear in thorn forest in Kuchmina valley southern Balochistan and in the hills west in regions typically of the Zhob valley. associated with There is some Mazri Palm evidence that a few (Nannorrhops Black bears still ritchieanna). In the survive in the 1970s there were still Shingar Range north reports of Black of Zhob valley Bears surviving in (Islam Khan the juniper forest Divisional Forest zone on the flanks of Officer Wildlife, Khalifat in north Loralai 1972 pers. Picture by Author cental comm). There is Balochistan. also some evidence that a few survive in the There is plenty of evidence that the black bear Takht-i-Suleiman where Hamid Ali Divisional is much reduced in all regions of former Forest Officer Wildlife, found bear droppings occurrence during the past several decades, in 1971 in blue pine forest (Pinus wallichiana). and this is directly related to the great increase In 1951 a Black bear was observed in north in the human population in these regions east Balchistan at Wam Tangi north of Harnai coupled with the increase in the number of (S.M. Irshad Divisonal Forest Officer, Wildlife firearms available to people living in the hill pers comm) and in 1972 there were two tracks. A survey conducted by WWF Pakistan sightings of bear in this region, one on the (Farooq and Inayatullah Chaudry, 1993) has north slope of Khalifat and one near Ziarat. In revealed that there were no less than 1607 November, 2013 Balochistan Bear was sighted captive Himalayan Black bears in the by Sub Divisional Officer, Wildlife Mehmood possession of nomadic gypsies known as Khan during Ungulate survey at Shair Khan "Qalandars" who earn a living exhibiting the wal Khalifat. Feaces were collected and Snaps bears in rural areas, trained to dance and of track were captured. 23
BFWD Monthly Magazine The main population of Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus appears to be around the hills to the south of Khuzdar as well ass the hills south west of Kharan. Afew may still survive in the Pab Range of the hills in Lasbela as well as in the Jhal Jao hills to the north east of Kalat.
doubt that firearms, being more commonly available in these hill regions.
It has been listed in the IUCN RED DATA BOOK. In Balochistan Wildlife Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management Act, 2014 the black bear is kept in 3rd Schedule with all other The black bear has been ruthlessly hunted Protected Wild animals, which shall not wherever it occurs because of its be hunted, killed, trapped, captured or depredations to crops and there is no traded.
Biology
Endeavor to protect Forests and Wildlife
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Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus is more nocturnal than the brown bear. They climb trees freely in order to forage. The Balochistan bear is known to eat the fruit of the ber (Zizyphus nummularia) and the Russian Olive (Eleagnus hortensis) They also eat the starchy rhizomatous stems of Mazri (Nannorrhops ritchieana). In some areas they are seen eating grass (Dr. Schaller, in litt 1973). Black bear attacks if suddenly disturbed. When fighting or attacking this bear makes lighting swipes with its fore paws and it can inflict terrible injuries with its claws. Their eyesight is considered to be rather weak. If they
encounter any object they generally approach closer in order to pick up and identify the scent, not relying much upon their eyesight. Mating is believed to take place in October and young cubs born in February. The cubs are blind at birth. They stay with their mother through out summer. Sexual maturity is reached at about three years and lives as much as thirty three years (Nowak 1991). In himalayas this bear generally goes into hibernation in winter but there is no evidence whether the Balochistan subspecies hibernates or not.
When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.
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BFWD Monthly Magazine
Is CO2 main culprit of global warming or not? By
March 2015
Badar-Un-Nissa Khan
Is
surrounding we have a large number of nutrients but not all of equal importance, few are micro and other CO2 main culprit of global warming or not? are macro similarly their ratio in our diet matters a Recently this is very debatable topic, one group says lot. If one exceed its normal limit cause in ill factor of CO2 is a normal gas like hydrogen, nitrogen and body functioning. Similarly CO2 is main culprit for oxygen and not a reason of recent global warming causing global warming due to presence of carbon but there is group of believers that admit CO2 as which is main building block of nature and nature culpable and I am believer of second group. To satis- believes on balance of every thing. fies them I have a small logical reason as in our
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a slightly toxic, odorless, colorless gas with a slightly pungent, acid taste. it is currently occurring at an average concentration of about 390 parts per million by volume or 591 parts per million by mass. CO2 gas is 1.5 times as heavy as air, thus if released to the air it will concentrate at 26
low elevations. Warmer air temperatures would result in increased surface-water temperatures, decreased duration of ice cover and, in some cases, lower water levels. These changes may contribute to decreased concentrations of dissolved oxygen.
Global warming is also by the result of an excess of greenhouse gases, by destroying tropical rainforest’s, which threatens to change climate in an unprecedented manner.. Heat from the sun, reflected back from the earth, is trapped in this thickening layer of gases and global temperatures rise as a result.
Carbon dioxide is constantly being exchanged among the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface as it is both produced and absorbed by many microorganisms, plants, and animals. However, emissions and removal of CO2 by these natural processes tend to balance. Since the Industrial Revolution began
around 1750, human activities have contributed substantially to climate change by adding CO2 and other heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere
We have to go for tree planting campaigns, we have to celebrate World Environment Day with zeal and enthusiasm, promote and aware people of the rising Global Warming issues.
Badar-Un-Nissa Khan has written numerous articles on different issues especially on
climate and environment in different periodicals of Pakistan.
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Trees have a big role to play in life on earth and are basically the only reason we’re alive right now. Its very common that trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, convert it into carbon and oxygen which is stored as carbohydrates and sugar, and release oxygen back into
the atmosphere, so they acts as lungs of earth and purify the atmosphere from toxic corresponding gas, that is main culprit for global warming.
Global temperature is increasing rapidly day by day is a normal scenario in current situations, unfortunately alone we can do
nothing , but by a team we can do much more and save our mother (earth) by curing its lungs and that is possible by
Air combination also disturbed by theses climatic chain pummels chain reaction In addition, the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the atmosphere has declined as CO2 has increased; this is as
Is CO2 main culprit of global warming or not?
expected because oxygen is depleted when fossil fuels are burned. The Southern Ocean is the largest of these ocean carbon sinks, soaking up about 40 percent of mankind’s CO2 absorbed by the seas. According to an estimation Future CO2 ranges will presumably continue to rise at a rate of about 2 ppm per year in the near term.
increasing number of trees .
“IMAGINE IF TREES GAVE OFF WI-FI SIGNALS WE WOULD BE PLANTING SO MANY TREE AND WE’D PROBABLY SAVE THE PLANET TOO. TOO BAD THEY ONLY PRODUCE THE OXYGEN WE BREATHE”.
A beautiful Acacia Tree en-route Moola—Khuzdar District.
Pic courtesy: Aziz Ahmad Jamali Deputy Commissioner Awaran
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BFWD Monthly Magazine
March 2015
P
rincess of Hope : A 740 year old wonder "Princess of Hope" near Ormarah in Balochistan, Pakistan. It was found in Hingol National Park lies on the Makran Coast in Balochistan and approximately 275 km from Karachi, Pakistan. The name Princess of Hope was given by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie on her visit to this area acting as the UN Human Rights Ambassadors of Good-
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Inauguration of Spring Tree Planting Campaign (STPC) -2015 by PM Pakistan. On the occasion Secretary Forest and Wildlife Mr. Khuda-e-Rahim Ejbani (extreme left), Advisor to Forest and Wildlife Mr. Ubaid-ullah Babat (second left) were present.
Spring Tree Planting Campaign (STPC) 2015. Inaugurated by worthy Commissioner Kalat Division Dr, Akbar Harifal at Divisional secretariat Khuzdar on 18-02-2015. Mr. Amin Mengal Conservator of Forests Kalat Division is present on the occasion (second left). 30
Honorable Chief Justice of Balochistan Mr Noor Muhammad inaugurating the STPC. On the occasion, Mr. Khalid Langove Registrar HCB, DC Kharan Abdul Raziq Dilawari, and Nazir Ahmed Divisional Forest Officer Kharan (center) were present.
STPC Inauguration By Assistant commissioner Killa Saif Ullah Hamid Ur Rehman Khatak, Town Committee Chairman Haji Dara Khan , Deputy Chairman Saeed Akbar Khan, Range Forest Officer Killa saif ullah Muhammad Anwar Kakar And Sub Divisional Officer Wildlife Haji Rehmat Ullah Khan 31
Musakhel District—Pic by Saeed Ahmed Dumar
BFWD Monthly Magazine
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