SANA SAIF
KARACHI: As a prelude to an imminent ecological debacle, it has been noticed that parrots (Alexandraine Parakeets) have almost vanished from the firmament over Pakistan that it reigned for six million years.
Presently, four species of parrots are found in Pakistan: Alexandraine, Rose-Ringed, Plum-Headed & Slaty-Headed.
The most attractive and intelligent of these four species, Alexandraine is occasionally seen in Faisalabad, Gujarat, Kasur, Lahore, Sialkot and in few areas of Kashmir, KPK and Sindh.
These are nearing extinction because of over-industrialization, rampant deforestation and unbridled smuggling.
It is just about definite that next generation of Pakistanis will not be able to witness these green-plumed friends fathoming the sky high.
Over the last six million years Alexandraine Parakeets have braved untold ecological and climatic vicissitudes including thousands of deluges caused by the Arabian Sea & five rivers.
But it was carbon-monoxide, nitrogen and sulphur-emitting industrialization and the resulting deforestation carried out by human that has finally busted their spirit to endure.
Increasing poverty and unemployment also force people to cut trees for fuel. As a result today only three percent of Pakistan’s surface is covered by forests.
Parrots love to consume guavas but its trees are diminishing. Moreover, toxic chemicals are sprayed on the fruits rendering them inedible for the birds.
Due to some imprudent decision local environment-friendly trees are being replaced by imported harmful varieties like corynocarpus and eucalyptus.
International trade is a major reason of this species’ extinction.
Alexandraine Parakeets exports is banned since 2008. Hence its smuggling has become a lucrative business. In the international market a pair of Alexandrian parakeet fetches one million rupees. In Pakistan too a pair of these green pets is available for Rs. 25,000 to 40,000.
According to an estimate some two hundred thousand Alexandrian parakeet are kept in captivity here. In Pakistan commercial farming of parrots is carried out in some 5000 farms.
No university of Pakistan has ever endeavored to study the plight of the Alexandrian parakeet.
According to experts it takes two decades for revival of a species. It is imperative that research institutes collaborate with bodies like IUCN and WWF. Otherwise, one after other these species will disappear for ever.
Unfortunately, it has been noticed that after passing of 18th amendment provincial departments related to wildlife are reckoning themselves free of all obligations.
Breeding Behavior: In the wild, where parrots have to strive for food, they normally lay twice – five eggs in each clutch – a year.
In captivity where they get better full of nourishment food parrots lay repeated clutches of eggs – i.e.: Five eggs thrice a year.
