Assalam O Alaikum.

Hello Steemit friends i hope you are all doing well. Today i wants to participated in this contest to talk about the protected animals in my country Pakistan. Its important to be awares of the animals that are at risk of extinctions and understand the reasons why in Pakistan there are several animals that needs protection due to environmental changes and illegal hunting. By participating in this contest i hoped to raise awareness and share information about these unique animals.

Protected Animals in Pakistan.

In Pakistan many animals are facing the risk of extinctions due to habitats loss illegal hunting and environmental changes some of these animals are protected by law because they are importants to the regions wildlife. These animals included the snow leopard the markhor and the bear. These species are not only rares but also serves as symbols of the country natural beauties and biodiversities. Lets take a closered look at each of these animals and the efforts to protected them.

Snow Leopard.

The snow leopard is one of the most iconics animals of Pakistan founds in the mountains regions of Gilgit baltistan the snow leopard is known for its thick furs long tail and ability to survived in harsh cold environments. Sadly this majestic creature is under threat due to habitat destruction climate change and poaching. Poachers hunt snow leopards for their beautiful fur which can fetch a high priced in the black markets.

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The snow leopards population in Pakistan is declined rapidly with only about 200 to 400 individuals lefts in the wild. The Internationals Unions for Conservation of Nature has listed the snow leopards as a vulnerable species. However in Pakistan the snow leopards is protects under the Pakistan Wildlifes Protection Ordinance of 1979 which makes it illegally to hunt or trade this animal. Efforts are being made to conserve its habitat through protected areas and conservation projects.

Markhor.

The markhor is Pakistans national animals and a symbol of strength and couraged it is a type of wild goat that can be founded in the northern and western mountainous regions of Pakistan including the Chitral and Gilgit areas. Markhors are famous for their impressived twisted horns which can grow up to 1.5 meters long. Howevers this beautiful animal has faced threats due to illegal hunting and habitat loss.

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The markhor population was once critically endangered but due to successful conservation efforts its status has improved. The Markhor Conservation Program and local community involvement have helped increase the population. In Pakistan the markhor is protected under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Protection Act of 2015 which prohibits hunting without a special license. Today markhors are also considered a symbol of wildlife conservation success in Pakistan.

Bear.

Pakistan is home to severals species of bears including the Himalayas brown bear and the Asiatic black bears these bears lives in the northern regions such as the Deosai Plains and Kashmir areas. Unfortunately bears in Pakistan face several threats including illegal hunting for their body parts which are used in traditional medicines. Additionally habitat destruction due to deforestation and human encroachment has greatly reduced their living spaces.

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Bears are protects under the Wildlifes Protection Ordinance of 1979 in Pakistan efforts are beings made to created protected zones for these animals such as the Deosai National Parks which is one of the key areas for the conservations of the Himalayan brown bears. Despited these efforts the population of bears in Pakistan is still low and continuous protection is needed to prevent their extinction.

Causes of Habitat and Environmental Changes.

Several factors have contributed to the endangerment of these animals in Pakistan. Deforestation is one of the biggest caused of habitat loss as more forests are cleared for agricultured and urban developments animals like the snow leopard markhor and bears lose their natural homes. Climates changing also plays a role especially in the mountainous regions where changing temperatures and melting glaciers are affecting the ecosystem.

Illegal hunting is another major issue. Pochered targeted these animals for their fur horns or body parts which are sold on the black markets. Despited the laws in place illegal hunting continues to be a threat due to weak enforcement and lack of awareness.

Legal Status and Protection.

In Pakistan there are severals laws and ordinances aims at protecting wildlifes the Pakistan Wildlife Protections Ordinance of 1979 and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Protection Act of 2015 are two importants laws that prohibit the hunting and trades protected animals. Additionaly the governments has establishing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to conserve endangered species.

However the successful these laws depending on their enforcement and the involvements of local communities. onservation projects that involve the local population such as the Markhor Conservation Program have shown positive results. With proper education awareness and community participation we can ensure the survival of these beautiful creatures.

Conclusion.

In conclusion Pakistan is home to many unique animals but unfortunately some of them are at risk of extinction. The snow leopards markhor and bear are just a few examples of the animals that need our protections by raising awareness and supporting conservations efforts we can help preserved these species for future generations. Lets all do our part to protect the wildlife in our country.

I am inviting friends @sriiza @olesia @aviral123