A comprehensive biodiversity survey is underway in Punjab, covering the province’s wildlife, flora, and fauna under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) National Survey Programme. After completing assessments of terrestrial and aquatic reptiles, experts say that nearly 90 percent of the flora survey has also been finalized, while the migratory bird census is expected to begin on October 2. However, biologists warn that the recent floods could distort bird population estimates due to significant ecological disruptions across aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
According to National Manager of the IUCN Survey Project Asim Jamal, four of the five ecological zones in Punjab have been fully surveyed so far. “Reptile surveys were conducted during the monsoon season when most species emerge from underground habitats,” he explained. “The flora assessment is almost complete, and the bird survey is scheduled for the third week of October.”
Jamal cautioned that the floods had disturbed migratory bird habitats, complicating efforts to record accurate species counts. “The first survey will provide baseline data, but to understand true trends in breeding, migration, and survival, at least three consecutive years of data collection are essential,” he added.
Director of the Punjab Wildlife Survey Programme and Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger Mudassar Hassan, confirmed that the project will conclude by June 30, 2026. “This is the first time a province-wide, scientifically structured wildlife and flora survey is being conducted using advanced equipment,” he said. “In the past, the Wildlife Department relied on limited field data, but the IUCN Red List requires extensive, high-quality datasets.”
Read: Floods ravage fragile wildlife habitats
Several rare and endangered species from Punjab are already listed in the IUCN Red List, including the Indus dolphin, marsh crocodile, Indian pangolin, barasingha, Punjab urial, chinkara, nilgai, and dhole (wild dog). Among birds, the houbara bustard, white-rumped vulture, long-billed vulture, red-headed vulture, and white-headed duck are categorized as vulnerable or endangered. The region’s flora includes rare coral plant species, while reptiles such as the black pond turtle and gharial are also part of the index.
Head of the University of Punjab Zoology Department Dr Zulfiqar Ali, head of the Zoology Department at the University of the Punjab, suggested delaying the migratory bird survey to November, when most species have settled in their temporary habitats. “Although floods have impacted certain ecological zones, the majority of survey sites remain unaffected,” he noted. “Migratory birds typically roost downstream along river systems, assessing water conditions before landing.”
Jamal further emphasized that relying solely on a one-time survey would be counterproductive. He has recommended that the Wildlife Department train its staff in modern data collection techniques to enable long-term, locally led monitoring. The Secretary for Forests and Wildlife and Director General Wildlife Punjab have reportedly endorsed this plan, with training sessions for field staff already in progress.
Experts believe that if the three-year consecutive surveys are completed successfully, Punjab will have its first internationally recognized biodiversity database one that could serve as a foundational reference for regional conservation and environmental policy.
