Punjab Establishes Indus Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary to Protect Endangered Freshwater Species and River Ecosystem
Protected Area Covers Critical Indus River Habitat Supporting Punjab’s Largest Population of Indus River Dolphins
The Punjab government has officially declared a key stretch of the Indus River as the Punjnad Indus River Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary, a major conservation initiative aimed at protecting Punjab’s largest population of the endangered Indus River dolphin and preserving its vital freshwater habitat.
The announcement has been welcomed by conservation organizations, including WWF-Pakistan, which described the designation as a significant milestone for dolphin conservation and the long-term protection of the Indus River ecosystem.
According to an official notification, the river section extending from Jambar-Bait Landi Patafi to Guddu Barrage has been designated a wildlife sanctuary under the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020. The protected area is intended to safeguard the natural habitat of the Indus River dolphin, along with other aquatic and wildlife species, while promoting biodiversity conservation across the region.
WWF-Pakistan stated that the new sanctuary strengthens Pakistan’s network of protected areas and demonstrates the country’s commitment to conserving biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems. The organization also acknowledged the efforts of Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb in facilitating the initiative.
Additional Chief of South Punjab Wildlife Rangers, Sheikh Muhammad Zahid, said the Punjnad-Guddu stretch of the Indus River represents the most important habitat for the Indus River dolphin in Punjab and supports the highest recorded population of the species in the province.
He noted that the river section provides suitable conditions for dolphin feeding, breeding, and movement, making legal protection of the area a critical conservation priority.
“The new wildlife sanctuary will not only help safeguard the natural habitat of the Indus River dolphin but will also strengthen the protection of the entire aquatic ecosystem of the Indus River, including native fish species and other aquatic life,” he said.
According to WWF-Pakistan, the Indus River remains the last major natural habitat of the endangered Indus River dolphin, one of the world’s rarest freshwater dolphin species. Conservation experts estimate that approximately 2,000 dolphins currently survive in the wild, highlighting the importance of protecting the species’ remaining habitat.
Environmental experts warn that changing river flows, water pollution, illegal hunting, and growing human activities continue to pose serious threats to the dolphin population and its ecosystem. However, they believe the establishment of the new wildlife sanctuary will strengthen ongoing conservation efforts and support the long-term survival of the species.
The designation of the Punjnad Indus River Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary is expected to enhance freshwater biodiversity conservation, strengthen ecosystem protection measures, and contribute to sustainable management of one of Pakistan’s most ecologically significant river habitats.
Read: China’s Yangtze River Fishing Ban Sparks Comeback of Endangered Finless Porpoises
