Re-introducing Viable Populations of the Greater One-horned Rhino and the Cheetah into Pakistan
Re-Wild Pakistan
Re-Wild Pakistan
Re-Wild Pakistan Re-introducing Viable Populations of the Greater One-horned Rhino and the Cheetah into Pakistan
Programme Overview
Our Re-Wild Pakistan programme will re-introduce species that were historically widespread across the continent but are now locally extinct in Pakistan. Pakistan is considered one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots, but consistent with the global trend of biodiversity loss, the country’s rich biodiversity is under threat. Biodiversity in all provinces of Pakistan provide ecosystem services in the form of ecological and economic support to rural communities, with agro-biodiversity alone employing 39% of Pakistan’s labour force.
Main Objectives
1. Furthering Pakistan’s agenda for biodiversity restoration
Our species re-introduction programme will fall under the existing efforts of the government to restore Pakistan’s ecosystems through initiatives such as the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme and the Protected Areas Initiative.
A successful species re-introduction will be a landmark achievement for Pakistan and will showcase the country’s commitment to tackling the global biodiversity and climate crises.
2. Conserving endangered species in restored habitats
Our programme aims to re-establish viable populations of two globally vulnerable species in restored ecosystems in Pakistan: the Greater One-horned Rhino and Cheetah.
The reintroduction will closely follow methodologies set out by the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s (SSC) Conservation Translocation Specialist Group across all elements of the programme
Programme Methodology
Technical field assessments to determine viability of sites for reintroduction – taking into account historical distribution and suitable esosystems.
Activities to restore habitats and build the wildlife carrying capacity of shortlisted sites over a span of years.
A small number of animals will be sourced from the global captive population – with additional animals reintroduced preiodically over the years.
Long-term conservation of the species – over the year some of the offspring may be returned to the global population to maintain optimal carrying capacity.
Programme Methodology
Technical field assessments to determine viability of sites for reintroduction – taking into account historical distribution and suitable esosystems.
Activities to restore habitats and build the wildlife carrying capacity of shortlisted sites over a span of years.
A small number of animals will be sourced from the global captive population – with additional animals reintroduced preiodically over the years.
Long-term conservation of the species – over the year some of the offspring may be returned to the global population to maintain optimal carrying capacity.
Programme Sites
In selecting sites, our programme will assess wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to select those offering a balance between optimal ecosystem and long-term sustainability
Our Partners
