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Endangered species in the Karakorum Mountains: a threat to biodiversity in the Park

16.07.2012

Mining, uncontrolled deforestation and hunting. These are the factors that seriously threaten the biodiversity of the Karakorum Mountains home to 10 species of mammals and 12 species of birds in danger of extinction. The alarm has been launched in past days by Muhammad Zafar Khan, head of WWF in Pakistan. "The main problem - said Muhammad Zafar Khan at The Express Tribune - is that there is no check on the number of remaining populations of these species and it is difficult to develop proper protection programs. This huge park, 10 thousand square kilometers of extension, urgently needs of a management plan. "The main problems to be solved - said Zafar Khan - is the lack of alternative opportunities for mining companies that undermine the ecosystems where these species live, uncontrolled deforestation, and trophy big game hunting that produces strong revenue for some local communities".

Photo (c) James Tworow / Flickr