Inspection of Management Plan (2014 –

2020) at Taunsa Barrage Wild Life Sanctuary

(TBWS) Regarding Migratory Water-Birds
Census Through GIS Techniques.
Abdul Majid, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Muhammad Fahad
Center for Geographic Information System,
University of the Punjab

INTRODUCTION
In search of suitable weather, thousands of birds representing many species pass through Pakistan every year
staying temporarily at different lakes and water reservoirs. These migratory birds follow the Central Asian
Flyway(CAF), which comes under the Asia Pacific flyway and is one of the 3 major flyway regions of the globe.
This route from Siberia to various destinations in Pakistan over Karakorum, Hindukush and Suleiman ranges along
the Indus river down to delta is known as international Migratory Bird Route Number 4, also known as Green Route
or more commonly Indus Flyway. It has been estimated that about 1 million birds migrate by using this route.
The total number of bird species reported from Indo-Pak subcontinent is 2060 (Ali and Ripley, 1987); whereas, a
total of 656 bird species were reported from Pakistan (Umar et al., 2018). Pakistan is included in the list of
countries which harbor more than 400 species of migratory birds (UNEP, 2014). There has been drastic decline in
the number of species making stopovers at water reservoirs in Pakistan (The Dawn, 2016).
The major risk to these migratory birds reported was habitat destruction and human activities i.e. hunting,
shooting, trapping and pesticides sprays.
The main factors of decline were low level of water and illegal hunting (Akbar et al., 2010) and the population of
these birds has declined by the destruction and degradation of favorable vegetated wetland habitats (Grimmet et
al., 2008).
One of the important riverine forest site, for migratory birds, with wetland is Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary
(TBWS). It is a protected site and falls under Indus Flyway route where migratory birds start coming in November;
February is peak time and by March they start flying back home. TBWS is declared as Ramsar Site and is also
designated as an “Important Bird Area” (IBA) by the Birdlife International.

BACKGROUND
This research will help to assess the annual change in birds’ species during and after the implementation of the
current management plan (2014-2020) and suggest necessary actions for conservation and protection of bird
population at Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary (TBWS).
Learning about population trends also identifies potential threats, is an important tool for conservation programs
of rare as well as common bird species. Pakistan harbors a wide range of ecosystems. The occurrence of more than
650 species of birds in three zoogeographical zones of Pakistan is unique in the world ( Mirza & Wasiq, 2007). Water
birds are important indicators for a healthier environment (Abdullah & Cheng, 2001) as they are one of the food
chain connections in ecological units (Thomas et al., 2004). Sparrows, Flycatchers and Green Beeeaters, for
example, eradicate insect species which may adversely affect agriculture and human health. Land birds provide
billions of dollars in ecosystem services as consumers of pest insects, dispersers, pollinators and predators of native
seeds (Butchart et al., 2010).
Population of numerous species of birds, however, are declining throughout the world and some of these becoming
locally extinct owing to the loss, fragmentation and degradation of their habitats (Hewson et al., 2007). In the near
future, climate changes, widespread habitat loss (Yasué & Dearden, 2006), increasing numbers of invasive species
and extinction may cause decline in bird population (Birdlife International, 2004). Bird extinctions and population
reductions during the 21st century may potentially disturb ecosystem processes and services (Luck et al., 2003).
Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) said: “The planet is
changing rapidly with shrinking bird habitats along all the global flyways. We need to take care of the ecosystems,
which support all life on Earth. If we commit ourselves to sustainable development and preserve the habitats that
we share with migratory birds, both wildlife and people will benefit, because their future is our future.”

Migration of birds and resting down at different stopovers in forests and water bodies shows the healthy
environment and favorable places for the nature. Birds stopping over at different locations in winter and breeding
season not only saves themselves but also contributes in the natural growth of native trees through seed
dispersion. Birds are valuable indicators of global paterns in biodiversity (Burgees et al., 2002). Environmentally
sound land use policies will deliver best for biodiversity and people, preserving migratory birds and the habitats
they depend on contributes to a sustainable future for all life on Earth.
Migrant birds are able to alter their migration routes in response to environmental changes and this might cause
the failure of a migration and subsequently an unproductive breeding season (Abidi and Nandipati 2007).

As wetlands atracts most of the migratory birds due to its food availability and easy hideouts, they need to be
managed properly. Wetlands are usually hard to manage because of difficulties in defining their boundaries.
Globally, wetlands are under heavy pressure. Despite the increasing recognition of the need to conserve wetlands,
losses have continued. One main reason is that wetlands throughout the world are considered by many to be of
litle or no value, or even at times to be of negative value. Wetlands provide many important services to human
society, but are at the same time ecologically sensitive and adaptive systems. This explains why in recent years
much atention has been directed towards the formulation and operation of sustainable management strategies for
wetlands (Turner et al., 2000).
Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary is managed as the flagship of a system of protected areas management in the
Punjab province under an approved Management Plan. Enabling environment for preservation and conservation of
TBWS has been developed with potential of further enhancement. Some specific objectives of the management
include to delineate the boundary of TBWS and its prime buffer zones, wetland conservation, Reintroduction of
species, habitat enrichment activities and the population management of wild animals in the area.
This research will help to assess the annual change in birds’ species at the study site during and after the
implementation of the current management plan (2014-2020) and suggest necessary actions for conservation and
protection of bird population at Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary (TBWS).

LITERATURE REVIEW

The research conducted in bird census is widespread in different types of waterbodies, wetlands and ramsar sites.

Guo et al (2003) conducted a research in Grasslands National Park (GNP) in Canada to map the declining bird
population through remote sensing. Birding surveys were conducted in the summer of 2003. Ten sites of 100 x
100m were initially selected. At each point observations (aurally and/or visually) were recorded within a 5min
interval, excluding flyovers. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) image was acquired and Selected vegetation indices
were calculated to investigate the relationships between spectral reflectance and the populations of four bird
species. Both birding survey and spectral plot data were averaged to site level for further statistical analyses.
Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed that particular spectral vegetation indices could provide moderately
accurate estimation of bird density. Results also showed that 43% to 53% variation in species density could be
explained by a single vegetation index when linear relationships were tested.

This study showed the potential to use remote sensing techniques for species at risk recovery plan development. To
understanding how remote sensing data can be used to predict bird populations, it is essential to understand the
relationships between birding habitat and birding population, as well as between grassland biophysical and spectral
characteristics.
Abdi and Nandipati (2007) researched on biodiversity modeling in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. The initial data that
they worked on was the common bird census including habitat characterizations and point counts by Portuguese
authorities. Two visits were made every year to the same predetermined points on the same dates of the breeding
season. Georeferenced topographic images were used and points were digitized. Geostatistical analysis including
IDW and OK interpolations were performed. Additional land cover information was used on the point data
generated and found out to be more useful. The research demonstrated the potential use of GIS in the prediction
of species diversity. It shown the importance of incorporating habitat data and coordinates into bird counts. IDW
and OK predicted almost similar paterns of the diversity of species at different habitats.

Furthermore, the research was conducted in the TBWS but with visual counting mechanisms and simple linear
regression models only.

Bibi et al (2016) analyzed the bird population in wintering season at Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary by direct
census methods describes by Bibi & Ali (2013). The study was carried out during 2002 and 2008 to 2011. The
survey points included island, river banks, surrounding fields and villages. For data collection, 28 visits were made
(at a strip of 9 km) upstream and downstream (3 km) of the barrage area. Survey was carried out in the morning
and late afternoon through binoculars with spotting scope magnification. The human impact and threats to bird
population was assessed by participatory human resource interaction. A series of simple linear regression trend
lines were used. The correlation between species and years was described by Schork & Remington (2010).

The results showed that out of 171 identified species, the population of 14 of them were found declining.
Minimum population was observed in the last years of research period 2010-2011. Two species drastically showed
100% decline in their population and 8 of them showed 75%+ decline. The research concluded that the trend in
bird population in the sanctuary is alarmingly declining.

Klejin et al (2013) conducted a research to show the change in water bird population at Ramsar wetlands than in
unprotected wetlands. The research was conducted in Morocco as it one of the important stopover and wintering
site for migratory birds. These sites either only Ramsar sites or Important Bird Areas (IAS). The bird population was
observed through high end binoculars and telescopes, total 1533 surveys at 209 different sites. Each site was
surveyed from 1 to 40 times. Analysis were made for the impact of conservation status on bird abundance. Habitat
quality and abundance of food supply was checked as they reflect the best sites.

The research concluded that the waterbird population was increasing subsequently in the Ramsar sites. The bird
abundance is also connected with the level of rainfall each year. Some habitats of species showed strong positive
response after the designation of the site to Ramsar. They concluded that the water cover was mostly negatively
related to bird abundance. Bare soil was both positively and negatively related to a considerable number of species
and moreover, short and tall herbaceous vegetation are exclusively positively related to waterbird abundance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The site is located at 30º 42’ N, 70º 50’ E; 20 km northwest of Kot Adu, Muzaffargarh District, Punjab Province. The
Ramsar site number is 817 with a total area of 6,757 hectares and the core area is approximately 2,834 hectares.
We will be needing the complete approved management plan of the TBWS and a year by year report of its success.
More specifically we will focus on the work done that is directly relatable to the bird population.
FLOW CHART

Bird Census and Habitat

Quality Inspection

Data Collection out of GIS

Data Collection in GIS Scope
Scope

Bird Lists and Habitat

Specie Distribution Maps
Distributions

Selection of Migratory Water

Specie Distribution Maps
Birds

Identification of Data Landsat Imagery for Area

Variables Related to Water-
Collection Points Identification
Bird Abundance

Visual In-Situ Measurements Aqua Imagery Pre-Processing

Linear Regression Model

Through years Land use identification

Bird Population and Spectral Calculations based on

IDW and Kriging
vegetation correlation spectral Reflectance
Interpolations
 Results and Conclusions

BIRD LISTS AND HABITAT DISTRIBUTIONS

A complete list of Bird population with possible habitat locations in the area will be prepared through data
collection from government and zoological and wildlife departments. The list of possible incoming birds and
specifically the waterbirds staying here in the breeding season.

LANDSAT IMAGERY AND AQUA IMAGERY

Satellite data will be taken for determining the total area of the Ramsar and protected wetland. Further imagery
will be needed to check the land use types and for selecting the feasible points to make observations later on. 50
points with exact coordinate data having different types of land use and vegetation will be selected. The landing
season of the birds starts from November and ends in March. Visual observations will be made in November,
January and in March every year for 4 years. The data will be stored and digitized according to the abundance of
birds staying at different types of land use. The average rainfall and the possible flooding will also be kept under
consideration and the data will be collected accordingly.

Aqua satellite imagery will help to identify places through models which birds flocked during the spring and fall
migrations and as well the estimated number of birds making the journey.

LAND USE IDENTIFICATION

General trend of fisheries and changes according to winter will be analyzed and noted before the arrival of birds.
An estimate of the fish population in the lakes will be established and the specific kinds favorable for the waterbirds
coming after.

BIRD POPULATION AND SPECTRAL VEGETATION CORRELATION

Spectral vegetation will be drawn from the imagery through Arcmap tools to identify the land use. The population
estimates drawn in previous steps will be correlated to types of vegetation with abundance of water birds in the
reservoir.

Landsat image analysis will be conducted for mapping total Ramsar site, water bodies, wetland and lake areas of
the sanctuary. Moreover, drones with special imaging equipment will be used to gather the visuals of the birds at
the predefined points. e-Bird application will be used to gather all type of species information, including the basic
information on bird abundance and distribution at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. It will help in correct
specie identification.

IDW AND KRIGING INTERPOLATIONS

Geostatistical interpolators will be used to generate the surface best suited for the birds to stay. IDW and Kriging
methods will be used with respect to land use types and data gathering points of visual measurements taken
before.

The study area will be divided through land use imagery and the data collected from these land use points will be
directly related to the areas of marshes, salines, lakes or herbaceous vegetation in the similar water bodies at other
conserved Ramsar sites in the region.
EXPECTED RESULTS / CONCLUSION

This research will help us in making beter management plans and mechanism of this Ramsar site and other 19
sites in Pakistan. Seasonal variation of the migratory birds the effectiveness of this plan will be checked through this
research. The reasons of decline of bird population with different levels of water at the lake will come into
knowledge and further measures could be made to eliminate the faults of management.

Favorable vegetation for water-birds will be discovered through this research, by assessing the areas of land use
with most bird population in the breeding season. We will get to know the area of the lakes with most hunting
activities and identify the illegal hunting pockets near the population area. The anticipated results of this research
will help the wildlife department to beter understand the most favored locations of birds coming every year.

It is likely to get the positive response of waterbirds related to activities associated with conservation and
management plans of TBWS. The population change and their behavior according to the weather conditions
especially due to rain and flooding will be observed through this research.

TIMELINE AND FUNDING NEEDS

Equipments Quantity November January March Cost in Rupee.

Cameras/ 4 200,000
Binoculars

Handheld GPS 4 160,000

Laptop 2 200,000

Overheads and 100,000

Transportation

Satellite Imagery 500,000

Aqua & Landsat

Total estimated 10,00,000

Overhead

Total Cost of 21,60,000/-

Project

Single purchase.

Multiple purchase.
REFERENCES

Grimmet, R., Roberts, T.J. and Inskipp, T., 2008. Birds of Pakistan. Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut,
United States.

Akbar, M., Zaib, U.N.S. and Azhar, S.E.J., 2010. Water fowl population estimation at Rasool Barrage, Game Reserve,
Jhelum, Pakistan. Pak. J. Life Soc. Sci., 8: 11-15.

The Dawn, 2016. Number of birds migrating from Siberia to Pakistan declines.
htps://www.dawn.com/news/1232226/number-of-birds-migrating-from-siberia-to-pakistan-declines

UNEP, 2014. A review of migratory bird flyways and priorities for management. UNEP/CMS Secretariat, Bonn,
Germany, CMS Technical Series No. 27, pp. 164.

Muhammad Umar1, Mubashar Hussain1,*, Ghulam Murtaza1, Farid Asif Shaheen2 , Fatima Zafar1. 2018. Ecological
Concerns of Migratory Birds in Pakistan: A Review

Ali, S. and Ripley, S.D., 1987. Compact handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan, 2nd edition. Oxford University
Press, Bombay.

Abdulhakim Abdi* and Anand Nandipati 2007. Bird Diversity Modeling Using Geostatistics and GIS

FEHMEEDA BIBI1, , SHAFQAT NAWAZ QAISRANI2 , MASOOD AKHTAR1 , ZULFIQAR ALI3 , & BUSHRA NISAR KHAN3
2016. Assessment of Population Trends of Birds at Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakistan

Xulin Guo, University of Saskatchewan Chunhua Zhang, University of Saskatchewan Robert Sissons, Grasslands
National Park, Val Marie, Saskatchewan John F. Wilmshurst, Parks Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba 2003. Bird
populations and remote sensing.

Burgess, J., Clark, J., Harrison, C., 2000. Knowledges in action: an actor network analysis of a wetland agri-
environment scheme. Ecol. Econ. 35(1), 119–132.

BirdLife International, 2000. Threatened Birds of the World (Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona and
Cambridge, U.K.).

Yasué, M. & Dearden, P., 2006. The potential impact of tourism development on habitat availability and
productivity of Malaysian plovers Charadrius peronii. J. Appl. Ecol., 43(5): 978-989.

Butchart, S. H., Walpole, M., Collen, B., van Strien, A., Scharlemann, J. P., Almond, R. E., Baillie, J. E., Bomhard, B.,
Brown, C. & Bruno, J., 2010. Global biodiversity: indicators of recent declines. Sci., 328(5982): 1164-1168.

Thomas, C. D., Cameron, A., Green, R. E., Bakkenes, M., Beaumont, L. J., Collingham, Y. C., Erasmus, B. F., De
Siqueira, M. F., Grainger, A., Hannah, L., 2004. Extinction risk from climate change. Nat., 427(6970): 145-148.

Abdullah, A. & Cheng, T.C., 2001. Optimization of reduced calorie tropical mixed fruits jam. Food Qual. prefer.,
12(1): 63-68.

Mirza, Z. & Wasiq, H., 2007. A field guide to the birds of Pakistan. Bookland, Lahore. 365 pp.
Ecological-economic analysis of wetlands: scientific integration for management and policy 2000. R. Kerry Turner
a,b, Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh c , Tore So¨derqvist d,*, Aat Barendregt e , Jan van der Straaten f , Edward Maltby
g , Ekko C. van Ierland h