A naturalist and wildlife activist who runs an educational YouTube channel called ‘WildRush’ has discovered one of the rarest albino porcupines in Pakistan.
Scientifically known as ‘Hysterix indica’, this animal has been discovered by Abdul Rahman, a tea shop owner in a rural town of Bahawalpur city.
He claimed that over the past decade, he has relocated around 10,000 venomous species, including snakes and scorpions, from human settlements to natural habitats in the Cholistan desert.
In his recent video released on YouTube, Abdul Rahman shared a video of a rare albino porcupine seen in the captivity of a man in Mandi Yazman area of Bahawalpur district in South Punjab.
Rahman told APP that these porcupines are mostly brown or black in color but this albino porcupine is completely white from head to tail with red eyes which makes it rare.
Rehman observed that black and brown rats are the only species found in Pakistan and the discovery of a completely white rat is very unique.
He said the animal was in the captivity of a man who belongs to a nomadic community (Baghrian) who use sand lizard fat to extract oil.
The people of this community kill large quantities of thin-tailed lizards to extract the fat, which is used to prepare oil-soaked bread called ‘paratha’ in the local language.
Rahman said that he requested the owner to hand over the albino porcupine to him, but he refused.
He said that the owner was very reluctant to allow me to record the video, suspecting my links with the wildlife department.
Rehman feared that the extremely rare porcupine, weighing 16 to 18 kg and in very good health, would be eaten by the owner. He added that there was another common black porcupine at the owner’s house, which was smaller in size.
He asked the wildlife department to seize the rare porcupine even if the owner demanded payment for it.
Dr Sandas Zahid, a PhD scholar in Zoology, who teaches in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Nowshera district, says, ‘The sighting of albino porcupine in Pakistan is a news for wildlife lovers and conservationists as these animals are only found in the country. Or found in black.
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Sandas said this is the first time a white porcupine has been seen in the country and the animal needs protection.
Dr. Sandas, who has published several research papers on wild species for various international journals, says that albinism is a hereditary condition that causes one’s skin, hair and eyes to be very light in color.
It can happen in any creature but is rare as it is reported in only one in thousands. This happens because their body has less melanin than normal. He explained that melanin gives skin, hair and eyes their color.
Dr Sandas demanded action from the concerned wildlife department for research and conservation.
Safwan Shahab, vice-chairman of Pakistan Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization, says that these rare rats are found in the mountainous areas of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan up to 2750 meters in Pakistan.
Speaking to APP, Safwan agrees that this is the first time that the albino porcupine has been spotted in Pakistan as this type of rodent comes as one in a million.
He agreed with Dr Sandas Zahid’s stand that he should be taken into protective custody by the Wildlife Department.
Safwan recommended that such a unique wild species needs to be kept and preserved in an academic institution for the observation and study of zoology students.
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#Rare #albino #porcupine #discovered #Pakistan
2024-09-11 19:07:31
Table of Contents
- 1 Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title **”Rare Albino Porcupine Discovered in Pakistan: A Call to Action for Conservation”**:
- 2 Here are some People Also Ask (PAA) related questions for the title “Rare Albino Porcupine Discovered in Pakistan: A Conservation Concern”:
Rare Albino Porcupine Discovered in Pakistan: A Call to Action for Conservation
In a remarkable discovery, a rare albino porcupine has been spotted in Pakistan, sending shockwaves through the wildlife community. The extraordinary creature, scientifically known as Hysterix indica, was discovered by Abdul Rahman, a tea shop owner and naturalist who runs an educational YouTube channel called ’WildRush’. This incredible find has sparked a wave of concern and enthusiasm among wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and scientists alike.
A Decade of Conservation Efforts
Abdul Rahman has spent the last decade relocating around 10,000 venomous species, including snakes and scorpions, from human settlements to natural habitats in the Cholistan desert. His tireless efforts have earned him recognition as a champion of wildlife conservation in Pakistan.
The Rare Albino Porcupine
The albino porcupine, weighing 16 to 18 kg and in excellent health, was found in the captivity of a man from a nomadic community (Baghrian) in the Mandi Yazman area of Bahawalpur district in South Punjab. What makes this discovery so remarkable is the porcupine’s complete whiteness, from head to tail, with striking red eyes. This rare condition, known as albinism, is a hereditary trait that affects the body’s production of melanin, resulting in extremely light skin, hair, and eyes.
Conservation Concerns
Dr. Sandas Zahid, a PhD scholar in Zoology, emphasizes the need for research and conservation efforts to protect this rare species. He notes that albinism is extremely rare, occurring in only one in thousands of creatures. Dr. Zahid stresses that the Wildlife Department should take immediate action to seize the albino porcupine and ensure its protection.
Safwan Shahab, vice-chairman of the Pakistan Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization, concurs that this unique wild species needs to be kept in protective custody. He highlights that these rare rats are found in the mountainous areas of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baluchistan, up to 2750 meters in Pakistan.
The Threat of Poaching and Habitat Destruction
The discovery of this rare albino porcupine has also brought to light the pressing issue of poaching and habitat destruction. The nomadic community that captured the porcupine uses sand lizard fat to extract oil, which is used to prepare oil-soaked bread called ‘paratha’ in the local language. This practice not only harms the lizards but also poses a threat to the fragile ecosystem of the region.
Call to Action
The discovery of this rare albino porcupine serves as a stark reminder of the importance of conservation efforts in Pakistan. It is crucial that the Wildlife Department takes immediate action to protect this species and its habitat. Additionally, awareness campaigns and education programs can help raise awareness about the importance of preserving Pakistan’s rich biodiversity.
the discovery of the rare albino porcupine in Pakistan is a significant event that warrants immediate attention and action. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the protection and conservation of this incredible species and its habitat.
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Rare Albino Porcupine Discovered in Pakistan: A Conservation Concern
In a remarkable discovery, a rare albino porcupine has been spotted in Pakistan, sending shockwaves through the wildlife conservation community. The porcupine, scientifically known as Hystrix indica, is a unique find, with experts estimating that only one in every 10,000 porcupines is born with albinism [[2]]. This rare creature was discovered by Abdul Rahman, a tea shop owner in a rural town of Bahawalpur city, who runs an educational YouTube channel called ‘WildRush’.
The Discovery
Abdul Rahman shared a video of the rare albino porcupine on his YouTube channel, which was seen in the captivity of a man in Mandi Yazman area of Bahawalpur district in South Punjab. According to Rahman, the porcupine is completely white from head to tail with red eyes, making it a truly rare specimen. The animal is reportedly in good health, weighing between 16 to 18 kg.
The Significance of the Discovery
Dr. Sandas Zahid, a PhD scholar in Zoology, stated that the sighting of an albino porcupine in Pakistan is a significant finding for wildlife lovers and conservationists. This is the first time a white porcupine has been seen in the country, and experts believe that the animal needs protection. Dr. Sandas explained that albinism is a hereditary condition that causes one’s skin, hair, and eyes to be very light in color. While it can occur in any creature, it is rare, with only one in thousands of individuals affected.
Conservation Concerns
The discovery of the albino porcupine has raised concerns about the conservation of this rare species. Safwan Shahab, vice-chairman of the Pakistan Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization, stated that these rare rats are found in the mountainous areas of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baluchistan up to 2750 meters in Pakistan. Experts are calling for action from the concerned wildlife department for research and conservation of this rare species.
The Role of the Wildlife Department
The wildlife department has been urged to seize the rare porcupine, even if the owner demands payment for it. Abdul Rahman feared that the porcupine would be eaten by the owner, highlighting the need for swift action to protect this rare creature. The department must take steps to ensure the safe custody and conservation of the albino porcupine.
Global Precedents
This is not the first time an albino porcupine has been discovered. In 2022, a rare albino baby porcupine was rescued in northern British Columbia, Canada [[1]]. Similarly, in 2023, an albino porcupine was spotted in New Hampshire, USA [[2]]. In Pakistan, too, a wildlife rescuer found a rare albino Indian crested porcupine in 2023 [[3]].
Conclusion
The discovery of the rare albino porcupine in Pakistan is a significant find, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this unique species. The wildlife department must take swift action to ensure the safe custody and conservation of this rare creature. This finding also underscores the importance of protecting wildlife habitats and preserving biodiversity in Pakistan.
References:
[1] Rare albino baby porcupine rescued in northern B.C., Canada.
[2] Rare albino porcupine waddles through New Hampshire.
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