Thanedar Wala

Thanedar Wala, officially known as the Thanedar Wala Game Reserve, is a wetland of international importance located in Lakki Marwat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. 

Encompassing around 4,047 hectares along the Kurram River, it was designated as a Ramsar Site of International Importance on July 23, 1976, making it one of the earliest wetlands in Pakistan to receive this recognition. This highlights its ecological value, especially for migratory birds and diverse wildlife.

Ecological Significance

Habitat Diversity

The wetland features a complex of braided river channels, sandy or muddy islands, and marshes. Vegetation includes species like Typha, Phragmites, Tamarix, and various aquatic plants, supporting a rich biodiversity.

Avian Importance

Thanedar Wala serves as a crucial wintering ground for numerous migratory birds, including the great egret, ruddy shelduck, common teal, mallard, northern shoveler, common pochard, and the globally threatened ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca). Breeding species such as the collared pratincole and little tern are also present.

Mammals and Reptiles

The reserve supports wildlife like jackals, pangolins, hyenas, wolves, and reptiles such as monitor lizards and spiny-tailed lizards (Uromastyx species).

Environmental Challenges

Illegal Hunting

A longstanding culture of hunting, particularly targeting migratory birds like cranes, has significantly reduced bird populations. Hunters often use various weapons, including shotguns and rifles, to trap and hunt birds along the Kurram River.

Habitat Degradation

Expansion of human settlements, agriculture, and livestock grazing has led to habitat loss and increased salinity, threatening the wetland’s ecological balance.

Infrastructure Damage

Floods in 2010 destroyed much of the conservation infrastructure, including fencing and feeding enclosures, further complicating protection measures. 

It contributes to the broader ecological network of protected areas in Pakistan and continues to be monitored under the Ramsar Convention framework for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands