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Abstract
This research aims to evaluate the anthropogenic and environmental factors influencing the migration rates of Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) and Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) in Sabakzai Dam and its associated areas Zhob, Balochistan. The Data was collected from September-March for Houbara and January to February for Crane (2021 and 2022) by using point surveys and community interviews, including hunters and local residents. Findings show a notable decline in migratory bird populations: Demoiselle Cranes decreased from 7,820 in 2021 to 6,200 in 2022 (20.7%), Eurasian Cranes from 80 to 68 (15%), and Houbara Bustards from 255 to 170 (33.3%). Key contributing factors include hunting, habitat destruction, deforestation, urban expansion, overgrazing, the Afghan conflict, and illegal wildlife trade. Continued human activity threatens further declines in migratory bird populations. Immediate implementation of targeted conservation strategies is essential to protect the avian fauna of Balochistan.
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