Exploring the Socio-Ecological Characteristics of Gahkuch Marshland: A Unique Wetlands Ecosystem in Hindukush Mountain Ranges

Yawar Abbas

doi:10.11648/j.wros.20150406.13

Abstract

Gahkuch marshland spreading over 133.54 hectare amidst Hindukush mountain ranges in northern Pakistan is characterized by typical wetlands ecosystem, comprising of small lakes, streams, peat lands, bogs, marshy areas and riverain forests. The area abodes largest resident population of waterfowl in Gilgit- Baltistan, in addition to providing wintering and staging ground for a large number of migratory birds and other aquatic life. A detailed socio ecological study conducted during August to September, 2011 revealed that the area is rich in biodiversity, harboring eight large and three small mammal species, 35 species of birds, seven species of fish, eight species of trees and 18 species of medicinal and economic plants and seventeen families of benthic-macro invertebrates. Moreover, six physical, nineteen chemical and three biological parameters of water bodies were also determined. In addition to its ecological significance the area also supports livelihoods of about 10000 people by providing timber, fuel wood, grazing ground and fish resources. Anthropogenic pressures includes solid waste, influent and illegal hunting were key threats to wetlands and its resources. Wetlands management planning in collaboration with key stakeholders would be effective approach to protect important biodiversity and wetlands resources of the area.

Highlights

Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters. (Ramsar Convention, 1971)
Gahkuch wetland complex located at 36° 10' 19.5" N, 73° 46' 25.3" E and at an elevation of 1899 m comprises of marshland, peats, riverain ecosystem along Ghizer River and more than a dozen lakes
The typical marshland spreading over 133.54 hectare is situated adjacent to Ghizer river in the district headquarter; Gahkuch and is owned by the GilgitBaltistan Forest & Wildlife Department and the local community, whereas, the upland cluster of three lake locally called Barosar, Chunosar and Photakesar covering some 427.24 sq km area are surrounded by lush green pastures abound in medicinal herbs

Summary

Introduction

Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters. (Ramsar Convention, 1971). Wetlands are sensitive ecosystems providing habitats for a variety of plants species, birds, small mammals and other aquatic biota. The term “wetland” is mostly used to explain diverse habitats where the land is wet for extensive period of the year or season but not essentially permanent waterlogged (Collins, 2005). Wetlands are transitional (ecotonal) systems between upland terrestrial and deep open water systems. They are characterized by aquatic vegetation (hydrophytes) (Mitsch and Gosselink, 2007). Wetlands are most important freshwater resources; fresh water forms the habitat of large number of species. These aquatic organisms and the ecosystem in which they live, represent a substantial sector of the Earth’s biological diversity (UNEP, 1994). Around 50% of the world’s wetlands have been lost in the past century alone due to urbanization, drainage for agriculture, and water system regulation (Shine and de Klemm, 1999)

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