The Last Refuge of Lesser Whistling Ducks in DHA Lahore

In Phase-8 of DHA Society Lahore, close to the buzzing BMW Motorrad center, where the persistent roar of heavy bikers' engines fills the air all day long. In this very area, there once existed a pond, its existence miraculously spared after a disagreement over its purchase price arose between neighboring villages and the DHA authority. This pond stood as one of the last sanctuaries for the breeding of Lesser Whistling Ducks within Lahore city. Witnessing these birds gracefully gliding over the pond each day was a breathtaking spectacle. I've also captured photographs of the pheasant-tailed Jacana, various weavers, and Moorhens in this serene setting.

Situated at the core of DHA, this pond had eluded the attention of hunters until a tragic turn of events. Regrettably, one fateful day, a hunter stumbled upon the flock of Lesser Whistling Ducks here and ruthlessly ended their lives. 

Subsequently, the once-thriving pond gradually dried up, potentially linked to a resolution between the DHA authority and the neighboring villagers.

The pond dried

This sad series of events has marked the end of the last refuge for Lesser Whistling Ducks in Lahore, a habitat that existed until 2021 but exists no more.

The serene pond in Phase-8, DHA Lahore, once home to Lesser Whistling Ducks, faced a tragic demise. Reflecting on DHA's construction over agricultural lands, there's an important realization with better planning, we could have preserved the green spaces, trees, and habitats that were once there. Instead of erecting a concrete jungle, we could have created sanctuaries for the flourishing birdlife amidst the urban sprawl and ensure their survival amid human development.