Response of Sindh Ibex () to Petroleum Exploration in Khirthar National Park, Pakistan
Authors: Nawaz Mohammad Ali , Khan Basit , Hasan Hidayat 
Published: December 2007

PKP Exploration Limited (PKPEL), a subsidiary of PREMIER KUFPEC Pakistan B.V., carried out seismic survey in Khirthar National Park (KNP), Pakistan from August 2001 to March 2002. The seismic program involved approximately 650 km of seismic lines to acquire two-dimensional geophysical seismic data. Khirthar National Park, established in 1974 by the Government of Sindh, is internationally recognized for supporting good population of a number of endangered species, and is categorized as Category II protected area under IUCN's categorization. Sindh ibex (Capra aegagrus) is the most common ungulate in KNP and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. To ensure that actual impacts are within the anticipated limits estimated in the environmental impact assessment (EIA), a monitoring program covering various impact vectors and environmental receptors was implemented during the seismic operations. One of the species monitored throughout the operation and its response to exploration activities recorded was Sindh Ibex. Strict environmental management practices were implemented throughout the operation in sensitive habitats, which helped to reduce stress on wildlife. The restrictions included checks on working times, reduction in party size, no new road construction, no vegetation removal and limits on the vehicle use. The impact was assessed by studying changes in population distribution, displacement and behavior responses. Ibex responded by exhibiting flight or alert behavior when they observed or smelled a crew party. The severity of their response was dependant on the distance, terrain, level and location of disturbance. Animals maintained a buffer zone of 500–1500 meters from working crew depending on topography of the area. The movement of indicator herds indicated a temporary displacement of 0.20 to 8.18 km from the activity. Aggregation of herds, increase in flight distances and adherence to escape terrain were main behavioral responses from the exploration activities.

Appropriate modifications were made in operational plans whenever animal response was above the acceptable limits. Ibex showed intensive response during early phase of the project, exhibited adoption and habituation to the ongoing activity, and become less responsive during subsequent phases of the project.

Introduction and Backgroud

PKP Exploration Limited (PKPEL) carried out seismic survey in Khirthar National Park (KNP), Pakistan from August 2001 to March 2002. The seismic program involved approximately 650 km of seismic lines to acquire two-dimensional geophysical seismic data. Khirthar National Park, established in 1974 by Government of Sindh, is internationally recognized for supporting good populations of a number of endangered species, and is listed as a protected Category II area by the IUCN.

The environmental management of the project was governed by the environmental impact assessment (EIA) approved by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in June 2001. Keeping in view the environmental sensitivity of the project area, one of the key environmental management tools incorporated into the EIA was the monitoring of the seismic survey by an independent monitoring consultant (IMC). PKPEL engaged Hagler Bailly Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. (HBP) as the IMC. HBP monitored, documented, and reported to the stakeholders the environmental performance of the project periodically during the course of the project. As a part of monitoring program, response of wildlife to the petroleum exploration was studied. The wildlife studies included monitoring of small mammals, birds, carnivores and ungulates. This paper presents observations made on behavioral response of Sindh ibex (Capra aegagrus blythi) to seismic surveys.