IMPACT OF MARBLE MINING ON MOUNTAIN BIODIVERSITY: A SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DISTRICT BUNER PAKISTAN
Keywords:
Mining, Wildlife, Biodiversity, Blasting, Impact, Habitat destruction, Buner.Abstract
Background: Mining is important for human sustenance and an essential division in the national economy. On the other hand, its effects on the environment and mountain biodiversity cannot be taking too lightly. Which are effective to attract government’s attention. Environment and wildlife are focus to the harmful impacts of mining and its associated activities.
Objectives: The current study was conducted on the impact of marble mining on mountain biodiversity: a special reference to district Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan from September 2022 to August 2023. To study the impacts of marble mining on mountain biodiversity: a special reference to district Buner KP Pakistan.
Methods: Data and literature were collected from various sources. Information relating to the health status of the residents and economic impacts were collected using structured questionnaires. Respondents involved selected miners and the educated persons of families living in the mining zones.
Results: During our study large number of species of mammals and birds are found extinct due to marble mining, blasting and transportation of stones from mining sites to the factories. District Buner consists of about total number of 566 mining sites which increase the economic importance of district Buner. On the other hand, it has also negative impact on wildlife and habitat of wild animals of the study area.
Conclusion: In the study area we identified 11 species of mammals and 11 species of birds with different order and families. The mammalian species are Wild cat, Porcupine, Pangolin, Monkey, Jackal, Hyena, Hare, Grey goral, Fox, Bat, and Common leopard. While the bird’s species are Crow, Crane, Quail, Chukar, Owl, Sparrow, Pigeon, Bulbul, Myna, Kingfisher, See-see partridge. Understanding the impact of marble mining on mountain biodiversity of district Buner is very important for sustainable management of these natural resources. The government organizations, NGOs and the research agencies must fill the knowledge gap.
