Abstract
The study of the distribution and status of the vertebrate fauna of Korangi and Phitti Creek areas was undertaken during the period 2013-2017. As many as 15 species of mammals, 134 species of birds, 19 species of reptiles, 03 species of amphibians and 20 species of fishes were recorded. Only 02 Threatened/Near threatened species of mammal viz. Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) and Indian Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea) were recorded. Among the birds, out of 134 species, 62 species were resident and 72 species were migratory. Three species of birds viz. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) and Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) were recorded as Threatened and Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) and Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) were recorded as Near-threatened. Among reptiles, one snake viz. Yellow Sea Snake (Hydrophis spiralis) was recorded from the marine environment while other 18 species of reptiles were recorded from the coastal area. No threatened species of reptiles was recorded from the area. The amphibians are scarcely distributed in the area. Only 01 toad and 02 frogs species were recorded. No Threatened species of amphibians was recorded. 20 species of marine fishes belonging to 11 families were recorded from the creek areas.19 species of fishes were recorded from the marine area while 01 species viz. Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was recorded from the marshy area. These are very commonly found in marine/ coastal habitat. Large scale boat fishing takes place in the area. The prevalent threats to the species are poaching, disturbance, loss of habitat, degradation of habitat, pollution and lack of conservation and management efforts. The area is a part of Indus Delta Ramsar Site and it needs to be managed as such.
