IUCN Commission on Education and Communication – Pakistan National Committee (PNC) of IUCN Members

Published: May 25, 2014

A shrub that saves lives finds its own life in danger. PHOTO: YOUNUS BHANDHANI

The Guggul tree is nothing short of legendary. The apparently unassuming shrub that dots the deserts and hills in this part of the world holds immense medicinal value. It has been used in Ayurveda, a system of Hindu traditional medicine, for centuries and even today, it’s resin (gum extract) is used to treat skin diseases, artheritis, lipid disorders and obesity. Continue reading “Guggul tree: The endangered saviour”

April 15, 2014August 31, 2014

Pangolin: Scaling death

By George Sadiq / Photo: Sandip Kumar

Published: April 6, 2014

Pangolins curl up into a tight ball when threatened. PHOTOS: SANDIP KUMAR

An impervious skin, covered in tough, imbricate scales and a shy personality best describe a pangolin — an anteater living on the periphery of civilisation. But even their preference to lead solitary lives in deep burrows has failed to shield them from human exploitation. Continue reading “Pangolin: Scaling death”