Nestled within the expansive Cholistan Desert, near Bahawalpur, the Conservation Breeding Centre (CBC) at Lal Suhanra National Park exemplifies this approach. Established in 2015 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the centre was designed to restore populations of native antelope species-including Chinkara, Blackbuck, and Nilgai-within a semi-wild environment. The vision was rooted in a 2014 survey conducted by the Houbara Foundation International Pakistan, which highlighted the desert ecosystem as a historically significant habitat for these species while noting alarming population declines caused by poaching, illegal hunting, and habitat degradation. Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmad, President of the Houbara Foundation, played a pivotal role in transforming these findings into a tangible conservation initiative.
Construction of the centre began in June 2014, following all legal and environmental approvals. A 15-kilometer by 4-kilometer fenced enclosure was developed to mimic natural conditions, allowing animals to thrive with minimal human interference. By March 2015, the facility was complete and formally inaugurated in a ceremony attended by foreign dignitaries, local officials, media representatives, and conservation leaders. The initial transfer of animals included Blackbucks from the Punjab Wildlife Department's RD-25 enclosure, Chinkaras from the Sheikh Zayed Deer Breeding Centre in Rahim Yar Khan, and 660 captive-bred Houbara Bustards from the National Avian Research Centre in Sweihan, UAE. Initially named the Deer Breeding and Houbara Research Centre, it was rebranded as the Conservation Breeding Centre in 2020 to reflect its expanded mission.
The CBC underwent significant development in 2020, adding a 12.5-kilometer by 7-kilometer enclosure to allow antelopes greater space to roam and reproduce in semi-wild conditions. New facilities included a research centre with clinical capabilities, staff accommodation, a guesthouse, and a VIP Majlis for workshops and executive meetings. Sustainability measures were integrated, including a 150 KV solar system and a reverse osmosis plant, while a mosque was built to serve staff and visitors, reflecting attention to both operational efficiency and human needs. These improvements have strengthened both the living conditions for wildlife and the working environment for the dedicated staff.
Scientific research and education are central to the CBC's mission. M.Phil students from Islamia University Bahawalpur and Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences conduct studies on antelope populations, Houbara Bustards, and desert flora and fauna. Internship programmes for DVM students from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, provide practical training in wildlife care, clinical practices, feeding behaviors, and habitat management. In November 2022, the centre hosted a collaborative workshop with WWF Pakistan, the Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department, and other institutions, focusing on habitat preservation and species management. Such initiatives ensure that the CBC is not only a breeding ground but also a hub of knowledge and expertise.
Community engagement extends the centre's impact beyond wildlife. Free medical and veterinary camps, organized in partnership with district health and livestock departments, provide essential services to surrounding villages, improving human and livestock health while fostering positive attitudes toward conservation. Such initiatives reduce human-wildlife conflicts and encourage local communities to participate in preserving the ecosystem. By integrating conservation with tangible benefits for residents, the CBC creates lasting partnerships that strengthen both ecological and social resilience.
With over 160 staff members, including retired army officers, veterinarians, guards, and support personnel, the CBC is efficiently managed and highly secure. Security measures include 24 watchtowers connected via wireless communication, regular night patrols, and a fleet of vehicles-including tractors and motorcycles-for rapid response. Constant maintenance of the fences and enclosures ensures the animals remain safe within their semi-wild habitat. This combination of vigilance, expertise, and systematic management allows the CBC to operate smoothly even in challenging desert conditions.
The CBC's conservation impact is substantial. It can accommodate up to 28,000 small antelopes and 600-700 Nilgai, making it one of Pakistan's largest semi-wild breeding enclosures. Despite early challenges, such as predator threats and initial casualties, the populations of Chinkara, Blackbuck, and Nilgai have steadily stabilized. The centre has also become a sanctuary for numerous bird species, including Steppe Eagles, Tawny Eagles, Houbara Bustards, Black Drongos, White-throated Kingfishers, Cranes, Vultures, and migratory waterfowl, enriching the region's biodiversity. Its thriving ecosystem demonstrates that carefully planned conservation can reverse decades of decline and create lasting ecological value.
The Conservation Breeding Centre demonstrates that strategic planning, international collaboration, and community involvement can transform even harsh desert landscapes into thriving ecological reserves. It is a testament to the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the tireless efforts of the Houbara Foundation and the Punjab Wildlife Department. Beyond breeding endangered species, the CBC embodies hope and resilience, highlighting how human commitment and scientific knowledge can reverse the decline of wildlife. It stands as a model for conservation across Pakistan and the world, illustrating that with dedication, knowledge, and collaboration, ecosystems can be preserved, restored, and celebrated for generations to come.