Much of the following discussion is taken from Virk et al., 2003.
1 Population depletion
The IUCN Red List of threatened species lists 45 species of internationally threatened animals occurring in Pakistan. Of these, four are critically endangered, 12 endangered and 29 vulnerable. Out of these 45 species, 18 are mammals, 17 birds 9 reptiles, and one fish. Several of these threatened species are found in Northern Areas.

Among the endangered mammals are the snow leopard, Flare horned markhor, Marco Polo sheep, Ladakh urial, musk deer, brown bear, and woolly lying squirrel. The population of many bird species like snow cock and monal pheasant is so depleted as to be heading towards local extinctions. Although no systematic study has been conducted to evaluate the status of many of these species, some site-specific studies indicate that populations of these species are very low indeed.

The main reasons for such depletions are over hunting, habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. The Astore markhor and Ladakh urial occurred at lower elevations and were under heavy hunting pressure both for meat and trophies. The musk deer has also been hunted so much for its scented pod that now it is considered endangered.

2 Use of modern technology in agriculture
During the last few years there has been a great change in regional agriculture. Now farmers use chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides that are leading to diseases in wildlife especially insects, birds, reddens and the aquatic fauna.

3 Lack of awareness
The literacy rate of Northern Areas is slight lower compared to the rest of the country. The environment and its related components have hitherto been neglected, especially by the educational institutions. Therefore even though the people of the area are aware of their surrounding flora and fauna, they have little awareness about the importance of conservation. Traditional activities like hunting or shooting of wildlife have still not been banned. However, now the government and NGOs are trying to redress the situation by creating awareness in communities regarding conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, including wildlife.

4 Weak law enforcement
The rules and regulations that have been framed regarding the protection and conservation of natural resources have typically not been implemented properly due to weak law enforcement. Therefore illegal hunting and shooting still exist. Now the government has started to work with stakeholders and concerned communities for the protection, conservation and sustainable use of wildlife by providing some monetary and social benefits. Such schemes have been successful.

5 Insufficient inventories and data
In many area there is insufficient primary and secondary information about wildlife status, its genetic richness and habitat condition. Where some information does exist on biodiversity, it is usually not shared widely. Published data is also typically unknown to most people except the authors and a few academics. Moreover, a lot of the information remains on files as raw data. The government, research institutions and others should collect this information without further delay and share it with all the stakeholders.

6 Limited resources
The Northern Areas Forestry Department (Wildlife division and the KNP directorate) is responsible for the conservation and protection of wildlife in this region. Their lack of adequate field staff and proper training of existing staff, combined with limited funds, means that they cannot perform their duties effectively. The government departments and concerned NGO need to address these issues.

7 Lack of research/ medical facilities
In Northern Areas there are almost no research or medical facilities for animal health. There is just one animal husbandry department which is poorly supplied with field staff and doctors. Recently in Gojal valley a large number of blue sheep died due to an unknown disease. The disease was identified after a loss of a large number of animals.

8 Other causes
These can be listed here as secondary threats to wildlife and are:

Indirect
• Poverty
• Weak polices and laws
• Little incentives
Direct
• Natural hazards (avalanches, floods)
• Lack of prey species
• Misuse /mismanagement of pastures.
• Introduction of exotics (trout, carp etc)
• Illegal poaching of wild animals to sell in down country (brown bear)
• Killing by herdsmen to protect their livestock