Gallery of birds

The Indus flyway is one of the world's top migration routes and the mangroves around Karachi's coast become the winter home for many migratory birds. Over 80 species of birds are attracted to the Indus delta mangroves, some just passing through while others actually breed in the area. These are perhaps the most famous inhabitants of the mangroves and whatever their purpose, they make a fascinating sight with their flying formations or their groups bobbing on the waves looking for fish that dare to swim close to the surface of the water. Flamingos, pelicans, cormorants and other beautiful birds used to be a common sight here. They can be seen even now, although their numbers have decreased drastically.

Crustaceans 

The mangrove ecosystem is thought to be one of the highly productive ecosystems in the world. The crab, shrimp and the prawn (crustaceans) form a major component of the fauna found in this unique ecosystem. Various studies show that mangroves play a vital role in crustacean fisheries. 

Pearl Makers 

The molluscs were studied first in the 1980s. The studies show that many varieties of molluscs are supported by the mangrove environment. However, the quantities of each variety are small in number. According to the study around 30 species of molluscs were identified. All of these prefer muddy habitats and are found in other wetlands as well. 

Fish 

Studies were conducted in the 1980s on the mangroves of Korangi-Phitti creek system and the backwaters of Sandspit to Manora. These revealed 98 species of fish. During a study of the Balochistan mangroves, conducted in 1997, 108 species of fish were recorded. Many of them are consumed locally or sold in the neighbouring fish market. 

A fish without water

Mudskippers (Periophthalmidae) - Genus Boleophthalmus: Well adapted for the mangrove habitat they have become partially independent of the water. Locomotion is by jumping around on the mud and when they are alarmed or the tide recedes they burrow deep into the mud. Mudskippers breathe through the skin. 

Another type of mudskipper (genus Periophthalmus) is even more unique. They live almost entirely out of the water and have adapted so well that when the tide comes in they try to avoid the water by clinging to the trunk or roots of the plants. They descend when the water recedes to hunt for food. 

Mudskippers build funnel-shaped nests during the breeding season and these funnels lead down into the water. The young grow here til they are ready to adapt to life on land. 

Bottom living fish

Pleuronectiformes live on the muddy floor of the ocean near the mangrove swamps. They surface near the swamp in search of food at high tide. 

Clupeids and grey mullets also find the environment suitable. However, small fish such as silver biddies (Gerridae) and pony fish (Leiognathidae) find the area a safe haven, as they are safe from larger predators here. 

Order and Species-wise break up of the fish fauna

Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles and Amphibians

Mammals 

Dogs, bats, camels, goats, sheep and cows are regular visitors. However, the most interesting and friendly mammals found are the dolphins. The Tropical dolphin, Plumbeos dolphin, Red Sea bottlenose dolphin and Black finless porpoise have reportedly been seen around the Korangi-Phitti creek mangroves. In a study conducted in 1997 (Studies on the distribution, population dynamics and status of the vertebrate mangrove fauna of Balochistan coast - Pakistan Agricultural Research Council) - Zoological Survey Department), the following two dolphins were observed: 

Cape Dolphin - Delphinus capensis

The species seen swimming quite close to the vicinity of the mangroves is assumed to be the Cape dolphin due to a dead specimen found at Kalmat Bay. 

Plumbeous Dolphin - Sousa plumbea

This species has been seen many times during the hightide near Kalmat as well as Jiwani Hor. It is easily recognisable due to its resemblance to the Indus dolphin.