The survey's geographic scope however covered the entire Sindh province. Tharparkar, however, was the only place in Sindh where significant numbers of vultures were spotted whereas Khirthar National Park has been identified as one of the new potential sites for vulture population. Based on the survey findings and literature review, it can be assumed that the Gorano wetland, created some 50 kilometers away from Thar coal mines site, is emerged as the most populated habitat of vultures in Pakistan.
Vultures are specialized scavengers that have adapted in unique ways to consume dead animals. With this trait they provide significant ecosystem services, that include keeping the environment clean and reducing disease transmission risks. The pre-monsoon reconnaissance survey was carried out by a diverse team of six including IUCN experts, independent consultants, ornithologist, veterinarian, and field ecologists.
The survey reported spotting of over 450 White-backed, Long-billed, Red-headed, and Egyptian vultures in Tharparkar and a much smaller number in the Kirthar Range. In Tharparkar, Gorano wetland at Thar coal mines site was found to have the potential for attracting bird populations since there a significant number of 425 vultures of White-backed, Red-headed, and Egyptian species spotted during this survey.
The survey recommends creation of vulture safe zones in areas where there are existing vulture populations in Sindh. This includes Tharparkar, Khirthar National Park, and the Gorakh hill areas. It also recommends alternative drugs for livestock which are not toxic for vultures, through a strict enforcement of ban by drug regulatory authority on NSAIDS harmful for vultures. NSAIDs available for human use should also be clearly labelled with caution "Not for livestock use".
Naveed Soomro, Project Coordinator at IUCN said that most studies in the past, on vultures in Sindh, have concentrated on Nagarparkar alone; one of the last remaining strongholds of vulture populations or have conducted surveys in the breeding season only with limited scope. Syed Abul Fazal Rizvi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SECMC said that nature conversation is integral part of our policy while working in Thar, the most natural ecological zone of the region.