In pursuit of a phantom

Islamabad: For its programme on wild life and environment, the Asian Study Group, (ASG) organised a multimedia presentation – a Woodnote Films documentary ‘In Pursuit of Phantom,’ by cinematographer Abdullah Khan. Coordinator Celesta von Chamier welcomed the attendees, said a few words about the subject matter and introduced the team, which includes, besides Abdullah, field biologist Ejaz -- an expert on the subject and Founder and CEO, Woodnote Films, Riaz Mohammad. Their vision is to protect and conserve the spectacular biodiversity of Pakistan through the power of natural history film making.

The blurb of the ASG news letter said, “Snow Leopards are one of the most difficult cats to film in the wild. They are extremely elusive and superbly camouflaged in the rocky terrain they inhabit. This documentary is truly a labour of love and an exciting journey taking us on to new discoveries,” and though ASG sub-group events are usually well attended, this one was not – either because members were busy elsewhere, or they were not interested in the subject, mores the pity!

The documentary is a beautifully filmed insight into the habits and habitat of the Snow leopard, presenting both sides of the picture as far as saving this beautiful animal goes. Conservationists want steps taken to protect the big cat as it is listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because the global population is decreasing yearly, while on the other hand it is not a popular animal with the local residents as it preys on their cattle on which their livelihood depends and they will hunt it down. Trophy hunting, habitat loss, retaliatory killings, poaching and climate change are the biggest threats that snow leopards face. The documentary also shows the rugged, inhospitable habitat of the snow leopard inhabited by markhors (a large species of wild goat); foxes and flesh eating birds like the eagle and hawk. The commentary has been narrated with a personal touch; is informative but lets the visual content tell the tale and has been kept relevant to the subject.

There was a question answer session and one glaring and sad fact emerged – the government has not shown any interest in the film or its subject, while other platforms which could help bring awareness and make a difference do not appear to be interested either.

Co-founder and Director, Woodnote Films, Abdullah Khan is at home in Pakistan’s north, a land of rugged terrain and home to some of the most iconic species of wild life. Since his childhood he has been fascinated with nature and found the animal world to be full of wonders. His ambition has been to bring tales of the wild into the lives of people and inspire them to save their heritage. The film is largely the result of his dedication and passion.

Ejaz also hails from Pakistan’s far north. Influenced by living so close to nature, he quite naturally opted for a Masters of Philosophy in Wildlife Ecology. His research and expertise on the Snow Leopard is widely known.

Riaz Mohammad used to be a hunter and is now a passionate conservationist, hoping to save the wildlife of the country for future generations. His photography of birds has brought him acclaim, not only nationally but internationally.