Secondary succession occurred in Pakistan after the flood waters receded because some of the previous ecosystem remained. (Primary succession occurs when all of the ecosystem in destroyed, like in a volcanic eruption.) The flood almost completely wiped out terrestrial plants, so herbivores may find it difficult to survive until plants return. People raising cattle will find it difficult as well in areas where cropland was wiped out. Organisms that feed on aquatic wildlife will have an abundance of food until the water completely recedes. Areas along the Indus river were the most affected and new species of plants may turn up down stream because the water washed them away from their original location. Organisms may begin to consume the new food or it will become an invasive species. One year will probably not be enough time for the ecosystem to recover and it will be vulnerable to another disaster, but after ten or more years, the ecosystem will most likely be almost the same as it was before. Pakistan has many ecosystems and floods will likely also cause them to mix and become less diverse. Many things could happen to the ecosystems in Pakistan and one of the unfortunate possibilities is that it could be killed by humans (who else would do such a thing?). Pakistan's population is growing and unless they act to protect their ecosystems (which are home to many endangered species) urbanization could wipe out the habitats of many organisms.
Impacts of Flooding on the Ecosystem of Pakistan
An ecosystem is constantly changing and when a disaster occurs, it must develop again to return itself to its original state. This is called succession. Pictured to the right is Pakistan waterfowl. For more information about the wildlife of Pakistan go to: