Lahore wildlife rangers arrested two persons involved in illegal wild bird trade and started legal proceedings against them. In a separate operation, a stray pig deer was safely rescued near Shakargarh and returned to its natural habitat.
The operation in Lahore was carried out under the supervision of Dr Ghulam Rasool, deputy chief wildlife ranger of Lahore region. Wildlife personnel arrested two traders involved in illegal sale of various species of exotic and arboreal birds. The birds were taken into protective custody and the suspects were charged with violations of the Wildlife Act, and further legal action is underway.
Meanwhile, in Shakargarh, a team led by Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Sialkot Muhammad Taimoor rescued a hog deer that had strayed from its natural environment. The animal was medically examined and then released safely into the wild.
Wildlife officials said both operations reflect ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade and ensure protection of endangered species in Punjab.
Last month, the Punjab Wildlife Department arrested eight people involved in illegal hunting of rare and protected species, including the Indian pangolin, houbara bustard, partridge and wild boar. Six violators were fined a total of Rs. 2.2 million, while First Information Reports (FIR) were registered against two others for further judicial proceedings.
The recovered houbara bustard has been shifted to Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park for rehabilitation.
Read: Punjab announces partridge hunting season with strict rules
A team led by Bahawalpur Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman Bukhari carried out an operation in Cholistan Public Wildlife Reserve, where two individuals were caught red-handed while hunting houbara bustard. A live bird was recovered from their possession and a criminal case was opened against them at the local police station. The rescued bird was safely relocated to the Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park until its full recovery.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Chakwal Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Imran and his team tracked down and arrested three men after a video showing illegal hunting of wild boars with dogs went viral on social media. The violators were fined Rs. 100,000 for the violation.
In another operation, Chakwal Wildlife Rangers arrested three hunters involved in illegal trapping of partridges and pangolins and fined them Rs. 120,000. All related cases were subsequently resolved in accordance with departmental procedures.
Department of Wildlife officials reaffirmed their commitment to strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws and urged the public to report any cases of illegal hunting or animal trafficking.
