Experts warn that protected birds of prey are being killed for trade as calls grow for urgent investigation and crackdown.
Conservationists have expressed deep concern over the sale of stuffed falcons, eagles and other birds of prey at several sweet shops located along highways in Punjab. Experts say these species are protected by provincial wildlife laws and many already face the threat of local extinction. Despite this legal protection, their display and sale continue openly in government-regulated service areas.
“Taxidermy is only possible once the animal has died, indicating that rare birds of prey are being deliberately killed and traded,” said Dr Kamran Abid, a falconer and raptor conservation specialist affiliated with the Punjab Hawking Club. He noted that this alleged practice is not only contributing to a significant decline in wildlife but is also destabilizing the ecological balance. “Birds of prey play a critical role in regulating populations of rodents, snakes and other species, and their removal disrupts entire ecosystems.”
Dr Abid has asked Punjab Chief Minister Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and the Punjab Wildlife Rangers to launch an immediate investigation into the origin of these stuffed birds and investigate how such trade is being carried out openly at highway service areas. According to relevant media, the situation not only constitutes a violation of the law, but also indicates serious negligence on the part of the responsible institutions.
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Urging swift action, conservationists have demanded an emergency operation to confiscate all stuffed birds of prey from motorway shops, along with a high-level investigation to identify suppliers and people involved in illegal hunting. They also called for strict legal measures to be taken against the traders and all those responsible for this trade.
Punjab wildlife authorities say that just as a license is required to keep live wild animals and birds, it is also mandatory for the purchase and sale of stuffed wildlife.
Additionally, dealers must maintain records showing where and from whom the stuffed specimen was acquired. Officials maintain that enforcement action is being taken against those involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
