Wildlife Stalking in Punjab: 171 Rare Birds Rescued

An operation led by Deputy Director Wildlife Dr Ghulam Rasool in Lahore resulted in the recovery of 31 protected wild birds during a house search conducted under a special search warrant issued by Assistant Director Waseem Haider.

Among the recovered birds are 8 lovebirds, 20 parrots and 3 plum-headed parrots. Wildlife officials arrested one individual, and the recovered birds were transported to the Lahore Safari Zoo by court order.

Similarly, during an operation at the Mianwali check post, authorities seized 20 gray partridges that were smuggled in a bus. By court order, all the birds were released into the Kundi forest.

In Multan, 120 rare turtles were found during a highway check post operation for which the accused were given a fine of Rs 10,000 and the turtles were released into the Chenab River.

In Jhelum, assistant director Rana Ashfaq arrested a hunter who illegally shot a long-eared owl and uploaded the image on social media.

The court sent the accused to 14 days judicial custody. In another operation, Jhelum Wildlife Headquarters Assistant Director Mujahid Kalim detained three falcon hunters and seized two falconers in captivity, imposing a fine of Rs 30,000 on the culprits and releasing the birds back into their natural habitat.

Wildlife Director General Mudassar Riaz Malik said strict action will be taken against illegal hunting, human trafficking and encroachment on wildlife, ensuring protection of wildlife at all costs.