The Wildlife Rangers of Lahore have arrested two individuals involved in the illegal trade of wild birds and initiated legal action against them. In a separate operation, a stray hog deer was safely rescued near Shakargarh and released into its natural habitat.
The operation in Lahore was carried out under the supervision of Dr Ghulam Rasool, Deputy Chief of Forest Rangers, Lahore region. Wildlife personnel have apprehended two traffickers involved in the illegal sale of various species of exotic and arboreal birds. The birds were taken into custody and the suspects were charged with wildlife law violations, with further legal action pending.
Meanwhile, in Shakargarh, a team led by deputy chief forest guard Sialkot Muhammad Taimoor rescued a hog deer which had strayed from its natural environment. The animal was medically examined and then safely released into the wild.
Wildlife officials said the two 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 individuals involved in illegal hunting of rare and protected species, including Indian pangolin, Houbara bustard, partridge and wild boar. Six violators were fined a total of Rs. 2.2 million, while first information reports (FIRs) were registered against two others for further legal proceedings.
The recovered houbara bustard was transferred to Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park for rehabilitation.
Read: Punjab announces partridge hunting season with strict regulations
A team led by Deputy Chief Forest Officer of Bahawalpur, Syed Ali Usman Bukhari, carried out an operation in the Cholistan State Wildlife Sanctuary, where two individuals were caught red-handed while hunting houbara bustard. A live bird was recovered from their possession and a criminal case was registered against them at the local police station. The rescued bird was safely transferred to Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park until its full recovery.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Rangers Chakwal Muhammad Imran and his team tracked down and apprehended three men after a video showing illegal wild boar hunting 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 capture of partridges and pangolins, imposing a fine of Rs. 120,000 on them. All related cases were subsequently disposed of as per departmental procedures.
Department of Wildlife officials reaffirmed their commitment to strictly enforce wildlife protection laws and urged the public to report any cases of illegal hunting or animal trafficking.
