Wildlife department busts illegal hunters and traders in Punjab, recovers hundreds of protected birds

The Punjab Wildlife Department has arrested 42 individuals involved in illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking during a recent crackdown, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

The offenders were fined a total of Rs. 625,000.

This operation, aimed at curbing the illegal hunting and trade of animals and birds, was conducted in various areas of Punjab province under the supervision of multiple wildlife officers.

According to the details, the deputy director of wildlife for Lahore Region, Dr. Ghulam Rasool, led a series of raids in different areas of Lahore, arresting five bird traders.

The authorities seized around 800 birds from their possession. These birds, captured illegally, were released back into the wild after the traders were fined Rs. 20,000.

In further operations, teams apprehended individuals involved in the illegal trade of falcons and ducks.

Specifically, 10 falcon traders, five duck traders, and one dealer involved in the trade of waterfowl were fined Rs. 173,000 in total.

Following these arrests, 14 wild coots were freed back into their natural habitat.

In Faisalabad, a team under the leadership of Deputy Director Aamir Khan Niazi arrested two falcon hunters in Jhang, imposing a fine of Rs. 60,000.

In Bahawalnagar, Assistant Director Munawar Hussain Najmi, in collaboration with Punjab Rangers, thwarted an attempt to illegally hunt nilgai (blue bull) in the border belt area. Four hunters were arrested and fined Rs. 200,000.

Meanwhile, in Narowal, Assistant Director Arshad Naz led an operation that apprehended five individuals for illegal wild boar hunting using vicious dogs. The group was fined Rs. 50,000.

Other significant actions were taken in different districts. In Chakwal, Assistant Director Adnan Ali arrested a dove hunter and imposed a fine of Rs. 55,000.

In Khanewal, Assistant Director Sarfraz Hussain arrested five illegal falcon hunters who were presented in local court. They were fined Rs. 50,000, and the captured birds, including falcons and doves, were released.

In Jhang, Assistant Director Akram Shahid arrested two quail hunters, who were fined Rs. 25,000, and filed a case against another hunter who was caught using an air gun.

Meanwhile, in Mianwali, Assistant Director Muhammad Imran arrested an illegal duck hunter, recovering seven waterbirds, a boat, and other equipment. Legal proceedings have been initiated against him.

Additional raids were conducted in Jhelum and Bhakkar, where illegal quail hunting gear was confiscated, and legal actions have commenced.