LAHORE:

The provincial government, in a bid to curb poaching, has proposed the confiscation of weapons as a punishment for wildlife poachers. Meanwhile, trophy hunting quotas for the Punjab Aryal and Himalayan Ibex species have not been determined by the federal government.

“We want to make the quality of Punjab’s wildlife on par with European countries,” commented Punjab Wildlife Game Superintendent Badar Munir, while talking about the province’s conservation efforts.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister of Punjab are focused on developing our forests and wildlife, and we are committed to moving forward with their guidance and vision,” he added.

The previous year, nearly 2,800 poachers were fined Rs19 million by Punjab Wildlife for hunting various birds and animals. But in the first 10 months of this year, the department has raised more than Rs23 million which issued similar sanctions which, according to Munir, represents an increase in the crackdown on poaching.

In addition, the honorary game warden also said that his department had been functioning under a scarcity of funds and resources. “Currently, there is a total staff strength of 1,000 employees in 36 provincial districts. At the Tehsil level, we didn’t even have a motorbike and even if there was a vehicle somewhere, it almost always ran out of fuel. In addition, all of our existing vehicles are completely out of date compared to modern hunting guns and vehicles, which puts us on the edge of the hunters, ”he shared.

Talking about his proposal to the Provincial Head to increase fines and confiscate the weapons of poachers, Munir said he saw nothing wrong in hunting endangered or abundant species of wildlife.

The game supervisor shared that he loved hunting himself, and had participated in games in various countries around the world.

“The trophy hunt, which began three decades ago in Gilgit Baltistan, is a great way of portraying Pakistan’s gentle image, as well as generating huge foreign exchange which in turn can be used for the improvement of wildlife,” said Munir. “However, hunting must always be within the limits of the law. For example, hunting during the breeding season harms animal populations and is therefore prohibited in all provinces, ”he added.

Describing problems faced by the department, the game wardens share that catching influential hunters and taking appropriate action against them often puts officials in the midst of severe propaganda. “They [poachers] well connected and often initiates anti-corruption petitions against us for revenge. That’s why many officials at lower levels are hesitant to take action against these veteran criminals, “he explained.

On the other hand, Munir said that his party was very particular in checking his own employees. “We take immediate action if any of us are found to be involved in buying, selling or hunting protected animals in any capacity.

Recently, a Bahawalnagar wildlife inspector was suspended from duty due to his involvement with a hunting entity.

Hunting birds and animals during the breeding season is the same crime, which directly affects animal populations and endangers the survival of endangered species, ”Munir told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, 23 October^rd, 2020.