Punjab authorities have intensified their crashes on illegal hunting during the ongoing Falcon and Quail hunting season and recorded more than 125 first information reports (FIRs) at various police stations throughout the province.
According to a spokesman for Punjab Wildlife Rangers, over 300 wild birds are rescued from poachers and released back in their natural habitats.
The official noted that enforcement measures in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Jhang, Salt Range and South Punjab revealed that most offenders were involved in illegal netting and felling of quail, partradges and parrots.
Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Punjab Dr. Ghulam Rasool has revealed that Falcons and Quail are among the most important migratory bird species arriving in Pakistan from the beginning of August.
Officials of the Punjab Wildlife Department detract on a suspected poacher during an action against illegal hunting of falcon and quail. Photo: Express
These birds are typically found near rivers, lakes and water channels, making them easy targets during their breeding season when poachers and hunters utilize their vulnerability.
According to Dr. Ghulam Rasool prefers Falcon’s semi-desert and hilly terrain and is often used for hunting purposes.
The river and hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur as well as the salt area in Sargodha and Khushab are known habitats for these valuable raptors.
A suspected hunter with a seized firearm under the Punjab Wildlife Department action against illegal hunting for falcon and quail. Photo: Express
Hunters often use cruel methods, such as the bottoming of other birds such as bait or use of nets, to catch them.
On the other hand, quail is concentrated in Punjab’s central districts.
Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal and Vehari are large breeding grounds due to their agricultural landscapes where guard hunting is widespread.
Read: Punjab to enforce ‘zero-tolerance policy’ against illegal hunting of falcons, quail
Quail Farming, especially on the outskirts of Lahore and Kasur, has also become a commercial activity.
In addition, cotton and wheat fields in Faisalabad, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh, as well as farms in Multan and Khanewal provide natural habitats to quail, making them easy prey for hunters.
Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi emphasized that the operation would continue with “full engagement and power” throughout the province until illegal hunting is completely eradicated, warning that offenders will have strict legal consequences without exception.
Confiscated hunting equipment and suspects presented at Border Military Police Station, Rajanpur. Photo: Express
Mastanir Afzal Lodhi, a leader of Pakistan Hunters’ Association, claimed that the illegal hunting and transport of falcons and quail would not be possible without coherence of certain wildlife officials.
He revealed that Falcons caught in Punjab and Sindh are often transported to districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially tank where they auctioned.
Seller Falcons
In Pakistan’s black market, the illegal price of a Falcon can vary between PKR 500,000 and PKR 10 million.
Hunters reportedly share photographs of trapped Falcons in private WhatsApp groups where bids take place.
Many of these birds are ultimately bought by agents by wealthy hunters from golf states.
When Arabic falcons travel to Pakistan, they sometimes swap less valuable or low -quality falcon, they bring together with high value birds acquired locally.
In addition, Falcons are also smuggled abroad via ocean routes.
By 2020, a peregrine faded around USD 173,000 (650,000 Saudi Riyals) at an auction in Saudi Arabia.
In 2021, a rare Super White Gyrfalcon was sold for approx. USD 93,347.
Wildlife officials show Netto, speakers and other equipment recovered from illegal hunters in Punjab. Photo: Express
Recently, by 2024, a peregrine Falcon Chick was auctioned out for USD 106,600 (400,000 Riyals) that emphasized the extraordinary international demand for these endangered raptors.
The question carries international significance, as species such as Falcons are often targeted by traffickers to lucrative markets in the Middle East, despite being protected by the convention of international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES).
Conservationists warn that uncontrolled poaching not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines Pakistan’s international obligations under global treaties for wildlife.
With wandering bird season at the moment at its highest, wildlife experts emphasize that continued vigilance is crucial to protecting species traveling across continents, many of which are already under pressure due to loss of habitats and climate change.
