Punjab Wildlife Department, which enforces a “zero -tolerance” policy against illegal hunting for Falcons and quail, will deploy newly trained wildlife rankers over the province of secretary forests, Mudassir Riaz Malik.
Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi chaired a meeting Wednesday at the Lahore Zoo to review and end the strategy.
Officials noted that the illegal hunt for falcons and quail in Punjab has led to a sharp fall in the population of these rare bird species.
Immediate fours (first information reports) will be filed against offenders, and landowners found accomplices in allowing illegal hunting for their property and will also have legal consequences.
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All field officers and employees were asked to maintain full vigilance at any time during the hunting season.
All Deputy Manager Wildlife Rangers were instructed to submit daily reports of violations and enforcement measures. It was decided during the meeting that the respective deputy Wildlife Chief Ranger would be held responsible for complaints relating to netting or catching Falcons or quail.
The goal is to educate the public about the ecological injuries caused by illegal hunting and to deter such practice. Dedicated Raid -Teams will be established in their respective regions to monitor and act on any illegal activity.
Read more: Migratory bird numbers fall in Pakistan
Field Officers launch synchronized public consciousness campaigns over Punjab using electronic and social media platforms.
The meeting was attended via video link by all Deputy Manager Wildlife Rangers from all over the province together with assistant boss Wildlife Rangers and Senior Wildlife Rangers.
The department also announced that officers demonstrating unique performance during the hunting season will be rewarded accordingly.
While the Wildlife Department’s latest effort marks a serious commitment to the preservation of wildlife, the success of this campaign hangs on public cooperation, attention and effective enforcement of the law.
