Experts warn protected raptors are being killed for trade as calls for urgent investigation and crackdown grow
Conservationists have expressed deep concern over the sale of falcons, eagles and other birds of prey at several tuck shops along Punjab’s highways. Experts say these species are protected under the province’s wildlife laws, and many already face the threat of local extinction. Despite this legal protection, their display and sale continues openly on government-regulated service areas.
“Taxidermy is only possible when an animal is dead, indicating that rare birds of prey are being deliberately killed and traded,” said Dr. Kamran Abid, a falconer and raptor conservation specialist associated with the Punjab Hawking Club. He noted that this alleged practice not only contributes to a significant decline in wildlife but also destabilizes the ecological balance. “Birds of prey play a crucial role in regulating populations of rodents, snakes and other species, and their removal disrupts entire ecosystems.”
Dr. Abid has called upon the Chief Minister of Punjab, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, and the Punjab Wildlife Rangers to launch an immediate inquiry into the source of these stuffed birds and investigate how such trade is being carried out openly at highway service areas. According to relevant circles, the situation is not only a violation of the law, but also points to gross negligence on the part of responsible institutions.
Read: Urbanization is a ‘bird-one’ that Karachi cannot sustain much longer
Calling for immediate action, conservationists have demanded an emergency operation to seize all birds of prey rooted from highway shops, along with a high-level investigation to identify suppliers and people involved in illegal hunting. They further called for strict legal action against shopkeepers and all those responsible for this trade.
Punjab Wildlife authorities state that just as a license is required for keeping live wild animals and birds, a license is also mandatory for the sale and purchase of taxidermied wildlife.
Shop owners are also required to keep records showing where and from whom the preserved preparation was acquired. Officials maintain that enforcement action is underway against those involved in illegal wildlife trade.
