Latest news with #Chinkara
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Wildlife officer shot in anti-poaching raid
A team from the Punjab Wildlife Department came under armed attack during an early morning anti-poaching operation near Toba Tharola in Rahim Yar Khan district, leaving one officer injured and damaging an official vehicle. The assailants, suspected of illegally hunting endangered wildlife, fled the scene. An FIR has been registered at Derawar police station. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Senior Wildlife Ranger Usman Khan, the department received a tip-off about illegal hunting activity involving the endangered Chinkara deer. Acting on the intelligence, a team led by Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Mujahid Kaleem, along with Ranger Nadir Ali, driver Amjad Farooq and other staff, reached the area around 5:50am on Monday. The team intercepted a suspicious white vehicle believed to be involved in poaching. As officials attempted to stop the car, one of the suspects, identified as Tahir, allegedly opened fire on the officers. Wildlife Officer Muhammad Safdar sustained injuries to his face and eye due to shattered glass from the vehicle's window, while the other suspects also fired shots before escaping under the cover of darkness. The FIR includes charges under Section 324 (attempted murder), Section 427 (mischief causing damage), Section 186 (obstructing public servants), and Sections 148 and 149 (rioting and unlawful assembly) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Additionally, Section 12 of the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020 (amended 2025), which prohibits unauthorised hunting in protected zones, has also been invoked. The complainant stated that he can identify the attackers.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Salt Range faces risk to biodiversity
The Salt Range in Punjab, known for its rare biodiversity and scenic landscapes, is facing severe ecological degradation. Experts warn that the region's unique flora and fauna are rapidly disappearing due to unregulated mining, poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. Ecologists report that unregulated cement factories and mining activities are altering the natural terrain and contaminating water sources, leading to a sharp decline in biodiversity. Climate-induced shifts in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures have further impacted soil fertility and water availability. The Salt Range Wetlands Complexhome to lakes such as Kallar Kahar, Khabbeki, Uchhali, Jhalar, and Namal — provides refuge to rare species including the Punjab Urial, Chinkara, and Red Fox, as well as globally threatened birds such as the White-headed Duck, Imperial Eagle, and Sociable Plover. Badar Munir, a conservationist and documentary filmmaker, emphasised the urgent need for intervention, citing unregulated mining and climate change as key threats to the region's ecological balance. Fahad Malik, coordinator of the Pakistan Biodiversity Alliance, stated that unchecked hunting, illegal poaching, deforestation, and the overharvesting of medicinal plants have critically damaged the ecosystem. He noted that apex predators like the common leopard and grey wolf have vanished from the Salt Range. Experts recommend immediate restrictions on unregulated mining and call for post-mining environmental impact assessments. They also urge the inclusion of local communities in conservation efforts and propose alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on natural resource extraction. Conservationists further stress the need for public awareness campaigns, research initiatives, and strengthened collaboration with national and international organisations to enhance biodiversity protection. According to WWF Pakistan, the inclusion of local communities and the promotion of sustainable development are essential for long-term conservation. In recent years, the Punjab government has launched several initiatives to protect biodiversity, focusing on legislation, policy reforms, expansion of protected areas, environmental restoration, and public outreach. Recent amendments to the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 1974 have increased penalties for the illegal hunting of endangered species. Additionally, the provincial government has introduced a comprehensive Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan aligned with international standards. Wildlife officials report the establishment of new protected areas, including a national park in Cholistan and wildlife reserves in the Salt Range. Practical steps have also been taken to preserve Ramsar-designated wetlands such as Khabbeki and Uchhali lakes. Key initiatives include the Protected Areas Initiative and forest restoration projects under the Green Pakistan Programme, which promote the plantation of native tree species. Conservation efforts for rare animals like the Punjab Urial, Chinkara, Blackbuck, and Nilgai are also underway. The government has partnered with global organizations such as IUCN, WWF, GEF, and UNDP for technical assistance and policy development, and has committed to the goals of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Despite these efforts, conservationists warn that ongoing challengesincluding illegal hunting, habitat loss, urban and agricultural encroachment, water pollution, and deforestationcontinue to threaten the region's fragile biodiversity. Experts stress that without immediate and sustained action, the ecological damage may become irreversible.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Jaisalmer man builds 100 watering holes to save desert wildlife from summer heat
Jaisalmer: As the blazing summer sun scorches the Thar Desert, wildlife in Jaisalmer is battling a severe water crisis. With natural water sources drying up, Chinkara deer—already vulnerable—are falling prey to stray dogs while venturing into villages in search of water. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the past month alone, over 10 deer have been killed this way, sparking alarm among locals. Amid this crisis, 28-year-old Radheyshyam Bishnoi of Dholia village, known as the 'Green Man' for his environmental efforts, has stepped up with a remarkable initiative. With support from villagers, he has created over 100 watering holes across the Pokhran region, now regularly filled with water using tractors and tankers. These life-saving spots have become vital sources of hydration for Chinkaras and other desert wildlife. Bishnoi, a long-time wildlife protector, said the effort began after witnessing a grievously injured Chinkara enter his village. Attacked by dogs, the deer was searching for water. Deeply moved, he rushed the animal to Phalodi and Jodhpur for treatment. This incident became the turning point that pushed him to intensify his mission to provide water across forested areas near Dholia, Khetolai, and Ganga Ram ki Dhani. Despite requesting help from the forest department, Bishnoi was told water could only be provided at existing facilities. Unfazed, he continued his work independently. Over the past four years, his team has maintained water supply to the desert wildlife using tractors, pipes, and tankers. The Bishnoi community, known for its commitment to environmental protection, has long safeguarded animals and trees. Radheyshyam's mission is a continuation of that legacy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Environmentalists like Sumer Singh Samta, president of Deg Rai Oran, said that the summer dries up most natural sources—forcing animals to encroach into human settlements. Areas like Lathi face similar challenges, with frequent wildlife movement into residential zones, heightening risks of dog attacks and road accidents. With limited institutional support, volunteers and villagers are stepping up. Bishnoi's sustained efforts now offer a critical lifeline to hundreds of animals in the harsh desert, turning dry wilderness into sanctuaries one water hole at a time.
Express Tribune
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI's Buppi dismisses Chinkara case as farcical
PTI Senator Aon Abbas Buppi on Saturday claimed that authorities have implicated him in a false case of hunting five Chinkara gazelles, which, he claimed, are non-existent in Pakistan. "There is not a single Chinkara in Pakistan, yet five such cases have been registered against me," Buppi said while talking to reporters after attending a Senate session. "The case registered against me is entirely based on lies," he added. The Punjab Wildlife Department registered a case against Buppi and nine others for illegal hunting of Chinkara. The Bahawalpur police later arrested the PTI senator. Buppi told reporters that he was told that Ejaz Chaudhary would also be brought to the upper house but the order of the Senate chairman was once again ignored. The senator said during his incarceration he had not endured a fraction of the suffering that Ejaz Chaudhary was enduring. He said it would weigh heavily on his conscience if Chaudhary were in jail and he were in the Federal Lodges. "I made a principled decision and requested the Senate chairman to cancel my production orders. Senator Ejaz Chaudhry is like a friend, mentor, and a father to me," he added. He said he requested the Senate chairman to send him to Bahawalpur so that he could face the case. "At the police station where a charge sheet was filed against me, a case of wheat theft was registered against PTI leader Shahryar Afridi. It is the price of loyalty to [PTI founder] Imran Khanprice that has been paid and will continue to be paid," he concluded.
