Latest news with #PunjabWildlifeRangers
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Wildlife dept recovers black bear
Punjab Wildlife Rangers have carried out combing operations in the Sargodha and Dera Ghazi Khan regions, recovering a male black bear and thwarting an illegal wild boar hunting attempt. According to the Wildlife Department, the operation in the Bhalwal area of Sargodha led to the recovery of a male black bear that was being kept in illegal captivity. The bear has been relocated to the Wildlife Park in Joharabad. The suspect was caught red-handed and has been taken into custody, with legal proceedings now underway. In a separate operation in the D.G. Khan region, wildlife rangers acted swiftly on reports of illegal wild boar hunting using dogs. Two individuals were arrested on the spot and fined Rs30,000. Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi stated that the department's combing operations will continue uninterrupted as part of its broader conservation efforts. He assured that the wildlife rangers are fully supported by the department and should continue their duties without fear or hesitation. The Wildlife Department further reported that a total of 13 black bears have so far been rescued from various locations during recent enforcement actions. All animals have been transferred to designated rescue centers and secure facilities.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Express Tribune
Wildlife Rangers recover captive Bear, halt Boar hunt in Punjab
Punjab Wildlife Rangers have conducted successful combing operations in the Sargodha and Dera Ghazi Khan regions, rescuing a male black bear and foiling an illegal wild boar hunting attempt. According to the Punjab Wildlife Department, a raid in the Bhalwal area of Sargodha resulted in the recovery of a male black bear that was being illegally held in captivity. The bear has since been relocated safely to the Wildlife Park in Joharabad. The suspect was caught red-handed and is now in custody, with legal proceedings currently underway. In a separate incident in Dera Ghazi Khan, wildlife rangers acted promptly on reports of illegal wild boar hunting using dogs. Two individuals were arrested on the spot and fined Rs. 30,000. Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi affirmed that the department's combing operations would continue without interruption as part of a wider conservation initiative. He stressed that rangers are receiving full departmental support and should carry out their duties confidently and without fear. Read: Punjab launches operation against illegal keeping of big cat The Wildlife Department also reported that 13 black bears have been rescued from various locations during recent enforcement drives. All recovered animals have been transferred to designated rescue centers and secure wildlife facilities. These ongoing operations are part of a broader campaign to eliminate illegal hunting practices and the unlawful captivity and trade of wildlife across the province.
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Lion cubs among 23 wild cats rescued in Punjab wildlife crackdown
Listen to article An illegal network involved in the sale and purchase of big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards, has dismantled by Punjab Wildlife Rangers. In a series of operations, authorities recovered 23 big cats, several of them hidden in private homes. Among the seized animals were multiple lion cubs, officials confirmed. In Lahore, Wildlife Rangers have rescued five lion cubs from a posh residential area where they were being secretly kept. According to wildlife authorities, it has become increasingly common for individuals to buy newborn lions and tigers from private breeding farms as a hobby. A single cub is sold for between Rs800,000 and Rs1 million, they said. Valued for their exotic appearance, many of these animals are kept inside homes. However, officials warn that by six months of age, the cubs begin to exhibit wild behaviour, posing safety risks to both owners and surrounding communities. Officials revealed that some breeding farm owners were illegally relocating cubs from their facilities and selling them through unlicensed channels. Following a series of targeted crackdowns, authorities now say that this underground market has been dismantled. Read: Punjab CM announces Rs500,000 compensation for victims of lion attack Additional Director General of the Punjab Wildlife Rangers, Syed Kamran Bukhari, stated that wild animals will only be allowed in captivity under the protocols of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). He emphasised that, under WAZA regulations, dangerous wild animals cannot be kept in residential areas under any circumstances. Bukhari confirmed that operations against individuals keeping lions and tigers illegally are still ongoing. Of the 23 animals recovered so far, 12 were seized in Lahore, four in Gujranwala, two in Faisalabad, three in Multan, and one each in Rawalpindi and other districts. These enforcement actions have led to the arrest of eight individuals and the registration of seven criminal cases. In Punjab, a total of 582 big cats have been officially declared as being in private possession. Lahore accounts for the largest number with 198, followed by Multan with 129, Rawalpindi with 104, Gujranwala with 86, Faisalabad with 20, the Salt Range with 26, Gujrat with nine, Bahawalpur with six, and one each in Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Sargodha. Wildlife authorities say verification of these animals is currently underway. Registered wildlife breeding farms have been given a three-month deadline to rectify shortcomings in their facilities and bring their operations into full compliance with legal and safety standards.
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Pet big cats to be sterilised, sale banned
The Punjab government will enforce sterilisation of lions, tigers, leopards and other big cats in private possession to keep their population in check. A ban on the commercial sale and purchase of the species will also be imposed as part of a phased regulation drive. Provincial Chief Wildlife Ranger said while speaking to The Express Tribune that the provincial government would implement a regulatory framework to govern the private ownership of big cats. The owners had been given a deadline until May 2 to declare their animals. So far, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have declared their stocks and their verification is under way, during which 40 of the facilities have been verified. Registered breeding farms have now been granted a month to improve their facilities in line with official guidelines. Meanwhile, enforcement against illegal possession continues with 20 big cats confiscated from unregistered premises, seven FIRs lodged and eight people arrested. Elahi stated that under no circumstances would lions, tigers or similar dangerous animals be allowed in urban areas, housing societies or residential neighbourhoods. Only those wildlife breeding farms that develop proper housing infrastructure in accordance with the Punjab Wildlife Act will be permitted to keep big cats. SOPs clearly outline enclosure size, space requirements and safety protocols. Additionally, a registration fee of Rs50,000 per big cat will be charged, with mandatory annual renewal. The provincial regulatory efforts are unfolding in four phases. After declaration and verification in Phase 1 and 2, the third phase will see a ban on the trade of big cats, followed by Phase 4 of sterilisation of lions, tigers and leopards to prevent uncontrolled breeding. The seized animals have been relocated to facilities in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur. Wildlife conservationist Badr Munir praised the initiative, stating that nowhere in the world are dangerous animals kept as pets in homes. "Unfortunately, in Pakistan it has become a bizarre status symbol — people drive around with big cats, make TikToks, and then panic when one escapes or attacks." He emphasised that big cats should be confined strictly to zoos, wildlife parks or registered breeding facilities. "Dangerous animals must never be allowed in populated neighbourhoods. The new regulations introduced by Punjab wildlife authorities must be enforced without exception." Meanwhile, Punjab Wildlife Rangers seized a white tiger and an African lion cub from Faisalabad. According to Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Dr Ghulam Rasool, the operation was carried out by the Faisalabad unit following a tip-off. The animals, belonging to rare exotic species, were being kept without legal permits. The rescued white tiger was shifted to Lahore Safari Zoo, while the lion cub would be relocated to another secure facility, officials said. Legal proceedings were initiated under the Punjab Wildlife Act against those involved in illegally keeping the dangerous animals.
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Punjab Wildlife seize white tiger and African lion cub in Faisalabad crackdown
The Punjab Wildlife Rangers seized on Tuesday a white tiger and an African lion cub in Faisalabad as part of an ongoing crackdown against the illegal possession of dangerous wild animals. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Dr Ghulam Rasool confirmed that the operation was carried out by the Faisalabad unit following a tip-off. The animals, both rare and exotic species, were being kept without the required legal permits. The rescued white tiger has been relocated to Lahore Safari Zoo, while the lion cub is being moved to a secure facility. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Punjab Wildlife Act against those involved in the illegal possession. Read: Punjab home to 587 privately owned big cats Officials confirmed that over 20 lions, tigers and leopards have been recovered from various cities across Punjab since the crackdown began. These animals have been relocated to safe locations for proper care. Punjab wildlife department officials seized 18 lions from various cities across the province. The officials arrested five individuals in connection with the illegal possession of these animals, registered five FIRs, and launched investigations into two additional cases. Earlier, the Punjab government has announced new regulations to enforce the sterilisation of lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats. As part of a phased regulatory initiative, the government will also introduce a ban on the commercial sale and purchase of these species. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Punjab's Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi said that, for the first time, the province is implementing a regulatory framework to govern the private ownership of big cats. Owners were given the deadline of May 2 to declare their animals. As of now, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have declared their stocks, with verification currently underway. Till date, 40 of these facilities have been verified.
