Latest news with #SyedAliUsman


Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Hedgehog deer rescued by Punjab Wildlife in Shakargarh
Listen to article A hedgehog deer that had wandered into a residential area in Shakargarh city of Punjab province's Narowal district was successfully rescued and returned to its natural habitat by the Punjab Wildlife Department. The animal strayed into Mohalla Ansariya, prompting some locals to attempt capturing it. Wildlife officials quickly intervened, administered first aid, and released the deer into the Benhal protected forest. Punjab Rangers supported the rescue team during the operation, ensuring a smooth and secure release. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Sheikh Zahid Iqbal praised the joint efforts, saying the timely response helped preserve a vulnerable species and raised public awareness about wildlife protection. He noted that such animals, including deer and nilgai, often cross into Pakistan from India while fleeing poachers or seeking food. Once inside Pakistan, they are given necessary care and protection. The rescue highlights ongoing efforts by Pakistani authorities to protect biodiversity and educate citizens about the importance of conservation. Earlier, a rare Indian grey wolf was killed by shepherds near Bahawalpur, raising alarm among conservationists about the safety of endangered species in Pakistan's rural regions. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman confirmed that local shepherds tracked and killed the animal in a rural area. The carcass has been recovered and sent for post-mortem. Authorities are investigating the incident under the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020 (Amended 2025) and have pledged to file a case once the suspects are identified. The Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is an endangered subspecies native to dry and semi-arid regions of South Asia. Slightly smaller and more elusive than its European relatives, the animal rarely enters human settlements unless its habitat is disturbed or food sources run dry.


Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Rare Indian grey wolf killed by shepherds in Bahawalpur
Listen to article A rare Indian grey wolf has been killed by shepherds near Bahawalpur, raising alarm among conservationists about the safety of endangered species in Pakistan's rural regions. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman confirmed that local shepherds tracked and killed the animal in a rural area. The carcass has been recovered and sent for post-mortem. Authorities are investigating the incident under the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020 (Amended 2025) and have pledged to file a case once the suspects are identified. The Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is an endangered subspecies native to dry and semi-arid regions of South Asia. Slightly smaller and more elusive than its European relatives, the animal rarely enters human settlements unless its habitat is disturbed or food sources run dry. Experts say local herders often see wolves as threats to livestock, which leads to conflicts and retaliatory killings. 'This isn't just the loss of one animal—it's the loss of ecological balance,' said Badr Munir, conservationist and member of the Punjab Wildlife Management Board. He emphasised the wolf's key role as a top predator. He added that habitat loss and shrinking food sources often drive such predators toward villages. Conservation groups have condemned the killing and are calling for stronger protection laws and public education campaigns to reduce human-wildlife conflict. They urge government bodies to engage with rural communities and promote coexistence strategies before more wildlife is lost.