Over 700 freshwater turtles released in Sukkur
Eight species of freshwater turtles are found in Pakistan, five of which are globally threatened
PHOTO: WWF-PAKISTAN
The Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) together with WWF-Pakistan released on Monday 760 black-spotted turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) into their natural habitat in Sukkur.
The turtles were recovered by SWD and other law enforcement agencies in a joint raid at a bungalow in Karachi's Defence area during which, 12 traffickers including nine Pakistanis and three foreigners were arrested. In addition, two vehicles were also taken into custody.
Back to the wild: Recovered turtles to be released in Indus River today
The freshwater turtles were released in a lake in Kallar Goth near Rohri Toll Plaza and Nara Canal near Aror, Sukkur. Senior officials of SWD, WWF-Pakistan and other civil society organisations and media representatives released these turtles into their natural habitat pledging their support to conserve the diminishing population of freshwater turtles of Pakistan.
Eight species of freshwater turtles are found in Pakistan, five of which are globally threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Due to the high demand of freshwater turtles in East Asian countries particularly China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Vietnam has led to a significant decline in their species.
"The department is keeping a vigil on illegal trade of endangered species especially black-spotted turtles which are being illegally exported from Pakistan," Adnan Hamid Khan, Deputy Sanctuary Warden, SWD said, adding that, the department is making every possible effort to curb the illegal trade in the province and striving to implement harsh punishments imposed on those involved in the illegal trade.
He further lauded the efforts of WWF-Pakistan for supporting the department in timely release of these reptiles into the Indus River. Head of Sindh and Balochistan region, WWF-Pakistan, Ali Dehlavi, termed the release a great step towards curbing wildlife trafficking from Pakistan.
In efforts to tackle illegal wildlife trade in the country, WWF-Pakistan is working in close coordination with provincial wildlife departments and is utilising its resources to support these initiatives. There is an increasing need for strict vigilance on wildlife trafficking and the department has called for an awareness campaign to sensitise people on this issue.
Illegal trade: 700 turtles recovered from DHA
"WWF-Pakistan strongly supports stringent penalties on smugglers so that the trafficking of wildlife species is discouraged at the local, national as well as international levels," Dehlavi said.
Raid Party incharge SWD, Muhmmad Azeem, issued a warning to traffickers urging them to refrain from committing wildlife crimes or else harsh punishments would be issued. He further appealed to locals to inform the department wherever they observe activities to ensure action is taken in a timely manner.
"This turtle release is a great achievement on part of Sindh Wildlife Department and WWF-Pakistan to foil a network of traffickers and safely release these turtles into their habitat. Turtles contribute to maintain the integrity of freshwater ecosystems and have the important role of scavengers," Altaf Hussain Sheikh, Manager Conservation Sindh, WWF-Pakistan said, adding that, "This seizure has also conveyed a strong message to poachers to refrain from harming wildlife or else face strict punitive action."
He further emphasised on the need to raise awareness and mass mobilisation of public and relevant organisations on the prevailing issue.
The turtles were recovered by SWD and other law enforcement agencies in a joint raid at a bungalow in Karachi's Defence area during which, 12 traffickers including nine Pakistanis and three foreigners were arrested. In addition, two vehicles were also taken into custody.
Back to the wild: Recovered turtles to be released in Indus River today
The freshwater turtles were released in a lake in Kallar Goth near Rohri Toll Plaza and Nara Canal near Aror, Sukkur. Senior officials of SWD, WWF-Pakistan and other civil society organisations and media representatives released these turtles into their natural habitat pledging their support to conserve the diminishing population of freshwater turtles of Pakistan.
Eight species of freshwater turtles are found in Pakistan, five of which are globally threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Due to the high demand of freshwater turtles in East Asian countries particularly China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Vietnam has led to a significant decline in their species.
"The department is keeping a vigil on illegal trade of endangered species especially black-spotted turtles which are being illegally exported from Pakistan," Adnan Hamid Khan, Deputy Sanctuary Warden, SWD said, adding that, the department is making every possible effort to curb the illegal trade in the province and striving to implement harsh punishments imposed on those involved in the illegal trade.
He further lauded the efforts of WWF-Pakistan for supporting the department in timely release of these reptiles into the Indus River. Head of Sindh and Balochistan region, WWF-Pakistan, Ali Dehlavi, termed the release a great step towards curbing wildlife trafficking from Pakistan.
In efforts to tackle illegal wildlife trade in the country, WWF-Pakistan is working in close coordination with provincial wildlife departments and is utilising its resources to support these initiatives. There is an increasing need for strict vigilance on wildlife trafficking and the department has called for an awareness campaign to sensitise people on this issue.
Illegal trade: 700 turtles recovered from DHA
"WWF-Pakistan strongly supports stringent penalties on smugglers so that the trafficking of wildlife species is discouraged at the local, national as well as international levels," Dehlavi said.
Raid Party incharge SWD, Muhmmad Azeem, issued a warning to traffickers urging them to refrain from committing wildlife crimes or else harsh punishments would be issued. He further appealed to locals to inform the department wherever they observe activities to ensure action is taken in a timely manner.
"This turtle release is a great achievement on part of Sindh Wildlife Department and WWF-Pakistan to foil a network of traffickers and safely release these turtles into their habitat. Turtles contribute to maintain the integrity of freshwater ecosystems and have the important role of scavengers," Altaf Hussain Sheikh, Manager Conservation Sindh, WWF-Pakistan said, adding that, "This seizure has also conveyed a strong message to poachers to refrain from harming wildlife or else face strict punitive action."
He further emphasised on the need to raise awareness and mass mobilisation of public and relevant organisations on the prevailing issue.