Rare leopard’s death

The news of the death of a rare leopard in AJK has reverberated across Pakistan, creating much dismay as people increasingly call to protect critically endangered wildlife. The injured leopard was found by locals along the Neelum river and transported for treatment. Vets revealed that the leopard, who was also a mother, had been hit by six cartridges from an LG rifle. Her backbone was broken and the lower part of her body was completely paralysed. Unfortunately, the doctors failed to save her life.

The death of this leopard signifies the diminishing wildlife of this country. The reasons for this are two-fold: one, climate change and deforestation have increased the vulnerability and increasing number of species; and two, immoral and illegal practices such as poaching for valuables and hunting for sport continue unabated. The incumbent government, which believes that it has championed the protection and preservation of wildlife through its climate change and sustainability initiatives, has miserably failed at protecting the precarious wildlife species of Pakistan. The fact that the government had issued special permits for hunting Houbara Bustards indicates their farfetched and hollow promises. There is a need to curb such practices. The AJK government must stop issuing ‘big game shooting licences’ and put a blanket ban on animal killing through amendments to the Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act. There is an even greater necessity to create a sustainable environment where rare species can thrive, survive and reproduce. In the case of leopards, the government needs to carry out a massive afforestation project in AJK.

Killing or wounding such animals is not an act of heroism, bravery or skill. The culture of treating animals as mere resources and trophies must stop. They too are breathing creatures who require love, affection and sympathy.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2022.

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