Lahore authorities recover snow leopard skin in crackdown against illegal wildlife trade

The Punjab Wildlife Department has seized the skin of a rare snow leopard and arrested a suspect in a raid conducted in a private housing society in Lahore.

According to wildlife officials, the suspect's interrogation led to the identification of a larger criminal network involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.

The operation was carried out by the Punjab Wildlife Special Squad, which apprehended the suspect while recovering the valuable leopard skin.

The estimated market value of the skin is $20,000, equivalent to approximately PKR 5.6 million.

Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government's zero-tolerance policy toward violations of wildlife protection laws, emphasizing that preserving wildlife and forests is a key strategy in combating climate change.

She also revealed that the suspect was involved in illegally selling animal skins through social media.

Pakistan is one of the 12 countries where the rare snow leopard is found, though the species is critically endangered in the country. Only 300 to 400 snow leopards are believed to remain in Pakistan, making conservation efforts crucial.

International initiatives, including those involving Pakistan, continue to strive for the survival of this endangered species.