Rare vulture rescued by wildlife team in Rahim Yar Khan

Residents of Rahim Yar Khan’s Rukanpur area captured a rare large white vulture, prompting swift action by Punjab Wildlife authorities.

The Eurasian griffon vulture was rescued by the wildlife team and relocated to the Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park for safety and care.

According to officials, the Eurasian griffon is among several vulture species facing critical endangerment in Punjab.

Efforts to restore the vulture population have been ongoing at the Changa Manga Vulture Restoration Centre, where breeding and conservation initiatives have shown promise over the past several years.

The discovery and rescue of the vulture highlight the urgent need for wildlife conservation as these species continue to struggle against habitat loss and dwindling numbers.

Punjab wildlife squad recovers around 1,000 poached lizards in Punjab

Earlier this month, a special squad from Punjab’s wildlife department recovered nearly 1,000 illegally captured lizards and arrested several suspected poachers during a raid in the Raiwind area.

The suspects were allegedly attempting to sell the lizards, which are used to produce a costly oil extracted from their fat.

Acting on tips about the trafficking operation, wildlife officials intercepted the suspects who were reportedly bringing the lizards to a gathering near Raiwind.

The lizards, commonly known as 'sanda' lizards, had been captured in the nearby Changa Manga area, where traps were set to immobilise them for easier handling.

Authorities revealed that the traffickers had deliberately broken the lizards’ spines, rendering them unable to move. This gruesome tactic is employed to prevent the lizards from escaping and to facilitate their transport.

A senior wildlife official indicated that some local employees may be involved in this illicit trade, raising concerns about corruption within the department.

The fat from these lizards is often marketed as a remedy for various ailments, including sexual dysfunction and muscular weakness, fetching high prices in local and foreign markets.

Under the Punjab Wildlife Act, the hunting and trafficking of these lizards is illegal. Following the raid, authorities have registered a case against the suspects, who now face prosecution. Officials confirmed that all the seized lizards had suffered significant injuries, preventing them from moving freely.