Wildlife Rangers rescue stray hog deer in Shakargarh

Wildlife Rangers in Lahore have arrested two individuals involved in the illegal trade of wild birds and begun legal proceedings against them. In a separate operation, a stray hog deer was safely rescued near Shakargarh and released back into its natural habitat.

The operation in Lahore was carried out under the supervision of Dr. Ghulam Rasool, Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger, Lahore Region. Wildlife staff apprehended two dealers engaged in the unlawful sale of various exotic and tree-dwelling bird species. The birds were taken into protective custody, and the suspects were charged with violations of the Wildlife Act, with further legal action underway.

Meanwhile, in Shakargarh, a team led by Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Sialkot Muhammad Taimoor rescued a hog deer that had wandered away from its natural environment. The animal was medically examined and later released safely back into the wild.

Wildlife officials said both operations reflect ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade and ensure the protection of endangered species in Punjab.

Last month, the Punjab Wildlife Department arrested eight individuals involved in the illegal hunting of rare and protected species, including the Indian pangolin, houbara bustard, partridge, and wild boar. Six offenders were fined a total of Rs. 2.2 million, while First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against two others for further legal proceedings.

The recovered houbara bustard has been transferred to the Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park for rehabilitation.

Read: Punjab announces partridge hunting season with strict regulations

A team led by Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Bahawalpur, Syed Ali Usman Bukhari, carried out an operation in the Cholistan Public Wildlife Reserve, where two individuals were caught red-handed while hunting the houbara bustard. A live bird was recovered from their possession, and a criminal case was registered against them at the local police station. The rescued bird was safely relocated to the Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park until its full recovery.

Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Chakwal, Muhammad Imran, and his team traced and apprehended three men after a video showing illegal wild boar hunting with dogs went viral on social media. The offenders were fined Rs. 100,000 for the violation.

In another operation, Chakwal Wildlife Rangers arrested three hunters involved in the illegal capture of partridges and pangolins, imposing a fine of Rs. 120,000. All related cases were subsequently disposed of according to departmental procedures.

Officials from the Wildlife Department reaffirmed their commitment to strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws and urged the public to report any instances of illegal hunting or animal trafficking.