Sale of taxidermied rare birds questioned

LAHORE:

Conservationists have expressed concern over the sale of taxidermied falcons, eagles.and other birds of prey at several shops located along the motorways in Punjab.

They said these species are protected under provincial wildlife laws, and many are facing the threat of local extinction.

A falconer and raptor conservation specialist, Dr Kamran Abid, said the sale indicates that rare birds of prey are being killed and traded. He said birds of prey play a critical role in regulating populations of rodents, snakes and other species, and their removal disrupts ecosystems.

Dr Abid urged the Punjab government and wildlife rangers to launch an inquiry into the source of the stuffed birds and their trade in motorway service areas.

He called for an operation to seize all taxidermied raptors from shops on the motorways, along with an investigation to identify suppliers and those involved in illegal hunting.

Wildlife department authorities stated that as a licence is required to keep live wild animals and birds, it is also mandatory for the sale and purchase of taxidermied wildlife. Shopkeepers are additionally required to maintain records showing where and from whom the taxidermied specimen was acquired.

Officials said enforcement actions were under way against those involved in illegal wildlife trade.