Punjab Wildlife Rangers rescue over 35,000 animals, collect Rs766m in fines

Crackdown on illegal hunting sees thousands of cases registered across the province

Punjab Wildlife Rangers have stepped up action against illegal hunting, trade and unlawful possession of wildlife, rescuing more than 35,000 wild animals and birds over the past year.

Officials said fines of more than Rs766 million were collected from offenders during the period.

According to official data released by the department, 3,749 cases were registered during the first 10 months of the current year.

Courts decided 512 of these cases and imposed fines totalling Rs7.104 million.

Another 3,007 cases were settled through timely compounding, leading to the recovery of Rs695.85 million as compensation. Police also registered 575 FIRs.

Region-wise data showed 257 cases in Lahore Region, 137 in Gujranwala, 107 in Gujrat and 113 in Sahiwal.

The highest number of cases related to illegal hunting was recorded in the Salt Range area of Chakwal, where 344 cases were registered.

In Rawalpindi Region, 909 cases were reported, followed by Dera Ghazi Khan with 476, Faisalabad with 334, Bahawalpur with 390, Sargodha with 518 and Multan Region with 164 cases.

Officials said offenders in these cases were penalised under the law.

Read: Punjab tightens wildlife laws, experts alarmed

Between March 2024 and Sept. 30, 2025, wildlife rangers rescued and secured 35,178 endangered animals and birds across Punjab.

Of the 694 wild animals rescued, officials said there were 23 bears, 27 lions and tigers, 219 spiny-tailed lizards, 223 turtles, 47 wild boars and 75 monkeys.

The rescued animals also included 13 Indian pangolins, eight urials and 17 deer of different species.

Officials said 34,484 birds were rescued during the period.

Sparrows accounted for the largest number at 27,666, followed by 151 mynas, five vultures and four falcons.

Rangers also rescued nine desert foxes, 41 wild hares, 14 mongooses, 33 snakes, including cobras and Russell’s vipers, and five chitals.

Most of the animals and birds were freed from illegal traps, hunters’ nets or unlawful captivity, officials said.

Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi said all rescued animals are given immediate medical treatment at wildlife hospitals.

“After recovery, they are released back into their natural habitats,” he said.

Elahi said the department is taking strict action against illegal hunting while also running public awareness campaigns to ensure long-term protection and conservation of wildlife.