K-P sets rules for 2026 crane capture

Season runs Sept 1-Oct 15, with strict quotas and penalties

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has announced the 2026 season for the live capture of cranes and issued a notification outlining strict regulations for hunters and camp operators.

According to the notification, the season will remain in force from September 1 to October 15. A quota of 100 camps has been fixed across different districts of the province, with each camp permitted to capture a maximum of 15 cranes alive during the season.

Only Common Cranes and Demoiselle Cranes may be captured under the prescribed rules, while the hunting or live capture of other bird species will not be allowed. Crane hunting has been completely banned in specified areas, including the Kurram River, designated refuges in Lakki Marwat and Zarmilan.

Permits will be issued only to residents of authorised districts. Cranes may only be captured through traditional methods, while the use of electronic devices, firearms or nets will invite strict action.

The movement of captured cranes will be allowed from 6am to midnight, while transportation between midnight and 6am will remain prohibited. Camps must be dismantled and all cranes registered at the end of the season.

The camp permit fee has been fixed at Rs15,000, while the annual ownership fee is Rs400 per bird. Commercial use of captured cranes has been prohibited.

Violators will face cancellation of licences and a five-year blacklist, while action will also be taken against camp leaders involved in illegal hunting.