‘Declare Tarbela Lake a game reserve’

Speakers highlight importance of wildlife.

HARIPUR:

The wildlife department has recommended the provincial government to declare Tarbela Lake as a game reserve to ban hunting of migratory birds who arrive from as far away as Russia, according to District Officer Wildlife Fazle Ala.

During an awareness workshop for biodiversity conservation arranged by the wildlife department, on Thursday Ala said, “Tarbela Lake receives thousands of migratory birds in winters which are illegally hunted.

The wildlife department has constituted area coordination councils of villagers in union councils situated close to Tarbela Lake for protection of birds and animals.” Illegal hunting has seriously threatened species of local birds as well as there are few officials to effectively check hunters’ licences.

Unchecked deforestation, excessive hunting and toothless laws are key threats to wildlife which may lead to its extinction and endanger biodiversity was the message shared with students and teachers. Speakers highlighted the importance of wildlife for humans and the ecosystem. They pointed out that the timber mafia was busy in mercilessly felling trees which was decimating the natural habitat and forcing animals and birds of even rare species to migrate to other areas.

Illegal and excessive hunting which is mainly due to unhindered weaponisation of society is another factor behind the extinction of animals and birds, they said. Speakers also said existing laws and penalties are not a sufficient deterrent for hunters. “Violators must be given maximum sentences to conserve biodiversity for future generations.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2011.