Unsafe habitat: Gorals on brink of extinction

40 gorals are hunted illegally every year, say officials

PESHAWAR: Gorals in the valleys of Rustam, Mardan and Buner are now on the brink of extinction. With time, these areas have been transformed into unofficial hunting grounds and the mammal can no longer roam as freely as it used to. 

Until recently, the population of gorals in Mardan and the hills of Buner has remained safe. An official of the wildlife department told The Express Tribune on Saturday, most of these areas could not be accessed as there were very few roads connecting them to other parts of the country.

“Once upon a time, a large number of deers were found in the province,” he said. “But now, they have become extinct. As a result, those who want to hunt a mammal visit these valleys and illegally hunt gorals.”

According to the officials, a large number of people visit the valleys each year for hunting purposes.

“At least 40 gorals are hunted illegally every year,” said the official. “Very few of them are left now.”

A convenient alternative

The official said markhors are also found in these areas.

“In the presence of these ‘trophy animals’, little attention is paid to gorals,” he said. “Markhors disappeared from the area two decades ago. As a result, gorals are being hunted over the past five to six years.”

The number of hunters has also increased as residents of these valleys have steadily broadened their horizons and are developing contact with the rest of the world. They are encouraging people to visit these areas. According to insiders, many of these visitors come to these regions with the intention to hunt.

Pinning the blame

A local elder told The Express Tribune wildlife department officials gone to the extent of inviting high-ranking officials to the area for hunting.  “Yet, the wildlife department says it has no access to these areas,” he said.

According to the locals, forests in the areas even had thousands of baboons.

“However, they are now being caught and sold in the market by locals,” he said. “We are not pleased with the situation but have no say in the matter.”

Hunting season

Asad Khan, a hunter who visits these areas, blamed the wildlife department for not being able to prevent gorals from becoming extinct.

“Officials from the department hand in glove with the hunters,” he said. “I have been hunting animals in these areas for seven years. Back then, there were dozens of them in the mountains of Buner. In the last two years, only a few gorals have been seen in the area. I strongly urge the government to take steps for their protection as they are an asset.”

Out of bounds

When contacted, an official of the wildlife department said they are facing a severe shortage of watchers as these areas are largely inaccessible.

“In the absence of proper routes, we have not been able to take any measures to prevent poaching.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2015.