A bloody sport: Russian doves dropping out of the skies in K-P

Illegal, excessive hunting has caused number to decline considerably

PESHAWAR: The Russian dove, a migratory bird that travels annually from Siberia and Russia to parts of the subcontinent, is being hunted illegally on a large scale in K-P.

Though considered a “foreign” species by the wildlife department, its hunting is allowed only after a shooting permit from the department is obtained. However, the number of these doves has declined considerably in recent years due to excessive and illegal hunting, an official from the Wildlife Department told The Express Tribune.

“They are being hunted in Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Mansehra and other parts excessively,” he said. “Hunting is only legal if one has a shooting permit. But in 95% cases, these birds are hunted illegally,” the official added.

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Locals hunt these doves with air guns while others use shotguns. Many times, they go on a hunting spree where they kill dozens of these birds in one go without inviting much attention, he said. “The government has not provided the wildlife department with sufficient manpower and funds to protect such species in the province.”

In comparison with Punjab

According to the official, Punjab Wildlife and Parks department banned hunting of the Russian doves. The department has one of the most efficient check-and-balance systems in the country, he said. “If you violate the rules, you are arrested and fined.”

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Though there is corruption in that department as well but not to the extent that is there in K-P, he said. “People hunt without any fear.”

While talking to The Express Tribune, subdivision forest officer Sardar Ali admitted there was a problem. “We are looking into it, however, we lack the required manpower.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2015.