Punjab is stepping up its efforts to protect endangered bird species with a zero-tolerance crackdown on the illegal hunting of falcons and quails across the province.
The Punjab Wildlife Department, under Secretary Forests Mudassir Riaz Malik, will deploy specially trained Wildlife Rangers to ensure stricter enforcement during the hunting season. The announcement came after a strategy meeting chaired by Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi at the Lahore Zoo on Wednesday.
The move comes amid growing concern over the rapid decline in the population of these birds, driven largely by illegal trapping and hunting.
The department has decided that immediate FIRs will be filed against offenders, and landowners allowing hunting on their property won’t be spared either. All Deputy Chief Wildlife Rangers must now submit daily violation reports, and any complaint involving netting or poaching of falcons or quails will hold the respective officer responsible.
To ensure rapid response, dedicated raid teams are being formed across regions. Meanwhile, the department plans a massive awareness campaign to educate citizens on the environmental damage caused by illegal hunting.
“We’re not just enforcing laws — we’re fighting to protect our natural heritage,” said one wildlife official.
The meeting was joined via video link by wildlife officers across Punjab, including assistant and senior rangers. Officers who excel in field performance during the hunting season will be publicly recognized and rewarded.
While the initiative sends a strong message, officials emphasized that community support and awareness are essential to making the effort a success.