The Punjab Wildlife Department has stepped up operations to curb illegal hunting, focusing on the prohibited night-time hunting of partridges. Officials confirmed that enforcement activities are ongoing across the district.
Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Attock, Shahzaib Khurshid, led the operations. Teams conducted night patrols in areas known for hunting violations. During one recent operation, authorities arrested a man hunting partridges at night and seized a 12-bore shotgun used in the offence.
The accused was fined Rs. 110,000, with an additional Rs. 40,000 penalty for the illegal possession of a brown partridge. The total recovery amounted to Rs. 150,000 in compensation. Officials stressed that night hunting harms wildlife populations and is a serious violation of conservation laws.
The department urged citizens to report illegal hunting through the Wildlife Helpline 1107. Informants providing verified information can receive a Rs. 10,000 reward, and their identities will remain confidential.
Alongside arrests, wildlife teams carried out field inspections to verify hunting permits, gun-dog licenses, bag limits, and firearms. During these checks, authorities issued 306 hunting permits, verified 205 partridge permits, checked 58 gun-dog licenses, and searched 89 vehicles.
The Punjab Wildlife Department emphasized its commitment to protecting local biodiversity. Officials pledged strict enforcement of wildlife laws to safeguard partridge populations and other species in the region.
Authorities highlighted the importance of community cooperation in wildlife conservation. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and support enforcement teams in reporting illegal hunting activities.
These measures by the Punjab Wildlife Department aim to preserve local wildlife and ensure sustainable ecosystems. Officials stated that ongoing vigilance and stricter enforcement will help maintain biodiversity and protect endangered species in the province.
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The department’s proactive approach underscores the need for public awareness, legal compliance, and collective action in wildlife protection across Punjab.
