The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has taken strict notice of the sad incident of poaching of a Common Leopard in the border area of Spray, Mandugai, Tehsil Warah Mamond of Bajaur district and has initiated immediate investigation and legal action against the responsible elements.
According to the initial report issued by the Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife Bajaur, the incident took place in a difficult and remote mountainous area bordering Afghanistan.
As soon as the information was received, the concerned range officer and field staff were immediately sent to the scene to take custody of the leopard’s body and initiate legal action.
According to the report, due to the local law and order situation, the police did not allow the entire team to reach the scene, as a result of which only a few officials were allowed to proceed for recovery. There were also difficulties in communication due to the lack of mobile network in the area.
The Divisional Forest Officer, while personally supervising the operation, has started contacting the district administration, local elders and relevant institutions to ensure recovery of the leopard’s carcass, identification of the accused and strict legal action against them under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act 2015.
The department has clarified that a full investigation into the incident is underway, while more details, identification of the accused and information related to legal action will be shared with the public and the media after the investigation is completed.
Latifur Rehman, spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has said that wildlife is an invaluable asset of nature and the basis of our biodiversity.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department is following a zero tolerance policy for the protection of rare and protected wild animals. Those who poach, smuggle or damage the natural habitat of any wild animal will be dealt with strictly according to the law.
We appeal to the public, local leaders and all relevant institutions to fully cooperate with the department, considering wildlife conservation as a national responsibility, so that the natural heritage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is preserved for future generations.
The Department of Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also appeals to the public to immediately report any illegal hunting or suspicious activity related to wildlife to the nearest wildlife office or relevant authorities so that the conservation of natural resources and rare species can be made more effective.