Grey Goral Permit Debut Drives Boost in Conservation Revenue
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Wildlife Department has hit a new milestone by generating $1.91 million from the auction of 39 trophy hunting permits for the 2025-26 season. This marks the highest-ever revenue earned by the province from trophy hunting, reflecting growing global interest in regulated wildlife tourism and conservation.
The major highlight of this year’s auction was the introduction of the grey goral hunting permit for the first time in KP’s history. This move alone brought in $398,500 from just six permits, significantly boosting overall revenue and drawing attention from international hunters.
According to official figures, the top-earning category was the four exportable markhor permits, which were sold for a combined $946,000. Additionally, nine non-exportable markhor permits fetched $553,300, while 20 ibex permits added $16,042 to the total earnings.
Revenue to Fund Wildlife Conservation and Local Uplift Projects
Peer Masoor Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Wildlife, confirmed that all funds collected through the auction will be used for wildlife conservation, species protection, and uplifting local communities that help manage these areas.
He emphasized that the grey goral permit’s debut played a key role in pushing the revenue to a record level. This initiative not only promotes sustainable hunting but also ensures that the money directly benefits the communities that co-exist with these species in the wild.
In addition to hunting permit programs, the Wildlife Department has launched a rewilding project focused on restoring native populations of chinkara, urial, and blackbuck across the province.
The success of the trophy hunting auction is being viewed as a model for conservation funding that balances environmental protection with community development.
