LAHORE: Punjab wildlife authorities have stepped up action against illegal wildlife trade and hunting across several districts. Teams arrested suspects and recovered protected animals during multiple operations. In Lahore, a wildlife department team arrested a man allegedly involved in the online trade of rare Indian flapshell turtles. Officials recovered one turtle from his possession during the operation in Shalimar tehsil.
Authorities also launched legal proceedings in several other districts. The actions targeted illegal bird trapping, hunting and wildlife trading.
Suspect Arrested Over Indian Flapshell Turtle Trade
Wildlife officials arrested the suspect in Lahore’s Shalimar tehsil following allegations of online trading involving Indian flapshell turtles.
The Indian flapshell turtle is a freshwater species found across parts of South Asia. Its name comes from the femoral flaps located on its plastron.
These flaps help protect the turtle’s limbs when it pulls them inside its shell. The species therefore has distinctive physical features that separate it from other freshwater turtles.
Officials recovered one Indian flapshell turtle from the suspect. Police later registered an FIR against him at Baghbanpura police station.
The case highlights growing concerns about the illegal online trade of wildlife. Digital platforms can make it easier for sellers to reach potential buyers and move protected animals outside legal channels.
Wildlife Teams Target Illegal Bird Hunting
Authorities also took action against suspected bird hunters in several areas.
In Lahore’s Cantonment tehsil, officials registered an FIR against a suspect accused of illegal bird netting. Meanwhile, wildlife staff fined another illegal bird hunter Rs20,000 in Chunian.
In Bahawalnagar, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Urooj Zaheer led an operation against illegal hunting. The team arrested two people accused of hunting wild pigeons.
Officials recovered an air gun from the suspects. Authorities also imposed a combined fine of Rs40,000 on the hunters.
The actions form part of wider efforts to discourage unauthorized hunting and protect wild bird populations.
Wild Parrots and Francolin Recovered
Wildlife officials also conducted a raid in Minchinabad tehsil under a search warrant.
During the operation, the team recovered four wild parrots, one Raa parrot and one grey francolin. Police registered an FIR against the accused following the recovery.
In Rajanpur, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Saima Mohsin led another operation against illegal bird trapping.
The team recovered two netting devices allegedly used to capture quails. Officials also started legal proceedings against the suspects.
Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Mirza Abid Hussain led another operation targeting the illegal trade of wild birds.
Authorities arrested two people allegedly involved in the trade. Officials also imposed a Rs90,000 fine during the action.
Authorities Recover Wildlife Protection Land
The crackdown also extended beyond animal recoveries and arrests.
At Kallar Kahar, authorities retrieved 174 kanals and 17 marlas of land that had been allocated for wildlife protection facilities.
The recovered land includes areas designated for the Wildlife Line Kallar Kahar, Command and Control Centre, Salt Range and Wildlife Protection Centre.
Officials reclaimed the property from illegal occupants. The recovery could help authorities strengthen wildlife management and protection activities in the region.
The series of operations shows the Punjab wildlife department’s wider push against illegal hunting and wildlife trade. From online turtle sales to bird trapping and unauthorized occupation of wildlife land, authorities are targeting several forms of illegal activity.
Continued enforcement will remain important for protecting rare species and preserving natural habitats. Stronger monitoring could also help prevent wildlife trafficking networks from expanding across the province.
