ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, home to majestic wildlife such as common and snow leopards, brown and black bears, Indian pangolins, Indus River dolphins, and a diverse range of resident and migratory birds, is facing growing threats from wildlife crimes — including illegal trade, poaching, hunting, and animal abuse.
To combat these crimes, the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) has launched the country’s first-ever mobile application designed to report wildlife crimes and coordinate swift action between government departments and law enforcement agencies.
The app was developed under the Securing the Future for Indian Pangolin project, supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund. Currently accessible via Google Drive, the app will soon be available on the Google Play Store.
Innovative Technology to Protect Wildlife
The launch coincides with World Wildlife Day 2025, which carries the theme: “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” This year’s theme highlights the importance of using innovative technologies to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Advanced tools such as AI-powered software, camera traps, and satellite data can play a crucial role in monitoring endangered species, tracking illegal activities, and enhancing conservation performance.
The app will allow users to report wildlife crimes, collect real-time data, and alert authorities to take prompt action against offenders.
A Collaborative Effort for Conservation
WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan stressed the importance of an inclusive approach to tackling wildlife crimes, involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and local communities.
He emphasized that building capacity, raising awareness, and fostering collaboration between AI specialists, conservation experts, and community members will create a more effective framework to protect endangered species.
“Wildlife plays an essential role in ecosystem management and human well-being,” Khan said, calling for urgent investment in conservation efforts to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for both people and nature.
