PESHAWAR, Feb 15: Speakers at a national seminar here on Thursday stressed the need for joint efforts by stakeholders to promote pheasant farming in the country.

The seminar was held by the NWFP wildlife department and attended by experts from WWF-Pakistan, environmentalists, veterinary doctors, wildlife professionals, members of the SCCI, representatives of different farmers’ associations and academicians.

On the occasion, the Frontier Pheasant Association was formed to share expertise and work for uplift of pheasant farming.

Provincial Wildlife Department Chief Conservator Dr Mumtaz Malik said pheasant farming had great potential to improve the socio-economic condition of people.

He said several pheasant farms had been set up in national wildlife parks in Chitral Gol, Ayubia and Massai and pheasentries in Dodiyal over 15 acres, Swat, Batkhela, Malakand, Kohat and Bannu. Of the 52 pheasant species, 32 were found in Pakistan, he said, adding that Monal, Western Trigopan, Koklas, Eheer and Kalig pheasants were commonly found in the NWFP. He said 36 community games reserves had been set up for conservation and protection in the province.

He urged people to avoid construction of pheasentries below trees, near rivers or nullahs and using rotten wood. He said a pheasant exhibition would be held in November.

WWF Chief Technical Advisor Ashiq Ali Khan stressed the need for joint efforts to protect the endangered specie of white-head ducks in winter. He underscored the need for creating awareness about the role of wildlife and pheasants in sustainability of the eco-system and environment.

Dr Massom Shah said various pheasant diseases could be kept to the minimum by good sanitation, prevention of crowding and adaptation of good husbandry practices.—APP