SUKKUR, July 31: Sindh’s deputy conservator for wildlife Hussain Bux Bhagat has called upon officials of the wildlife department to be vigilant in the field to bring an end to hunting and poaching in the province.

He was briefing newsmen after a recent meeting of the wildlife staff here.

Mr Bhagat said action would be taken against illegal poachers and hunters irrespective of their status.

He appealed to the people to cooperate with the staff for protection and conservation of wildlife.

He said natural habitat of animals was shrinking in Sindh due to human encroachment.

Mr Bhagat said dwindling animal habitat was doing irreparable loss to the nature.

He said during the hunting season 2004-05 different raiding parties were formed in Sukkur and Larkana district for patrolling and combating illegal hunting and poaching.

He claimed about 1,243 illegal hunters and poachers were arrested and challaned under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance.

He said they were fined up to Rs800,950 and released on surety that they would not indulge in illegal hunting.

He said three poachers had been put on trial in the courts in different districts.

He said 81 licences were issued to trophy hunters against the payment of Rs162,000 during the last season from July 2004 to June 2005.

He said the wildlife staff had collected Rs2,939,950 revenue from different sources.

He said commendation certificates were given to efficient wildlife staff for the best performance in combating illegal hunting in Sindh.

He named them as game officer Baqa Mohammad Jaffery, game inspector Deedar and game inspector Sikandar Tunio, game watchers Arz Mohammad, Imamuddin Chandio and Bilawal Chachar.