TOBA TEK SINGH: Because of the alleged negligence of the local wildlife department, a rare blue bull (neel gai) was illegally hunted by poachers in Jhang’s forest area located between Shorkot city and cantonment.

Sources told Dawn on Saturday that a few months ago presence of a blue bull was reported by the residents of some villages located on the borders of the forest area to the Jhang wildlife department officials, who later confirmed its presence in the area.

A Shorkot Cantonment resident, Syed Qamar Gillani, told Dawn that a few days ago the rare animal was seen in Chak 1-GB and 498-GB villages at different times.

Following the sightings, he said, scores of residents of these villagers and a few wildlife employees traced and chased the blue bull to catch it, but the animal retreated into the forest area.

TOBA TEK SINGH: Because of the alleged negligence of the local wildlife department, a rare blue bull (neel gai) was

Later, some locals alleged that some illegal hunters killed the blue bull in the forest, and escaped with its meat, skin and other remains. They claimed to have witnessed the evidence of slaughter of the animal, including blood, in the forest.

When contacted, Shorkot forest department Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Muhammad Ashfaq said he also had the knowledge of the blue-bull’s presence in the forest area, but wildlife department was responsible for the safety of such rare animals.

Jhang District Wildlife Officer Tariq Mahmood confirmed that the blue bull had been illegally hunted by poachers and an inquiry would be held into the matter.

He said there was a ban on hunting in this forest and action would be taken against illegal hunters who killed the rare animal.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2022