DERA GHAZI KHAN: The incidence of recent killings of striped hyenas, gray wolves and leopards in the tribal areas of Punjab (Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur) and Balochistan (Dera Bugti, Khuzdar) has raised concerns over the sustainable growth of endangered species.

The prevailing situation demands that the awareness campaign in Balochi, Brahvi and Seraiki languages be launched among residents of mostly Balochi speaking areas for the protection of endangered wildlife of both areas of two provinces.

This trend of killing wildlife is a significant loss to biodiversity, notably for the already dwindling wolf population in the region.

The Balochistan wildlife department confirmed large-scale wolf killings in a report, highlighting the challenges faced by under-equipped department staff who lack official vehicles, uniforms, proper offices, and necessary tools (including weapons) to effectively track poachers. Their efforts rely heavily on assistance from local tribes.

A video clip went viral in which poachers were slathering unconscious or dead wolves, then the Balochistan wildlife department started operation to trace out the poachers who killed wolves at a large scale.

When contacted, WWF former site coordinator Umer Waqas, commenting on the recent incidents of killing of wolves on large scale in Khuzdar, Balochistan, soon after the killing of leopard in Dera Bugti, said with an estimated fewer than 200 gray wolves remaining in Pakistan, these incidents are a grave concern.

Climate change has further reduced available habitats, forcing wolf packs to retreat to the remote mountains of Balochistan and mountainous tribal areas of Punjab. The scarcity of natural prey like gazelle, wild donkeys has driven wolves to hunt livestock, creating direct conflict with local herders whose livelihoods depend on their animals.

The recent killing of a large pack of healthy wolves, believed to be targeted by poachers for their skins, underscores the urgency of the situation. The wolves may have been poisoned near their dens, indicating a premeditated attack. To protect the remaining wolf population, a community management plan involving local tribes and local leaders, in coordination with relevant departments, is essential. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further decline of these vital predators.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2024