CHITRAL: The second non-exportable trophy hunting of Kashmir Markhor was carried out by a Spaniard, Gervasio Negrete Franco, in Mulen Gol, the buffer zone of Chitral Gol National Park, here the other day.

Talking to Dawn, Salimuddin, chairman of Chitral Gol Community Development and Conservation Association, an umbrella organisation of 11 village conservation committees, said that the hunter had paid 42,500 US dollars (Rs11.868 million) for obtaining the hunting permit from the wildlife department.

He said that the horns of the markhor measured 45 inches, adding the hunter spotted and selected the kill after a hard toil of three days in the area braving the chilly weather after snowfall.

He said that incidentally, the horn of the first trophy hunting accomplished by an American national in Shoghor zone of the national park was also 45 inches.

Salimuddin said that the revenue generated from the trophy hunting would support wildlife conservation efforts and fund local development projects. He said that the buffer zone hunting programme was designed to ensure sustainable hunting while benefiting conservation and local livelihoods.

Salimuddin said that the hunt was outfitted by Arcqos Safari, while divisional forest officer Rizwanullah Yousufzai was present during the hunt as required under the rules.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2025