MANSEHRA: The wildlife department in Upper Kohistan district, in collaboration with local police, seized two black bear cubs, foiling their illegal transportation from the forests of Kandia valley to Swat region.

“Our district is rich in wildlife, including endangered species, but unfortunately, it has become a target for poachers and smugglers, but despite limited resources, we have been doing our best to protect them,” Upper Kohistan sub-divisional forest officer (wildlife) Kathbaz told Dawn.

He said the department received a tip-off about smugglers operating in the dense Siyal Dara forests of Kandia valley.

“We immediately sought police assistance, and their team intercepted a vehicle in the Thoie area. Two black bear cubs were recovered from the suspects attempting to smuggle them to Swat,” he said.

Three smugglers led by Yusuf Khan from Mingora, Swat, were arrested and bear cubs were recovered. The officials collected a fine of Rs150,000 from them before freeing suspects.

“The Himalayan black bear is an endangered species and smugglers exploit the district’s vast and difficult terrain, which borders Kaghan Valley (Mansehra), Khizer (Gilgit-Baltistan), Kalam (Swat) and Allai (Battagram),” the SDFO said.

He complained that severe staff shortage hampered anti-poaching efforts.

“In Upper and Lower Kohistan and Kolai-Palas, we have just 18 staff members, including officers and clerks, and not even a single vehicle has been allocated for patrol duty,” he said.

The official said that Upper Kohistan was home to diverse wildlife, including snow leopards, common leopards, brown and black bears, ibex, and goral.

“We recently sold a markhor hunting permit to a foreigner for Rs50.5 million. This shows the ecological and economic significance of our wildlife,” he said.

The seized bear cubs were later shifted to the Swat Zoo for medical care and a suitable habitat.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2025