KARACHI, Jan 30: The Sindh Wildlife Management Board (SWMB) has agreed in principle to allow keeping and grooming of game animals by individuals.

Those willing to avail the opportunity in their respective areas have been advised to provide the SWMB their particulars for registration purpose. They will also be required to identify the animal and its species they want to keep or groom.

After completing the formalities, the applicants would be at liberty also to arrange trophy hunting of the animal specified in their documents. However, they will have to share the earning (fee) from such events with the department.

Mr Muneer Awan, Conservator in the Sindh Wildlife, explained that the SWMB decision was aimed at curbing the poaching and illegal hunting of certain animal species and other violation of rules pertaining to the trophy hunting. He said that hunters would now have a choice of areas and animals. They may also bargain with the farmers of game animals and enjoy legal hunting after obtaining their licence legally, he added.

He pointed out that a number of influential figures were keeping herds of game animals but they had never brought them to the records of the department. He hinted at the department’s plan to cover the animal population by collecting the data during the registration process and afterwards.

Mr Awan said that new parties, willing to enter the business of game animal farming, could get the parent stock from those already having the animals.

Regarding implementation of the SWMB decision, he said that terms and conditions were being finalized and a formal announcement for registration would be made shortly.

The Board has not agreed to allow trophy hunting of chinkara casting doubts over the figures pertaining to the population of the animal in Umerkot and Chhachhro talukas of Thar. The census, conducted by the department, showed a very small population of Chinkara in these areas. No satisfied with the figures, the Board has sought a fresh census.

The Board also cleared three development schemes which are being sent to the government for approval. The three-year schemes, involving Rs40 million are: Study of Indus Dolphin; Improvement of Drigh and Lungh Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Conservation of crocodiles in Nawabshah.