SHANGLA: Illegal hunting of national bird chakor and other endangered species is on the rise in Shangla district which needs immediate attention of the wildlife department and the district administration.

The wildlife department officials have miserably failed to take action against the illegal hunters despite repeated reminders by local activists through social media.

Fazal Subhan Afghani, a poet, told Dawn that several groups of hunters, including some professional hunters from other districts, had been been invited by local poachers, who were involved in poaching of the national bird and other species which are on verge of extinction across the country.

“Hunting of chakor is an offence but the wildlife department officials in Shangla have yet to swing into action and apprehend the violators to protect extinction of precious bird,” he said.

According to local residents, the illegal hunting of endangered species of birds continued in almost all parts of the district, particularly in Puran, Martung, Kabalgram, Lal Sa, Chakesar, Dedal Kamach and Makhozi.

They said the species being poached in these areas included chakor, grey partridge, pigeon and rare specious of birds found in the local forests.

Sial Mohammad Sial, another local resident, said the rare species of fish were also being illegally hunted in the rivers across the district through use of power generators and poison.

He said killing of rare species of birds was alarming with no action in sight from officials concerned.

“It is a crime to kill rare species of birds. The wildlife department officials should act to put brakes on this evil,” demanded Said Zahir Khan, a local.

“The hunters even poach migratory birds due to which half of them have already returned back,” Sanaullah, a social activist, deplored.

Deputy ranger of wildlife department, Swat region, Misbahuddin told Dawn that only six members of the staff could not cover the whole district to protect chakor and other birds from being hunted.

He said shortage of staff, lack of awareness among the people and far off locations were major causes of growing trend of illegal hunting of birds.

He said action would be taken against violators of the law, adding public support was essential to overcome the menace.

The official also suggested the government to establish wildlife division in three ranges of Shangla district to help control illegal poaching of precious birds.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2019