ISLAMABAD: An Indian pangolin, which is now thriving after strict conservation efforts, was rescued in Kahuta, said the Punjab Wildlife Department on Saturday.

“Protection and conservation of this endangered species has been of prime importance, especially since pangolins were poached between 2010 and 2015 to almost extinction,” District Wildlife Officer Rizwana Aziz told Dawn.

The pangolin was rescued by a local in Kahuta where it had possibly wandered out of the wilderness into settlements, the official said. The resident picked up the animal and reported the incident to the wildlife department, she said.

Between 2010 and 2015, pangolins were poached and smuggled off to China, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, where their meat is considered either delicacies or believed to have healing powers, the official said, adding: “It has also been learnt that pangolin scales are also used to make protective vests.”

Pangolins are believed to be thriving in Kahuta and Kalar Syedan, where there is zero tolerance towards poaching.

Ms Aziz said according to an ongoing joint study between the Punjab Wildlife Department and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), numerous fresh pangolins feeding and resting burrows have been seen in conservation areas in these regions.

The rescued pangolin was released into its natural habitat, she said.

The official also announced that the partridge hunting season was ending on Feb 15 after which the hunting season of migratory birds will open. This will last till March 31. She cautioned hunters that shooting partridges was only permitted on Sundays and hunting on any other day was illegal.

“A proposal has also been prepared to revise the list of migratory birds that can be hunted. For example, there are certain species of geese that cause significant harm to crops but are banned from hunting. We have requested the government to include such species in the list of game animals.”

Past March 31, hunting seasons will close till October, allowing birds to breed and their populations to recover.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2021