ISLAMABAD: As winter approaches in Russia, Siberia, China and other Central Asian countries, various species of migratory birds, including ducks, falcons and cranes, head to Pakistan in search of food and nesting sites. However, in recent years, the number of these birds arriving in Pakistan has decreased, which has been attributed to water scarcity, environmental pollution and overhunting. Wildlife experts explain that these birds migrate to Pakistan during the colder months when bodies of water in their native areas freeze. Most of the migratory birds travel from Russia, Siberia, China and Central Asia and choose Pakistan for its diverse environment. They follow the Green Route, also known as the Indus Flyway, stretching from the Karakoram region down into the Indus River basin. Former director of Punjab Wildlife, Ghazanfar Ali Langah, noted that these birds start their journey to Pakistan around August and September, covering about 4,500 kilometers. They will start returning at the end of February. However, their migration is now threatened due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction. With the arrival of these migratory birds, hunters in Pakistan have also jumped into action, capturing them using large nets. The wildlife authorities in Punjab are aware of the situation and have launched a crackdown on illegal hunting activities. So far, 274 hunters have been fined over Rs 2.1 million and further legal action is underway. Besides, Punjab Wildlife has planned a legal hunting season for certain species of birds and an announcement is expected soon. From October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, hunters will be allowed to hunt ducks in specific areas of Punjab, but only on weekends. A daily limit of 10 birds per hunter has been set, with hunting fees of Rs 2,000 for Pakistani citizens and Rs 10,000 for foreigners. From November 15, 2024 to February 15, 2025, partridge hunting will be permitted on Sundays with a limit of six per day. Similarly, the quail hunting season will run from August 15, 2024 to April 15, 2025 with a daily limit of 50. Wildlife expert and former honorary game warden Badr Munir emphasized the importance of community involvement in the fight against illegal hunting. He noted that the Punjab Wildlife Department lacks sufficient manpower to tackle the problem effectively. He recommended that local communities get involved in protecting migratory birds and other wildlife from illegal hunting.
