Punjab Wildlife Rangers Rescue Over 35,000 Animals and Birds in One Year

Punjab Wildlife Rangers Rescue Over 35,000 Animals and Birds in One Year

Punjab Wildlife Rangers rescued over 35,000 animals and birds in a year as they intensified action against illegal wildlife activities.

Officials said the department collected over Rs. 766 million in fines from offenders during this period.

According to official data, 3,749 cases were registered during the first ten months of the current year. Courts decided 512 cases, imposing fines amounting to Rs. 7.104 million.

A further 3,007 cases were resolved through timely settlement, resulting in the recovery of Rs. 695.85 million as compensation. In addition, police registered 575 FIRs.

Region-wise figures showed 257 cases in Lahore Region, 137 in Gujranwala, 107 in Gujrat, and 113 in Sahiwal. The Salt Range area of Chakwal recorded the highest number of illegal hunting cases, with 344 cases.

In Rawalpindi Region, authorities reported 909 cases, followed by 518 cases in Sargodha, 476 in Dera Ghazi Khan, 390 in Bahawalpur, 334 in Faisalabad, and 164 in Multan Region. Officials confirmed that they penalised offenders under the law in all cases.

Between March 2024 and September 30, 2025, wildlife rangers rescued and secured 35,178 endangered animals and birds across Punjab.

Among 694 rescued wild animals, there were 23 bears, 27 lions and tigers, 219 spiny-tailed lizards, 223 turtles, 47 wild boars, and 75 monkeys.

The rescued animals also included 13 Indian pangolins, eight urials, 17 deer of different species, nine desert foxes, 41 wild hares, 14 mongooses, 33 snakes, including cobras and Russell’s vipers, and five chitals.

Officials said 34,484 birds were rescued during the period. Sparrows made up the largest number at 27,666, followed by 151 mynas, five vultures, and four falcons.

Most of the animals and birds were recovered from illegal traps, hunter nets, or unlawful captivity.

Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi said all rescued animals had received immediate medical treatment at the wildlife hospital and were later released back into their natural habitats.

Elahi added that the department is taking strict action against illegal hunting while also running public awareness campaigns to ensure long-term wildlife protection and conservation.