A man has been arrested in Lahore as part of an ongoing crackdown against wildlife crime, specifically for his involvement in the illegal sale of snow leopard skin.
The arrest, made by the Punjab Wildlife Department, highlights the government’s commitment to combating the trafficking of endangered animal products.
During a targeted raid at a private residence in a Lahore suburb, wildlife officials recovered a snow leopard skin, which is highly valued on the international market. According to reports, this rare item is estimated to be worth around USD 20,000 (approximately Rs 16.77 lakh).
A spokesperson for the Punjab Wildlife Department revealed that the accused was linked to an underground network involved in the illegal sale of wildlife skins.
This network reportedly used social media platforms to connect with potential buyers, making it easier to distribute illegal wildlife products. The spokesperson stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, which is vital for protecting endangered species.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the Punjab government’s dedication to enforcing wildlife protection laws. She condemned the illegal trade of wildlife skins, pointing out that such activities not only break the law but also endanger species that are already vulnerable.
The government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal wildlife trade underscores its determination to protect Pakistan’s wildlife. Snow leopards, which are native to the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, are listed as endangered.
According to estimates from the World Population Review, there are only between 250 and 420 snow leopards remaining in Pakistan.
These elusive predators are well-adapted to their rugged habitats and are known to hunt prey up to three times their own size. The ongoing efforts to protect them are crucial to ensuring their survival in the wild.
