DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The district wildlife department seized 48 pointed tailed lizard during a raid at hunting place at Prova area here on Friday.
A special raiding party was formed after receiving information that a hunter was busy in illegal hunting of pointed tailed lizards near the Govt Degree College in Prova Tehsil. Thus, the wildlife authorities conducted a raid and arrested a resident of Layyah district and recovered 48 pointed tailed lizard from his possession.
The accused also surrendered 15 dead pointed tailed lizard as well. He was fined Rs 10,000 and case was registered against him on involvement in illegal business or hunting of pointed tailed lizards. Divisional Forest Officer Ijaz Ahmad has underlined the need for creating awareness among public especially hunters about wildlife-related issues.
Talking to media he said the officer said protection of wildlife was essential for the next generation, adding guidance should be provided to the professional hunters to enlighten them about importance of fauna and flora. Similarly, he added that people should go through research conducted in to the field of wildlife, which had been endangered by environmental degradation and frequent hunting.
He said the district department was taking effective measures to protect wildlife and natural resources in the division which was rich in both flora and fauna and a home to a variety of wildlife including migratory birds. The officer said that the district was losing its unique characteristic of being a habitat to wildlife species due to frequent poaching, but now practical steps were being taken to protect them from human greed.
He said district Wildlife department had conducted various raids against illegal hunting and issued challans for illegal poaching or hunting animals without licenses.
