Punjab authorities have recovered a rare eagle valued at over Rs100 million in the global market during an operation targeting illegal wildlife trade in the Taunsa region. The raid was carried out by the Wildlife Department, with support from local police, and led to the arrest of a suspect involved in smuggling rare birds.
The eagle, which is in good health and estimated to be worth $36,000, will soon be released back into the wild with a tracking device attached to monitor its movements and ensure its safety. Authorities are taking this step as part of their broader efforts to protect endangered species from illegal trading networks.
Punjab’s Senior Minister, Maryam Aurangzeb, emphasized the critical need for wildlife conservation, stressing the importance of protecting rare and endangered species. She commended the team for their dedication to preserving the natural environment and cracking down on illegal wildlife trafficking.
This incident follows a similar case in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where authorities successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 78 rare cranes. The birds were seized and placed under protective custody to prevent their sale on the black market. Both operations underline the growing efforts in Pakistan to combat wildlife crime and ensure the protection of endangered species.
The success of these operations shows the importance of government and law enforcement efforts in curbing illegal wildlife trade, which threatens the survival of many species. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.
