Kashgil News Exclusive Report
World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3 around the world, with the aim of highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation and the natural environment. However, the threats facing wildlife in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are continuously increasing, where forest fires, increasing human populations and illegal hunting have become major challenges.
According to experts, leopards are among the most affected wildlife in the region during the past year and this year. Their natural habitat is shrinking due to human activities, as a result of which these animals are being forced to come towards human settlements.
Increasing incidents of injured leopards
The number of injured leopards found in different areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir has reached four in the past month. Experts say that population growth, deforestation, destruction of natural habitats and illegal hunting have become major threats to the survival of these rare animals.
An example of human compassion
A ray of hope has also emerged amidst these disturbing circumstances. Shafiq Kahani, a local laborer from Haveli district, saw an injured leopard and, without caring for his own life, saved it and took it to the relevant authorities.
Shafiq Kahani said:
“We ourselves are the animals who kill them, these wild animals are speechless.”
His action is a reminder of the fact that wildlife conservation is not only the responsibility of government agencies but of the entire society. This courage and humanity shown by an ordinary laborer proves that awareness and compassion are not related to social or economic status.
Lack of data from the Wildlife Department
When Team Kashgal News asked the Wildlife Department about the number of leopards killed naturally or due to hunting during a year, the officials said that they do not have a complete record in this regard.
Lack of treatment facilities
On the other hand, injured wild animals face severe difficulties in getting treatment after being rescued. Due to the lack of proper hospitals for animal treatment in the region, most of the injured animals have to be shifted to Islamabad. However, sometimes due to delay, the animals do not survive.
Experts say that if modern rescue and veterinary centers are established for wildlife in Azad Kashmir, valuable species can be saved from extinction.
Need for conservation
According to experts, conservation of wildlife is not possible without forest conservation, prevention of illegal hunting, public awareness and involvement of local communities.
On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, experts have appealed to both the government and the public to make conservation of natural heritage their priority so that future generations can also see these rare animals.
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