PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department on Friday released 12 falcons confiscated from poachers into their natural habitat, contributing to the restoration of their wild population, preservation of ecological balance and maintenance of the natural food chain.
Provincial Minister for Forest, Environment and Wildlife, Pir Musavir Khan Ghazi, was the chief guest at the ceremony, where the falcons were released.
Conservator Wildlife Central Circle, M Israr, informed the minister that the wildlife department staff deployed at the Peshawar Motorway toll plaza confiscated the falcons from a bus on Sept 10.
The enforcement operation was conducted on the directions of DFO Wildlife Peshawar Manahil Wahab as part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal trapping, transportation and trade of protected wildlife species.
The minister appreciated the vigilance, dedication and effective enforcement efforts of the field staff, saying protection and restoration of wildlife populations were essential for maintaining biodiversity, ecological balance and healthy natural food chains.
He said effective wildlife conservation also contributed to addressing environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change.
In recognition of their performance, the minister distributed appreciation certificates among the field staff and awarded them cash rewards from his personal funds, encouraging them to continue their efforts for wildlife protection and conservation. APP