BAH AWALPUR: As many as 250 Chinkara gazelle deer, 50 black bucks and 600 captive-bred Houbara bustards were released in the desert area of the National Park, Lal Sohanra, jointly by the Punjab government and the Houbara Foundation International for breeding purpose.

These species were released at a ceremony by special representative of Abu Dhabi government, Sheikh Majid Al-Manusri, at a research centre about 40kms from here.

On the occasion, Mr Al-Mansurisaidtheresearch centre will strengthen the relationship between the two countries, besides helping protect wildlife.The ceremony was also addressed by Punjab forest minister Malik Asif Bhah and Cooperatives minister Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar.

Mr Channar said besides the research centre, a safari parl< had also been established in Cholistan where breeding of bustards and deers would be promoted.

Retired Brig Jamal Zia of Houbara Foundation said that Agro GPS transmitters had also been tagged to 30 bustards to monitor their movement for research purposes.

Punjab forest secretary retire d Capt Jahanzeb said 10 security guards and 12 drivers had been posted for the protection of these animals.

Houbara Foundation would be responsible for the management of the research centreforfouryears.