LAHORE:The Punjab Wildlife Department has got four poachers arrested during a mega operation in the city against those involved in poaching and trade of ecosystem, livestock and farmer-friendly songbirds during the last 24 hours.

Lahore region WildlifeDeputy Director Dr Gulam Rasool told Dawn on Sunday that these birds,especially, wagtails, house sparrow and mynas play a vital role in the ecosystem of Punjab, by regulating the population of many pests harmful to agriculture and livestock, resulting in increase in productionin these sectors.

These birds also reduce farmers` dependency on hazardous pesticides, he added.

He said these birds are being poached and sold in the different areas of Lahore, mostly in densely-populated areas.

The deputy director said the wildlife department in Lahore division has announced a dedicated Whatsapp number where the public can share the location of those trading in these useful birds and contribute to save them from poachers.

He said during the last 24 hours, four poachers have been arrested and hundreds of birds have been released into the wild.