STAFF REPORT KHI: Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) and WWF-Pakistan have jointly released Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) into Khar Centre of Kirthar National Park, 45 kilometers off Karachi.


The presence of the mammal identified as Indian pangolin was noticed near Islamia College in Jamshed Town, Karachi, this month. The mammal was later on handed it over to Karachi Zoo.


The Sindh Wildlife Department being the sole custodian of wild animals in the province received it from the Zoo authorities and with support of WWF-Pakistan released it into Kirthar National Park.


“Illegal hunting and trafficking of the animal to a few countries including China and Vietnam has drastically reduced its population in Pakistan,” said Rab Nawaz, Senior Director- Biodiversity, WWF-Pakistan.


He also shared that WWF-Pakistan is working in close coordination with provincial wildlife departments to tackle illegal wildlife trade in Pakistan and has recently initiated a USAID funded project for this purpose.


He also emphasized for strict vigilance and monitoring of the wildlife smuggling in country and called for training of customs and wildlife officials for proper implementation of the wildlife laws.


Saeed Akhtar Baloch, Conservator Sindh Wildlife department shared that the department is keeping a vigil on illegal trade of endangered species including pangolins whose scales are known to have been illegally exported from Pakistan.

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