The Punjab Wildlife Department (PWD) recently conducted a raid in Lahore, leading to the arrest of a man involved in the illegal trade of snow leopard skins. The skin of a snow leopard is highly prized in the international market, with an estimated value of around $20,000.
In Lahore, the Punjab Wildlife Department successfully arrested a man who had illegally sold snow leopard skins. The arrest came after a raid in a private housing society, where authorities discovered the rare skin. Meanwhile, a single skin is valued at approximately $20,000 (around PKR 5.6 million) on the international market.
According to the spokesperson, the suspect was part of a group using social media platforms to sell rare and expensive wildlife skins, putting endangered species like snow leopards at greater risk. In addition, further investigations are ongoing to arrest the remaining group members.
The suspect was part of a larger network that illegally sells rare wildlife products through social media. The Punjab government, led by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, has emphasized a strict zero-tolerance policy against such activities. Moreover, she also states that this illegal trade puts endangered species like the snow leopard at even greater risk.
Necessity To Conserve
Pakistan is one of the 12 countries where the rare snow leopard is found, though the species is critically endangered in the country. Only 300 to 400 snow leopards are believed to remain in Northern Pakistan, making conservation efforts crucial.
Snow leopards are elusive and majestic creatures that inhabit the harsh, high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and Central Asia. They are often referred to as the “ghosts of the mountains” due to their stealth and ability to blend seamlessly into their snowy surroundings.
The expansion of human settlements and infrastructure development has led to the loss of their natural habitat. Illegal hunting for their fur, bones, and organs poses a significant threat to their survival. Moreover, rising temperatures are also adversely affecting their food sources and habitats.
The snow leopard, a majestic and elusive creature native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, is facing numerous threats due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Efforts to conserve this species are crucial for maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the region.
