Rs74m distributed among village conservation communities

PESHAWAR: Cheques for Rs74 million were distributed among 26 communities of Chitral and Kohistan as their shares under the trophy hunting permits for markhor and ibex.
The cheque distribution ceremony for the year 2021-22 was held in the office of the Wildlife Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Representatives of 25 village conservation committees (VCCs) of Chitral and one of Kohistan participated in the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Conservator Wildlife Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Mohsin Farooq said this year the total amount fetched from the bidding of four permits of Markhor was $575,500 and the highest bid offered was $160,250 equivalent to Rs2,711,623 for a single markhor.

He mentioned that efforts of the communities in conservation practices are worth mentioning and the department will strive to increase the quota for trophy hunting as this programme has produced positive results. 

He claimed that a recent survey conducted in Chitral showed the population of Markhor had increased to above 5,000 animals compared to 1500-2000 in 2001.