Ibex hunting at low fee threat to wildlife
In recent weeks, reports have been received about rampant ibex hunting in different parts of Chitral after the wildlife department introduced a scheme issuing permits to local people for hunting the wild goats at very low fees.
Such hunting reports have been received from Mroi, Booni, Mastuj, Brep, Dewangol; Ujnu Gol in Torkhow and many other areas with the latest being from Arkari valley.
Though the department did not disclose the amount of fees for the latest two ibexes killed in Arkari and Ujnu Gol, locals told ChitralToday that each hunter had paid less than 200,000 rupees.
The issuance of permits for the Himalayan ibex hunting to locals at an alarmingly low fee has sparked controversy among conservationists and environmentalists.
The permits, issued at a fraction of what many believe is the true cost of regulating wildlife, has raised concerns about the long-term impact on the region’s endangered species, particularly the Himalayan ibex.
While trophy hunting of Markhor has long been a tradition in the region in which foreign hunters pay a handsome fees in US dollars, the low cost of the permits to locals for ibex hunting has raised alarms about the effectiveness of the government’s conservation efforts.
The Himalayan ibex, already threatened by habitat loss and poaching, faces an additional risk with the growing accessibility of hunting permits, which may encourage overhunting.
Conservationists ChitralToday spoke to argued that the permits, issued at a minimal fee, fail to account for the true value of wildlife and do not provide adequate funding for the necessary conservation programs. They stress that hunting regulations need to be stringent and that fees should reflect the responsibility of preserving a species that is critical to the region’s biodiversity.
Critics further contend that without proper monitoring, the low-cost permits could lead to unsustainable hunting practices. The fear is that the local communities, while benefiting from the low fees, might overexploit the natural resources, jeopardizing the survival of the ibex and other wildlife in the area.
The Chitral district administration and the Wildlife Department have not yet provided a clear response regarding the rationale behind the reduced permit fees, with many questioning whether the move is an attempt to increase government revenue at the expense of environmental sustainability.
It is clear that there is a growing need for a more balanced and sustainable approach to wildlife conservation in Chitral.
Conservationists are calling for the government to revisit its policies and increase the permit fees to reflect the ecological importance of the Himalayan ibex, ensuring that hunting is both sustainable and beneficial to long-term conservation efforts.
It is nothing short of a tragedy that in Chitral, the endangered markhor is now being hunted for as little as Rs180,000. That’s less than the cost of a decent bull. What message are we sending when an iconic and protected species can be killed more cheaply than livestock?
This is not conservation rather it is – without an iota of doubt – outright exploitation and abuse. Shockingly, it is the very officials of the local wildlife department – some of whom are themselves no strangers to poaching – who have floated this outrageous scheme.
In doing so, they have effectively given a green light to a reckless free-for-all that now places the markhor’s survival in serious jeopardy.
What’s worse, groups like the Nao Dolatiyas are fully cashing in on the situation. From casual hunters to event planners, everyone suddenly wants a piece of the markhor.
There are even disturbing reports emerging from the valley: some locals are allegedly planning to serve markhor meat at wedding ceremonies. Did you hear that, Mr Deputy Commissioner? Yes – the flesh of an endangered species, is set to be dished out as a delicacy in celebration. If this doesn’t ring alarm bells for you, Mr Deputy Commissioner, then what will?
The Deputy Commissioner, who hails not from some distant corner of Punjab but from the neighbouring Upper Dir district, must act without delay or get ready to tarnish his otherwise unblemished record.
He knows this land, its people, and its pride – and he must spring into action before this shameful practice becomes the norm.
A stitch in time truly saves nine.