A shocking and illegal trade in preserved birds of prey has been uncovered along Pakistan's major motorways, raising serious concerns among wildlife conservationists and officials. Protected species, including falcons and eagles, are being illegally killed, stuffed, and openly sold to passing motorists and collectors.
Motorway Vendors Flaunt Protected Species
The illicit activity was recently highlighted by Punjab's Chief Wildlife Conservator, Tahir Mahmood. He confirmed that vendors are openly displaying and selling these taxidermied birds on key highways like the M-1, M-2, and M-3. The primary hotspots for this trade are located near the Kallar Kahar and Salt Range areas, where sellers brazenly approach vehicles stopped at roadside restaurants and fuel stations.
The birds being sold are not common species but are protected under various national and international laws. They include the Saker Falcon, the Peregrine Falcon, and several types of eagles. These majestic raptors play a crucial role in the ecosystem, and their removal poses a significant threat to biodiversity. The practice of killing and stuffing them for decorative purposes is not only ecologically damaging but also a clear violation of the Punjab Wildlife Act.
A Long-Standing and Lucrative Illegal Trade
This is not a new phenomenon. Sources within the Punjab Wildlife Department indicate that this specific trade has been operating for several years, often fluctuating in visibility. Vendors typically become more active during the winter and spring seasons, capitalizing on increased tourist and traveler traffic along these routes.
The motivation is purely financial. A single stuffed falcon or eagle can fetch between Rs 15,000 to a staggering Rs 70,000, depending on the species, size, and quality of the taxidermy. This high profit margin drives poachers to target these protected birds, often using traps or firearms. The entire supply chain—from poaching in remote areas to the crude taxidermy and final sale on the motorway—represents a persistent challenge for under-resourced wildlife authorities.
Calls for Action and Public Awareness
Conservationists are sounding the alarm, urging immediate and stricter enforcement. They argue that the open sale on such public and high-profile roads indicates a brazen disregard for the law and a lack of effective monitoring. The situation calls for a coordinated crackdown involving the Wildlife Department, motorway police, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle these roadside markets and prosecute those involved in the trade.
Furthermore, officials emphasize the need for public awareness. Citizens and travelers are urged not to purchase these items, as doing so directly fuels the illegal wildlife trade and leads to the death of more protected birds. The public can play a vital role by reporting any such sales to the Punjab Wildlife Department's helpline or to the local motorway police.
The continued sale of stuffed falcons and eagles on Pakistan's motorways is a stark reminder of the threats facing the country's wildlife. It underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of existing laws and a societal shift that values living birds in their natural habitats over dead specimens as morbid curiosities.
