Bid to traffick pangolin scales foiled

ABBOTTABAD: The Quick Response Team (QRT) of the Abbottabad Wildlife Division apprehended a group of people involved in the illegal trafficking of pangolin scales at the Havelian Interchange.

The officials seized a total of four kilograms of pangolin scales. The five offenders, hailing fromTaxila in the Punjab province, were identified and booked under various sections of the KP Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015.

The act serves to protect the wildlife and biodiversity of the province, ensuring the preservation of endangered species like the pangolin.The illegal trade of pangolin scales has been a matter of grave concern globally due to the repeated threats faced by this critically endangered animal.

Pangolins are highly sought after for their scales, used in traditional medicine and believed to possess various medicinal properties. However, the demand for these scales has driven their numbers to unprecedented low levels, heightening the urgency to combat illegal trafficking.

Following their apprehension, the offenders will now face legal proceedings under the KP Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015. The Act establishes stringent penalties for those involved in the illegal trade of protected species, aiming to discourage such activities and protect the province’s natural heritage.Authorities also urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking, as public cooperation plays a vital role in preserving Pakistan’s rich biodiversity.