Bear cubs rescued from smugglers in Upper Kohistan

MANSEHRA: The Wildlife Department and police personnel rescued two black bear cubs being illegally transported from Kandia valley in Upper Kohistan to Swat, officials said on Wednesday.

“Our district is rich in wildlife, including endangered species, and unfortunately, it has become a target for poachers and smugglers, but despite limited resources, we have been doing our best to protect them,” Kathbaz, the sub-divisional Forest Officer of wildlife in Upper Kohistan, told reporters.

He said the department received information about smugglers operating in the dense Siyal Dara forests of Kandia valley. “We immediately sought police assistance, and their team intercepted a vehicle in the Thoie area. Two black bear cubs were recovered from the suspects attempting to smuggle them to Swat,” Kathbaz added.

Three alleged smugglers led by Yousuf Khan from Mingora, Swat, were arrested and cubs were recovered, a fine of Rs150,000 was collected, and the suspects were later released.“The Himalayan black bear is an endangered species and smugglers exploit the district’s vast and difficult terrain, connecting Kaghan valley (Mansehra), Ghizer (Gilgit-Baltistan), Kalam (Swat), and Allai (Battagram),” the SDFO said.

Kathbaz highlighted the severe staff shortage hampering their anti-poaching efforts.“In Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas, we have only 18 staff members, including officers and clerical workers. Not a single vehicle has been allocated for patrol duty, even,” he revealed.He said Upper Kohistan was home to diverse wildlife, including snow leopards, common leopards, brown and black bears, ibex, and goral.