KP issues awareness message to protect Tut Khoraka bird

Islamabad: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Climate Change, Forests, Environment, and Wildlife has issued a public awareness message calling for the protection of the Tut Khoraka, a bird known for its appearance and distinctive voice.

According to the department, the bird appears in Pakistan’s green areas, particularly during the spring season. Officials said it feeds on wild fruits, especially mulberries and berries, and is regarded as an important part of the natural environment.

In its message, the department described the bird as a vivid symbol of nature’s colours and said its chirping adds to the atmosphere of early mornings in natural settings. Officials said the species contributes to the beauty of the environment through its presence and sound.

Warning against hunting

The department said the bird must not be hunted or harmed in any form. It warned that some people use slingshots and firearms to target the birds, an act officials said is illegal and damaging to the ecological balance.

According to officials, harming the species does not only affect a single bird population but also disturbs broader environmental processes linked to forest growth and regeneration. The awareness message stressed that protecting such birds is necessary for maintaining the balance of nature.

Role in the ecosystem

Experts cited by the department said the Tut Khoraka plays an important role in spreading seeds and supporting the natural expansion of forests. They said the bird’s feeding habits help disperse seeds of wild fruits, which contributes to vegetation growth in different areas.

The department’s message linked the protection of the bird to wider environmental well-being, saying that conserving species with ecological functions is directly connected to human survival. Officials urged the public to avoid harming the bird and to support efforts aimed at preserving wildlife in the province.

The awareness campaign highlights the department’s emphasis on wildlife protection and the need to prevent illegal hunting of birds that serve a role in sustaining natural habitats. By drawing attention to the Tut Khoraka’s feeding patterns, seasonal presence and ecological value, the department sought to encourage greater public responsibility toward bird conservation.

Officials reiterated that the use of slingshots and guns against these birds is unlawful and undermines the natural environmental balance. They also underlined that the species’ role in seed propagation makes it significant for forest renewal and the health of ecosystems.