KP launches probe after villagers kill leopard in Bajaur over livestock attacks

• Wildlife Department initiates legal action, vows zero tolerance for illegal killing of protected species

• Recovery operation hampered by security concerns and lack of mobile network in remote border area

• Locals say leopard was killed after repeatedly attacking and eating their livestock

• Officials reaffirm commitment to protecting biodiversity and enforcing wildlife conservation laws

 BAJAUR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has launched an investigation and initiated legal action after local residents allegedly killed a leopard in the remote border area of Sparay, Mandokai, in Tehsil Wara Mamund of Bajaur district near the Afghanistan border, following claims that the animal had attacked and eaten their livestock.

According to local residents, the leopard was killed after it repeatedly targeted their livestock, triggering the latest human-wildlife conflict in the rugged mountainous region. The incident has prompted the Wildlife Department to take strict notice, with officials reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy against the illegal killing of protected wildlife.

According to official details, the incident occurred in the remote border area of Sparay, Mandokai, where locals allegedly killed the leopard after reports that it had attacked their animals. Following the incident, the Wildlife Department immediately initiated an inquiry and began legal proceedings against those found responsible.

A report issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Bajaur, stated that the incident took place in a difficult and mountainous terrain, posing significant operational challenges for officials. Upon receiving information about the killing, the relevant range officer along with field staff was immediately dispatched to the area to recover the leopard's carcass and begin legal formalities under the applicable wildlife protection laws.

Wildlife officials said efforts are continuing to retrieve the leopard's body, but the recovery operation has been hampered by security concerns in the area. Due to the prevailing law and order situation, police have not allowed the entire departmental team to proceed to the site. However, a limited number of officials have been permitted to move forward to carry out the recovery operation.

Officials further noted that communication with the field teams has remained difficult because of the absence of mobile network coverage in the remote locality, adding to the logistical challenges facing the operation.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife spokesperson Latifur Rehman said wildlife is a valuable natural asset and a cornerstone of biodiversity that must be protected.

He reiterated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against the illegal hunting, trafficking or destruction of protected wildlife and their habitats.

The department emphasized that strict legal action would be taken against all individuals found involved in illegal hunting or any activity that threatens protected wildlife species, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and enforcing wildlife conservation laws across the province.