ISLAMABAD: (APP) Pakistan's successful trophy hunting programme has ensured the sustainability of game species like Markhor, Urial, Ibex and Blue Sheep that were on the verge of extinction only few years ago.
According to official sources, Zoological Survey of Pakistan (ZSP) is a pivotal body to keep check on numbers of these animals.
The ZSP on the recommendation of office of the Conservator Wildlife, Ministry of Climate Change and provincial wildlife departments, had conducted studies on ungulate species, including Suleiman Markhor, Afghan Urial and Himalayan Ibex in the province of Balochistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) with the involvement of local communities.
The ZSP provided outcome of these studies to the authorities to facilitate in allocation of trophy hunting quota to the provinces and conservation communities.
The Zoological Survey of Pakistan is also mandated to provide data and recommend quota on regular basis to the office of Conservator Wildlife in the context of national trade policy to regulate international trade in wild animals and birds.
In this regard survey reports are also prepared on parakeets and parrots to facilitate the authorities.
According to sources, a survey of economically important faunal species is used in international wildlife trade to assist CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulatory authority.
Sustainable use of wildlife significantly contributes to local and national economies in many parts of the world.