Lahore: The Punjab Wildlife Department and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have launched a comprehensive wildlife census aimed at strengthening conservation efforts across the province. The formal partnership marks a significant step in Punjab’s environmental stewardship.
During the two-day inception workshop held on April 21–22, 2025, in Lahore, officials finalized survey methodologies and operational plans for the Punjab Wildlife Census. The initiative will focus on key native species, including urial, chinkara, nilgai, hog deer, Indus dolphin, pangolin, and houbara bustard, among others.
Mudassir Riaz Malik, Director General Wildlife & Parks, emphasized the importance of wildlife for ecological balance and sustainable development, noting that their protection is closely linked to human well-being.
Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, IUCN Pakistan Country Representative, highlighted the role of technology and academia in advancing research and conservation, while Asim Jamal, Project Manager of the Punjab Comprehensive Wildlife Project, described the initiative as scientifically rigorous and pioneering in the region.
The data collected will be compiled into a ‘Red Data Book’, which will serve as a critical resource for policy-making, managing human-wildlife conflict, curbing illegal hunting, and supporting the establishment of protected areas.
A steering committee comprising wildlife experts and academics has been established under the Chief Minister’s directive to ensure oversight and sustained progress of the project.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
