In a historic moment for conservation and sustainable hunting efforts in Pakistan, Spanish national Gervasio Negrete Franco successfully hunted a Markhor in the Moleen Gol area, a designated buffer zone of Chitral Gol National Park. This marked the first-ever non-exportable hunt in the area, underlining the role of regulated hunting in wildlife conservation and community development.
A Trophy Hunt with a Purpose
Franco, an experienced hunter, took down a magnificent 45-inch trophy Markhor under the careful supervision of Chitral Gol National Park’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rizwan Ullah Yousufzai, CGCDCA Chairman Salim Uddin, and Wildlife Range Officer Shafiq Ahmad. The hunt was organized by Arcqos Safari and M K Safari, ensuring compliance with all legal and ethical regulations.
Read more: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department bans hunting of quail
The Spanish hunter paid a substantial fee of $42,500, which will directly contribute to wildlife conservation efforts and local community development projects. Officials emphasized that such hunting programs are designed not just for sport but as a means of promoting sustainable hunting practices. The revenue generated supports conservation efforts, while also benefiting local communities by improving livelihoods and funding infrastructure projects.
Balancing Conservation with Sustainable Hunting
Markhors, Pakistan’s national animal, were once critically endangered due to excessive poaching and habitat destruction. However, conservation strategies, including carefully regulated trophy hunting, have played a significant role in their population recovery. Under these programs, a limited number of permits are issued, with the highest bidders given the opportunity to hunt while ensuring the species’ survival.
Importantly, the skin and horns of the hunted Markhor will remain the property of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the Wildlife Department, reinforcing the commitment to wildlife protection and ethical hunting practices.
A Model for Community-Based Conservation
This successful hunt is another example of how community-based conservation initiatives are making a difference. Local communities are incentivized to protect wildlife habitats when they see direct benefits from conservation efforts. By allowing sustainable hunting in controlled buffer zones, authorities are ensuring that endangered species like the Markhor are protected, while also generating economic opportunities for the people who share the land with these majestic animals.
This historic hunt not only showcases Pakistan’s thriving conservation programs but also reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a responsible wildlife tourism and hunting destination.