KP Wildlife dept raises Rs 540m through trophy hunting permit auction

PESHAWAR: The Wildlife Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has successfully generated Rs 540 million through the auction of trophy hunting permits for three prized wild species: the Markhor, Himalayan Ibex, and Gray Goral.

According to official figures released by the department, a total of 13 Markhor, 20 Ibex, and six Gray Goral hunting permits were auctioned for both exportable and non-exportable hunts.

Also read: American citizen bags season’s last markhor hunt in Gilgit

Of the 13 Markhor permits, four exportable licenses fetched $946,000, while the remaining nine non-exportable permits were sold for $553,300. These permits allow hunters, primarily foreign nationals, to hunt the rare mountain goat under strict conservation guidelines. The Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, is listed as “Near Threatened” but has shown population recovery due to successful community-based conservation programs.

The auction also included 20 non-exportable Ibex permits, which collectively raised $16,000, and six non-exportable Gray Goral permits, which brought in an impressive $398,500.

Trophy hunting in Pakistan operates under a controlled framework designed to benefit both conservation efforts and local communities. A significant portion of the revenue, up to 80 per cent by some estimates, is typically shared with local communities that help protect wildlife in their regions, particularly in the mountainous areas of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Regulated hunting plays a crucial role in funding conservation initiatives and incentivising local populations to protect endangered species.

The substantial revenue generated from the auction also shows the global demand for trophy hunting opportunities in Pakistan, particularly for the majestic Markhor, which remains one of the most sought-after game animals in the world.

ASTORE AUCTION FETHES RECORD REVENUE

Earlier in September, the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department auctioned trophy hunting permits for endangered animals on Wednesday, with the highest permit to hunt the Astore markhor fetching a record $370,000.

Also read: Astore markhor hunting permit fetches record $370,000

For every hunting season, which begins on November 1 and ends on April 25, the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department auctions permits for hunting 118 animals.

These permits were issued for hunting four Astore markhors, 14 blue sheep, and 100 Himalayan ibexes, permissible under the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Act, 1975, following strict regulations.