Residents of Rahim Yar Khan’s Rukanpur area have captured a rare large white eagle, prompting swift action by Punjab Wildlife authorities.

The Eurasian griffon eagle was rescued by the wildlife team and moved to the Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park for safety and care.

According to officials, the Eurasian griffon is among several eagle species facing critical danger in Punjab.

Efforts to restore the eagle population have been underway at the Changa Manga Eagle Restoration Center, where breeding and conservation initiatives have shown promise over the past few years.

The discovery and rescue of the eagle highlights the urgent need for wildlife conservation as these species continue to battle habitat loss and declining numbers.

The Punjab Wildlife Team is recovering about 1,000 poached lizards in Punjab

Earlier this month, a special team from the Punjab wildlife department recovered nearly 1,000 illegally captured lizards and arrested several suspected poachers during a raid in the Raiwind area.

The suspects allegedly tried to sell the lizards, which are used to produce an expensive oil extracted from their fat.

Acting on tips about the trafficking operation, wildlife officials intercepted the suspects who allegedly brought the lizards to a gathering near Raiwind.

The lizards, commonly known as ‘Sanda’ lizards, had been captured in the nearby Changa Manga area where traps were set to immobilize them for easier handling.

Authorities revealed that the traffickers deliberately broke the spines of the lizards, rendering them unable to move. This creepy tactic is used to prevent the lizards from escaping and to facilitate their transport.

A senior wildlife official has indicated that some local employees may be involved in this illicit trade, raising concerns about corruption within the department.

Fat from these lizards is often marketed as a cure for various ailments, including sexual dysfunction and muscle weakness, fetching high prices in local and foreign markets.

According to the Punjab Wildlife Act, hunting and trafficking of these lizards is illegal. Following the raid, the authorities registered a case against the suspects, who are now being prosecuted. Officials confirmed that all captured lizards suffered significant injuries, preventing them from moving freely.