25 July 2005
Moving towards solutions
With reference to the recent leopard-man conflict in Galliat and Thandiani surrounding areas, where such incidents happened, WWF - Pakistan visited the affected areas and held consultations with local influential and officials of the NWFP Wildlife Department. Based on these meetings, certain conclusions and a line of action were drawn. In the aftermath of these incidents, WWF – Pakistan is following the developments in these areas and is constantly in touch with the concerned departments to ascertain a more viable solution for handling this situation.
Mr. Ashiq Ahmad Khan, WWF – Pakistan's Chief Technical Advisor, along with his team is still present on the site of worst hit area and below is his findings:
- The available evidences suggest that the leopard was responsible for killing of 6 women in Galliat and Thandiani.
- It was found out that the shooting down of the leopard by the NWFP Wildlife Department was in line with the law, hence was a legal action. Although the Act does not mention leopard specifically but gives freedom to individuals of killing a wild animal if it is a threat to people's life or property.
- WWF – Pakistan has intervened in this matter as it wants to develop a rationale between the rights of people to live safely and necessary survival of leopard in the surroundings.
- WWF – Pakistan is finding a viable solution to secure leopards in the Protected Areas and also increase the area of the Protected Areas.
- WWF – Pakistan has offered to organise an assembly for the affected community and relevant stakeholders for reaching a formula that will respect the right of people to survive and also respect the right of species to exist in viable numbers. The community of Kalapani and the Wildlife Department has agreed to the suggestion while the participation of relevant Ministers, MPA's, local leadership, District Administration and representatives of other affected families/villages has yet to be ascertained. The tentative date for holding the assembly is August 11, 2005 .
- WWF - Pakistan will still want to undertake following activities in case the plan for holding an assembly does not materialise:
- Awareness Raising Campaign : It will be focused on reducing the fear and restoring sympathies of people for leopards, which has been almost lost after the killing incidents.
- Field Studies: It will record sighting, habitat and food assessment, depredation data and other information that may contribute to formulating a carnivore policy by the Government and are used in awareness campaigns.
- Advocacy/lobbying: It will be done to secure the rights of the people to live in safety and peace from leopards yet protect wildlife, especially leopards against unjustified killings.
- Trainings for women: They will be carried out to train women in avoiding attacks when out in the forests.
WWF – Pakistan will issue a press release soon after the assembly is held or its date changed or cancelled.
For
further information:
Amjad Aslam, WWF – Pakistan,
Ferozepur Road, Lahore.
UAN:
111-WWF-PAK(993-725)
Tel: +92 42 5862360, 5869429,
Fax: 042 5862358,
e-mail: aaslam@wwf.org.pk
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