Two suspects were arrested by the Wildlife Special Squad, for poaching endangered turtles from the Ravi River.
The suspects were apprehended on the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway by a team led by Asim Kamran, head of the Wildlife Special Squad.
During the operation, the suspects opened fire on the wildlife team, but fortunately, no one was injured.
According to Punjab’s Director General of Wildlife, Mudassir Riaz, ten turtles were recovered from the suspects, of which seven were found alive while three had died.
The suspects were using nets to capture the turtles.
DG Wildlife emphasised that actions against illegal hunting and trading of protected wildlife and aquatic species are ongoing across Punjab.
He commended the Special Squad for their efforts in recovering the endangered turtles.
He further stated that once legal procedures are completed, the surviving turtles will be released back into the river.